by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
When I first started writing in The Leaven in January 2005, I thought: “How will I ever be able to write a column every week for the next 20 years?” Actually, writing these weekly columns has been a blessing. It has forced me to attempt to crystalize my insights and address, hopefully coherently, some of the important issues within the church and society.
I am very grateful to Father Mark Goldasich, Anita McSorley, Todd Habiger and past and present Leaven staff for making The Leaven engaging and attractive for readers. They have provided me with a very effective forum to assist me in my responsibility as a teacher of the faith.
I feel extremely blessed as I conclude my tenure as your archbishop. I am grateful to all of you for praying for me at the Eucharist and for many of you remembering me in your personal prayers. I have felt very supported in my ministry.
This edition of The Leaven is properly devoted to introducing you to Archbishop Shawn McKnight, who by the publication date has begun his ministry as the chief shepherd for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Archbishop McKnight brings many personal gifts and talents to the archdiocese. Your new archbishop brings a wealth of pastoral experience from his priestly ministry in Wichita, his time devoted to formation of future priests as a member of a seminary faculty, his service on the support staff for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and, most recently, serving as the bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City in Missouri.
I am grateful to God for his many blessings, among which has been good health — despite my poor dietary choices. I am thankful that I have had the energy to keep a full schedule. At the same time, the archdiocese will benefit from the energy and vigor of Archbishop McKnight. A new leader looks at the status quo with fresh eyes and will recognize opportunities for renewal and growth.
Please pray for Archbishop McKnight as you have prayed for me these past 20 years. Welcome Archbishop McKnight with the same kindness and warmth you welcomed me. Give him your support as he shoulders the responsibility of being a good shepherd for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
I will remain in the archdiocese and eventually live in a house on the grounds of the Little Brothers of the Lamb. Being able to pray regularly with the Little Sisters and Little Brothers and participate in the vitality of the Village of the Lamb will be a blessing. I look forward to traveling a bit, mainly to visit family and friends.
I want to assist Archbishop McKnight in ways that will be helpful to him. When I succeeded Archbishop James Patrick Keleher, he offered to assist me in any way that I desired, as long as it did not involve attending meetings. I think this is a good principle! I also hope, as my reduced schedule permits, to be able to assist priests as needed in parishes.
The church belongs to Jesus Christ. I am grateful to have been privileged to serve as your archbishop for a season. I look forward to witnessing the Holy Spirit’s activities as a new season begins for the church in northeast Kansas.
I was blessed with an incredible mother, a great example of faith and virtue. She was always very supportive of me in all my endeavors. She used to counsel me to shorten my columns. Thank you for reading my columns and, through The Leaven, allowing me weekly to come into your homes.
In a final tribute to my mother, I sign off with fewer words than usual.
Thank you and God bless!
