ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
Due to Father Paul Cao’s decision to seek another assignment in the Archdiocese of Chicago on July 1, 2026, Cardinal Cupich will be appointing a new pastor to St. Mother Theodore Guerin.
The process of selecting that priest involves a great deal of prayer, research, discernment and discussion. One of the important groups in this process is the Priest Placement Board (PPB). This group advises Cardinal Cupich on candidates for pastor based on the talents and skills of the priest–candidates in light of the strengths and challenges of the parishes in the pastor pool. The PPB is composed of nine priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago who serve full–time as pastors or associate pastors, one of the members is retired. The work of the PPB is directed by Fr. Michael Knotek, the Vicar for the Professional and Pastoral Development of Priests who does this work full–time along with the ongoing formation for priests.
Members of the PPB will meet with staff and Finance and Parish Councils at the end of January.
The wisdom from the parishioners is also extremely important in the pastor selection process. To gather that wisdom, a form is available to parishioners to answer the following questions which the staff and lay leadership will also address in their discussions:
- A. What are the strengths of your parish? What is working very well presently?
- B. What are the specific challenges your parish is currently facing?
- C. What current ministries and programs in your parish are vitally important and must continue in order for the parish to remain vibrant and grow?
- D. What programs for parish renewal and evangelization are currently in place at your parish?
- E. What are the specific and unique skills, talents and capabilities needed in your next pastor?
You can fill out the form online available below. You can also get a mail–in form from the office if you do not want to fill out a form online. All responses are confidential.
The discernment process leads up to a two day meeting in early March of 2026 whereby Cardinal Cupich gathers all of the input from the Parish Consultations and meets with the Vicar General, all the Auxiliary Bishops, the Priests Placement Board members, and other key personnel at the Archdiocese to make his decision about who he will appoint to be the next pastor of St. Mother Theodore Guerin as well as pastors for the other parishes in the pastor pool this year.
Please pray for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to help identify the next pastoral leader of St. Mother Theodore Guerin.