Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2007 / St. Dunstan pastor resigns
St. Dunstan pastor resigns; parishioners informed on debt
Joe Kohn of The Michigan Catholic
Published September 28, 2007
Detroit — Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss informed parishioners of St. Dunstan Parish in Garden City that pastor Fr. Donald Demmer — who'd been on medical leave for several weeks — would not return to the parish. The news came amid other revelations that the parish apparently had been embezzled from by an office worker, and had amassed massive tax debt.
"This decision comes after extensive consultations with Cardinal (Adam) Maida and others, and is being made for the good and well-being of Fr. Demmer himself and the parish," said Bishop Reiss in a letter, which he read at the end of last weekend's four liturgies. "After serving here for two decades, Fr. Demmer has submitted his resignation as pastor of St. Dunstan. This was a very difficult decision." The bishop urged parishioners to respect Fr. Demmer's decision.
The bishop said the audit revealed "what appears to be a prolonged pattern of embezzlement from parish funds" by the office worker. Though the Garden City Police Department — which was handed the case Sept. 21 — asked the amount of the embezzlement not to be revealed, it appears to be tens of thousands of dollars, the bishop said.
While some past transactions continue to be reviewed, Bishop Reiss said the audit also discovered unpaid federal payroll taxes for parish employees going back five years. According to the bishop, "the amount owed, which includes projected interest and penalties, is approximately $1.4 million dollars." This debt, he said, was and will be a parish responsibility.
"Because of his unique role in the administration and access to parish funds, the pastor also shares some responsibility and accountability in such situations," Bishop Reiss said. "In the case of St. Dunstan, the audit has shown Fr. Demmer did not follow archdiocesan policy."
The bishop said the archdiocese will hold a town hall-style meeting with parish members to decide how to move forward. He also assured parishioners that the developments didn't necessarily mean the parish would close.
"While this may seem to be an overwhelming development, Cardinal Maida and I have great confidence in the strength of the St. Dunstan community," Bishop Reiss said. "And, it's important to share with you there are no plans or suggestions to close the parish. No doubt there are great challenges ahead, but with prayer, patience, goodwill, and, of course, a realistic plan, these matters can and will be addressed and overcome."
The bishop closed by thanking Fr. Manny Chircop, CSB, who has been helping as a weekend associate, and Fr. Scott Thibodeau, pastor of nearby St. Raphel, who continues to serve as temporary administrator for the parish. Bishop Reiss also urged Mass-goers to pray for the parish and for everyone involved in this difficult situation.
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