Archbishop Cupich announced Nov. 21 that Auxiliary Bishop Francis Kane, who has been serving as vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, has requested to return to his role as episcopal vicar of Vicariate II. As a result, Archbishop Cupich is appointing Father Ronald Hicks to serve as the new vicar general. Hicks has served on the faculty of St. Joseph College Seminary and currently serves as formation director for the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. His appointment will take effect Jan. 1. In addition, Archbishop Cupich announced that effective immediately, Father Kevin Birmingham, pastor of Maternity BVM Parish, 3647 W. North Ave., will become administrative secretary for the archbishop, while Father George Schopp, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, 2455 N. Hamlin Ave., will serve as administrator of Maternity BVM until a new pastor is named. Father Daniel Flens will continue to assist Cardinal George, archbishop emeritus of Chicago.