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Regarding St. Dunstan Parish...
For Release September 22-23, 2007
Posted Online September 23, 2007
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Contact:
Archdiocese of Detroit Communications (313) 237-5943
On September 22nd and 23rd, 2007, this letter was read at the four weekend Masses at St. Dunstan Parish, Garden City, by Bp. Francis Reiss, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit and "Regional Bishop" for what is called the South Region. It has also been mailed to all registered parishioners at St. Dunstan.
Dear Parishioners of St. Dunstan Parish:
As your regional bishop, I've had the privilege of celebrating liturgy with you and with the children of your school many times. In doing so, I've always had profound admiration of the faith and strength demonstrated by the St. Dunstan Parish Community, especially these past few months considering the difficulties and uncertainties you have endured. As you know, during this time, the archdiocese embarked on a thorough review and assessment of the situation here. Now, some important decisions and discoveries have been made, and they must be shared with you.
First, Fr. Demmer, who is still on medical leave, will not be returning as the pastor of St. Dunstan Parish. This decision comes after extensive consultations with Cardinal Maida and others, and is being made for the good and well-being of Fr. Demmer himself and the parish. After serving here for two decades, Fr. Demmer has submitted his resignation as pastor of St. Dunstan. This was a very difficult decision. The best way to show your love, care and concern for him is to respect the decision he has made.
Next, while some past transactions continue to be reviewed, the primary results of this summer's financial audit present some distressing news for the parish and have prompted legal action against a former office employee. On Friday, September 21st, information was turned over to the Garden City Police Department regarding what appears to be a prolonged pattern of embezzlement from parish funds. The amount is substantial— in the tens of thousands— but investigators have asked us to not publicize the precise figure at this time.
Also discovered during the archdiocesan audit were a series of unpaid federal tax bills going back some five-years. These were payroll taxes for parish employees and the amount owed, which includes projected interest and penalties, is approximately $1.4 million dollars. These back taxes were a parish responsibility, and, regrettably, will be going forward.
Because of his unique role in the administration and access to parish funds, the pastor also shares some responsibility and accountability in such situations. In the case of St. Dunstan, the audit has shown Fr. Demmer did not follow archdiocesan policy.
To further discuss these findings and to help plan for the future, the archdiocese intends to host a town hall-like meeting for the parish in the very near future. While this may seem to be an overwhelming development, Cardinal Maida and I have great confidence in the strength of the St. Dunstan community. 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.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop Francis R. Reiss, D.D.
Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
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