Catholics For Justice

It has been said that grace has the power to change, to bring good from bad, anticipation from desolation.  At Saint Dunstan we pray for the healing grace of God.

Our Church is one part Divine, one part human.  The human component is comprised of the religious and the faithful.  As humans, we are all weak and sinful, struggling to turn from evil towards good.

Our Church history has taught us to forgive and invite those who stray the chance to return to the fold.  Only God is to be our ultimate judge.  We must find our footing when we stumble and be confident in the knowledge that our Church is guided by compassion and mercy.

Jesus taught forgiveness.  Pope John Paul II forgave his would be assassin.  During the abuse scandal, the Church asked forgiveness for their lack of oversight of certain clergy.  Daily we pray, “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Forgiveness is the fabric of our faith.

Father Demmer should be returned to his parishioners at Saint Dunstan.  He has shown contrition and asked to return so as to help fix what was broken during his parish administration.  His priestly conduct is widely praised and recognized.  He has brought many people back to the Church and has been there during our times of need.  He is a great shepherd of God’s people.

I imagine most C4J readers have familiarized themselves with the Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD) “Documents Regarding St. Dunstan Parish.”

Here are a few thoughts on the Wayne County Prosecutor’s (WCP) statement of December 18, 2007:

• Of the 661 words in the press release, only 206 words actually discuss the embezzlement charges.  The majority of ink was used for misleading and inflammatory comments about Father Don.  Disappointingly, AOD Department of Communications helped with the drafting of the press release.
• The Archdiocese has urged us to be candid with the details of the investigation.  The March/April 2007 AOD Clergy News refers to “the need for the clergy of this diocese to improve the way we treat one another.  There are too few of us these days to spend our time at odds with one another.”  I am sure the AOD could have chosen a more helpful way to discuss the details of the investigation.
• Father Demmer was responsible for overseeing the budget of the church and failed to fulfill that trust.  As a result, former administrative assistant stole over $100,000 dollars.  It is inappropriate for the WCP to use Father’s lack of oversight of electronic funds transfer as justification for the criminal actions of the embezzler. Furthermore there were many, many things done very well at our parish under the leadership of Father Don.  We had an extremely successful parish with one of the largest religious education programs in the Archdiocese, a dynamic sacramental program, the first CCD for Special Needs children in the Archdiocese, a successful youth ministry program, a dynamic Christian Service Ministry with one of the largest food pantries in the area, an active adult formation program, first rate maintenance of facilities, beautiful parish grounds, parishioners who were generous with their time and treasure, regular and detailed communications, active fundraising and community service, an energetic senior program, Altar Sodality, Ushers Club, a beautiful music program and very well attended masses.
• In speaking with the police he revealed that he has a large amount of personal debt that he contributes to his gambling problem.  How many people would be comfortable to have their personal financial information spread out for the public to review?  Personal debt is common in our society.  Some buy houses out of their price range or expensive cars, some eat out too often or shop till they drop.  Personal debt though is personal information.  If someone had a problem related to gambling, it is an opportunity to help that person, not publicly shame them.
• Records show that he made as many as 200 trips to casinos in Michigan, Nevada and Florida since 2000.  Furthermore, he has been gambling since he was relieved of his pastoral duties on June 12, 2007. Another way to say this is that Father went to a casino about 2 times a month.  Going to a casino is legal and an accepted form of entertainment.  In fact gaming is not frowned upon in the Catholic Church.  Many parishes use games of chance as a regular part of their fundraising program - such as bingos, raffles and Vegas Nights.  Some churches organize trips to casinos for their seniors.  Priests have even been known to openly play cards in their free time, another game of chance.  Some religious choose to spend their money and free time playing golf, collecting art, attending plays/music concerts, smoking or drinking fine wines.  Will the WCP and AOD now begin reviewing the bank and credit card statement of every priest, Bishop and the Cardinal for the past seven years and publish how they spend their free time and money?
• He has made numerous trips out of the state and the country to casinos and Caribbean resorts including Club Orient.  The WCP is now acting like some self-satisfied Orwellian Big Brother that monitors how private citizens use their personal vacation time.  Father is an adult - this is not the business of the WCP.
• Although not illegal, numerous subscription charges were made to companies providing pornographic internet services that appear on Father Demmer’s bank records.  If it is not illegal, why is the WCP talking about it?  This allegation does not say whether it was Father Don who personally subscribed to these services or was even present while they were viewed.  Much of what was charged at the church was put on a credit card that was in Father’s name so he could collect airline miles.  This credit card was used by a number of employees, including the alleged embezzler.  Many people have access to the Rectory and people other than Father have lived there over the years with access to both cable and Internet.  Father’s possessions have remained in the Rectory for the last six months during his absence; people have been able to rummage through his personal effects at will.
• He funded his lifestyle in large part by multiple donations from parishioners made to him personally.  It is unlikely that the parishioners were aware of how their gifts were used.  According to the Archdiocese of Detroit, donations made out personally to any church official are not considered donations to the church, but rather are considered personal gifts and may be used for any purpose.  People who give to Father do so on their own free will.  In most situations people give personal donations as a gift, without strings attached as to how the money will be used.  Instead of puffing herself up as a moral judge, the WCP should consider focusing her public service efforts on pursuing criminal activities.

There is no doubt that Father Don is but one more example of the frailty of the human condition.  Even with his personal challenges, whatever they actually may be, he is still a man passionately dedicated to God.  His gentle and compassionate presence leads people into our church.  His Homilies touch the heart and soul of the young, aged, weak and the strong.  And maybe, just maybe it is his humanness that allows him to connect so well with people and makes him such a good and humble shepherd for Christ.

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

The Archdiocese of Detroit has an opportunity to model the Catholic Church teachings on forgiveness. They should retain their authority of the church for purposes of service, not superiority.  As with the Prodigal Son, Father Don should be welcomed back home to Saint Dunstan with arms outstretched.  Christmas would be a good time for such a gift to the Church, Father and the parishioners of Saint Dunstan.

Gregg M. Ward