Father Thomas Hennen, a longtime Iowa priest known for his work in vocations and campus ministry, has been appointed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon.

On July 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam S. Cary and named Hennen, vicar general of the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, as his successor, Angelus reported.

Bishop Cary had led the Diocese of Baker since 2012 and submitted his resignation in August 2022 as required by canon law upon reaching age 75. The Vatican’s announcement of his retirement and Hennen's appointment was made public on the same day by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The Diocese of Baker covers over 66,000 square miles in eastern Oregon and serves a Catholic population of more than 33,000 across 36 parishes and 23 missions. Bishop-designate Hennen will lead a community that represents about 6% of the total population in the region.

Davenport Bishop Dennis G. Walsh congratulated Hennen on the appointment, calling it “well-deserved” and praising his “pastoral care and leadership.” He also expressed sadness at the departure, noting Hennen’s faithful service to the local church in Iowa and his impact as vicar general and pastor.

Extensive Experience in Iowa Ministry

Hennen, 47, was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, and is the youngest of eleven children. He earned degrees in history and philosophy from St. Ambrose University and later studied in Rome, where he received a sacred theology degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University while residing at the Pontifical North American College.

While studying in Rome, he attended the funeral Mass of St. John Paul II, an event that had a deep influence on his priestly discernment. He was ordained on July 10, 2004, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport by Bishop William Franklin.

In his 21 years of priesthood, Hennen has served in various ministries that emphasized youth outreach, education, and spiritual formation. His previous roles include part-time campus minister, teacher at a Catholic high school, chaplain at St. Ambrose University, and both director and associate director of vocations for the diocese.

Focus on Pastoral Care and Teaching

In 2020, he was appointed vicar general and took on the role of pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral a year later. Despite his administrative responsibilities, Hennen has said that parish ministry remains his greatest passion and referred to it as his "bread and butter."

Hennen also became a contributor to The Catholic Messenger in 2023, writing the column “Question Box,” where he responds to inquiries about the Catholic faith. In his first column, he expressed a desire to share the results of his research and represent the Church faithfully.

In 2021, he joined a diocesan committee formed by Bishop Thomas Zinkula to address gender and sexual identity issues. The group released pastoral guidance in 2023, and Hennen has since been a vocal advocate for careful pastoral engagement on these complex matters.

Support for the Church’s Mission and Inclusion

He spoke in 2023 on a panel about ministry to people experiencing same-sex attraction, emphasizing the importance of aligning truth with compassion. “The truth is ultimately loving,” he said, “but the way we express that truth matters just as much.”

His involvement with Courage International, a Catholic apostolate ministering to those with same-sex attraction, further highlights his ongoing commitment to serving marginalized groups within the Church. He often underscores that pastoral care should not force people to choose between orthodoxy and inclusion.

Hennen has also cautioned against simplistic assumptions about transgender individuals and stressed the Church’s responsibility to reconcile its theological teachings with empathetic, pastoral approaches. In 2021, he noted that beginning the conversation was an important first step for diocesan communities.

Looking Ahead to the Diocese of Baker

With a pastoral career rooted in education, campus ministry, and diocesan vocations, Hennen brings wide-ranging experience to his new role in Oregon. He expressed gratitude for his calling early in his ministry, stating, “I thank God for the gift of ministry he’s given me.”

Bishop-designate Hennen now prepares to shepherd a Catholic community across a vast and rural part of Oregon, where the Church plays a vital role in serving dispersed and diverse faithful. His background indicates a leader who values both doctrinal integrity and compassionate outreach.

His installation date has not yet been announced, but preparations are expected to begin soon. As he departs the Diocese of Davenport, many there expect his impact in Oregon to reflect the energy, insight, and compassion that have characterized his ministry so far.