On July 10, Pope Leo XIV appointed St. Ambrose University graduate Rev. Thom Hennen ’00 bishop-elect of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon. The announcement comes exactly 21 years after his ordination to the priesthood.
Bishop-elect Hennen served as chaplain and director of Campus Ministry at St. Ambrose University from 2017 to 2021. He is a member of the St. Ambrose Board of Trustees and has left an indelible mark on both the St. Ambrose campus and the Diocese of Davenport.
"Bishop-elect Hennen is a joy-filled and humble servant whose thoughtful leadership and pastoral wisdom have been a gift to the church, our Board of Trustees and our students, through his previous work as director of Campus Ministry,” reflected Amy Novak, EdD, president of St. Ambrose University. “His ability to navigate complexity with grace and respond to polarization with compassion speaks to the depth of his formation and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel. We are deeply proud to call him an Ambrosian."
“While we rejoice for the people of the Diocese of Baker, who will undoubtedly benefit from Bishop-elect Thomas Hennen’s pastoral care and leadership, this news also comes with a touch of sadness for our own Diocese of Davenport,” shared The Most Rev. Dennis Walsh, bishop of the Diocese of Davenport in a press release. “He has been a most generous and dedicated shepherd in his pastoral ministry with the faithful at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and his invaluable service as Vicar General of our diocese has been a true blessing.”
The St. Ambrose community joins the global church in celebrating Bishop-elect Hennen’s new appointment.
