Knaus will succeed Deacon Sean Costello, who will become superintendent for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota
DETROIT — Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron has named Laura Knaus as the new superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit, effective this summer, the archdiocese announced April 11.
Knaus will succeed outgoing superintendent Deacon Sean Costello, who will take up a new role as superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota.
Knaus currently serves as associate superintendent for schools in the archdiocese’s Northwest Region, having served in that capacity since 2019. Knaus also served as interim superintendent from October 2021 until June 2022.
“It is with joy that we welcome Laura Knaus to serve as our new superintendent for Catholic schools. She has been a faithful and joyful coworker in our Department of Catholic Schools for the past four years,” Archbishop Vigneron said in a statement. “I look forward to this next phase of her ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit and ask that God grant her the grace and wisdom to lead our Catholic schools as they continue to grow as faith-filled communities bringing students, staff, and supporters ever-closer to Christ.”
The archbishop also offered his gratitude for Deacon Costello’s service to the archdiocese over the past academic year.
“While we are sad to see him go, we know he will be a great blessing to the people in Winona-Rochester. Please join me in extending our gratitude and praying for him as he prepares for this new chapter,” the archbishop said. “May God bless him as he embarks upon this next step in his service to the Church.”
Before serving in the Archdiocese of Detroit, Knaus was principal of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Lincoln, Neb., and taught in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln and the Archdiocese of Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska, a master’s in elementary education from Loyola University of Chicago, and a master’s in educational administration from the University of Notre Dame’s Remick Leadership Program.
“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead the work of the Department of Catholic Schools in supporting the ministry of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Detroit,” Knaus said. “Our schools are critical to our mission to share the love, mercy, and healing of Jesus Christ and to witness to the hope He brings to our lives and communities.”
Deacon Costello will remain in his role as superintendent until the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year.
Copy Permalink
