Archbishop Shawn McKnight announces the following clergy appointments and changes in assignments within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas:
Rev. Nicholas Ashmore has been appointed Dean of the Wyandotte County Deanery, effective Nov 1. Father Ashmore will continue serving as pastor of Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, while pursuing his studies in canon law at The Catholic University of America.
Rev. Joseph Arsenault will conclude his service as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish and Holy Family Parish, both in Kansas City, Kansas, effective Nov. 30. Archbishop McKnight has accepted his resignation following his acceptance of a position outside the Archdiocese.
Very Rev. Michael Hawken,Vicar General, has been appointed parochial administrator of St. John the Baptist Parish and Holy Family Catholic, both in Kansas City, Kansas, effective Nov. 16. Father Hawken will continue serving as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.
Rev. Michael Hermes, formerly pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, has been granted a six-month sabbatical, beginning Nov. 30, and concluding May 30, 2027.
Very Rev. Oswaldo Sandoval has been appointed pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, effective Dec. 1. Father Sandoval will continue serving as Episcopal Vicar for Hispanic Ministry.
Very Rev. Anthony Saiki, J.C.L., will conclude his service as rector of the Cathedral and pastor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Parish, in Kansas City, Kansas, and as Adjutant Judicial Vicar and Director for Canonical Services, effective Dec. 26, 2026. At the request of the Holy See, Father Saiki has been released for five years of service at the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome. During this time, he will also pursue doctoral studies in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Rev. Keith Chadwick has been appointed rector of the Cathedral and parochial administrator of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, effective Dec. 27, 2026, and continuing as archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies.
Archbishop McKnight expresses his gratitude to these priests for their generous service to the church and their willingness to accept new responsibilities. He asks everyone to keep them in their prayers as they begin these new chapters of priestly ministry.
