Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved Rev. Patrick Conroy as their next chaplain, Thursday.

The Catholic priest is the 60th chaplain to serve the U.S. House.

Conroy taught theology at Jesuit High School in Portland, Ore., and has served as a chaplain at Georgetown University and Seattle University

The House chaplain opens each congressional session with prayer, presides over memorials and provides pastoral counseling.