Father Ronald Kunkel teaches a class at Mundelein Seminary in this file photo. He has been named executive director of the Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Photo Courtesy of Mundelein Seminary)
WASHINGTON — Father Ronald Kunkel, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, has been named executive director of the Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, effective Aug. 9. Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, USCCB general secretary, announced the appointment June 15. “Father Kunkel brings an extensive background of theological instruction to the conference,” Burrill said in a statement. “I am confident that his expertise will fruitfully serve both the bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, as well as the secretariat with the theological and pastoral consultation that is necessary in carrying out the work of the conference.” “We are proud Father Kunkel has been invited to serve our episcopal conference in this important role,” said Cardinal Cupich. “We have every confidence he will distinguish himself as he collaborates with bishops in the United States.” Since 2005, Father Kunkel has been at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, where he has been an instructor of systematic theology, an assistant professor of dogmatic theology, the director of sacred liturgy and an associate professor of dogmatic theology. “Throughout his time at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Father Kunkel has been a highly respected teacher and mentor, preparing both seminarians and laypersons for successful ministry,” said Father John Kartje, rector/president of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. “His exceptional gifts in teaching theology and liturgy will serve the bishops well and be a blessing for the Catholic Church in America.” Ordained to the priesthood in 2000, he served as associate pastor of St. Peter Parish in Skokie and as associate pastor and director of liturgy at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Kunkel has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s of sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He earned his licentiate of sacred theology at the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm in Rome, and his doctorate of sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. He is a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America, the American Academy of Religion, the Society for Catholic Liturgy and the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars. He also is a contributor to the theological journal Chicago Studies.
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