April 11, 2023

Dear Priests in Solidum, Pastors, Principals and Curia Coworkers,  

I am pleased to share with you that Laura Knaus has been named Superintendent of Catholic Schools, effective this summer. Ms. Knaus will replace Deacon Sean Costello, who has been named Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota.

Archbishop Vigneron shares the following:

“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. 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.

“At the same time, I would like to extend my deep gratitude for Deacon Costello, who has served with great dedication and care in this role. 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. May God bless him as he embarks upon this next step in his service to the Church.” 

Ms. Knaus currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Northwest Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit. From October 2021 through June 2022, she served as Interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Previously, she served as principal of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Lincoln, Nebraska and has taught at 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.

Ms. Knaus shares the following:

“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. 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 has graciously agreed to remain with us through the end of the academic year, working alongside Ms. Knaus to facilitate a smooth transition for our school communities. Please join me in praying for Deacon Costello, Ms. Knaus, our Curia staff, and all involved as we work together in continued support of our mission.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Very Reverend Jeffrey Day
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia