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SOLD OUT

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON

COME ENJOY CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH FATHER DON

Friday, December 19th 2008 6:00pm - Midnight

Dinner to start promptly @ 7PM

Tickets $25/person

Includes Dinner Buffet, open bar, and Vegas Style Entertainment

Wayne AmVets Post 171

1217 Merriman Rd

Westland, MI

Contact:

Matt and Julie Hahn (734)427-8324

creativemod1@yahoo.com

or

Donna Becker (734)545-7777

madonhb@aol.com

 Entertainment info:

Steve London was born in Detroit, Michigan and has over thirty years experience in the live entertainment industry.  His Las Vegas-style variety show can be seen in local casinos, fine restaurants and nightclubs.  Steve does an incredible portrayal of Dean with his mannerisms, especially when he belts out a favorite such as “That’s Amore”.

Appearing with Steve are Gary Sacco as Frank Sinatra, and Frank Sternett, portraying Barry Manilow.  http://www.garysacco.com

Father Don will celebrate the 10:00 and 12:00 Mass at Saint Dunstan on Sunday, July 27, 2008.  Sally Fisher will be returning to play, the choir will sing and Beth Klocek will cantor. 

Following each Mass there will be a reception in the Community Room.  Father Don will also stay into the afternoon to talk with anyone who is unable to attend either Mass.

PICTURES THAT TELL A STORY:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatherdon/sets

HOME LESS

Father Don does not get home much, in fact he does not get home at all.  For the past year he has been living in a spare bedroom at the parish of a former Seminary classmate.  The reason he and his pets impose on a friend for a place to stay is because the Archdiocese of Detroit, in these times of a severe priest shortage, has been unable to find a parish in need of a pastor.  With no restrictions on his priestly duties, is there any plausible reason for Father Don to still be without a parish assignment? 

FOR THE RECORD

A published author has expressed interest in chronicling the story of what has happened to Father Don and Saint Dunstan.  In an effort to gather source information, please consider answering the following questions.

Year I came to St. Dunstan:

Favorite Fr. Demmer Masses/Homilies:

Fr. Demmer offered nuptial Mass, funeral Mass, baptism, etc:

Family/life problems he counseled on:

Things he did as pastor for the parish:

How/when I first heard about his departure:

My reaction:

Events since:

How I feel about the situation:

Other comments:

This is a very good opportunity to document for history your emotions, thoughts and perspective.  Please include your name and phone number if you would like to be available for follow up questions by the author.

Please forward your response to:

AboutFatherDon

c/o Matthew Hahn

29075 John Hauk

Garden City, MI 48135.

Or by email to aboutfatherdon@gmail.com. 

If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be punishment-as well as the prison.”   - Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment,

On Tuesday June 3, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. Judge Braxton of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan, will preside over the sentencing of Debra Ann Kilyanek for the embezzlement of over $111,000 in parishioner donations. The money she stole was given to the Saint Dunstan parish by families struggling to make ends meet, by seniors citizens on fixed incomes and from those who gave money to have a Mass said for a loved one.

This fraud was committed so she could enhance her lifestyle, upgrade her family automobiles, pay cell phone bills, children’s college tuition and burgeoning credit card bills from the endless shopping sprees. As a result of her actions, the parish today is struggling to remain solvent.

Under a cozy plea agreement deal with the Wayne County Prosecutor, the Archdiocese of Detroit helped Kilyanek secure a “punishment” of a mere 120 days in Wayne County Jail during which time she is still allowed to maintain her current full time employment outside the jail. She only needs to spend the night and weekend in confinement.  The plea agreement also requires a “good faith effort” to make restitution based on her ability to pay – that will only be a few hundred dollars a month while she is employed.

The Saint Dunstan parishioners have been asked to dig a little deeper into their pockets to make up for the financial short fall resulting from the actions and inactions of the parish secretary - but she has not been made to return any of her ill gotten gains. The Archdiocese of Detroit has told us to show her forgiveness – for it is the Catholic thing to do.  But has she apologized to parishioners or asked for their forgiveness?  No.  Does the AOD have any credibility to speak on the subject of forgiveness when they have not exercised any in regards to Father Don?  No.

Bishop Francis Reiss was smiling when he removed Father Don from his family at Saint Dunstan.  The Bishop has since become infamous for his repeated fabrication of the “facts.”  He recklessly used the AOD Communication Department to slander a fellow priest and cause scandal in the Catholic Church.  He has been deaf to the words of the people in the pews and harshly punished them for supporting Father Don. The Bishop has received no reprimand and made no apology - to the contrary he received a promotion.

Father Don was duped by the parish secretary and has publicly asked forgiveness for his mistakes. Even while presenting himself with such humility, it is he who has been chosen by the AOD to receive the harshest of punishments. His home was taken from him. He has been isolated from family and friends. He was separated from his pets and possessions. His name was dragged through the mud based on scurrilous and unfounded accusations. He has lost his job at Saint Dunstan. He has been beaten, persecuted and left to rot on the side of the road by his religious leadership.

It is no surprise to those who know Father Don that through all this pain and heartbreak, he has never said an angry or foul word against any of those responsible for the parishioners and his own suffering. He has proven himself to be a man of character and class. On judgment day, at least we know Father Don will be able to say he lived his life with love, forgiveness and the grace of the Lord.

(The following remarks are taken directly from a study called Internal Financial Controls in the U.S. Catholic Church by Robert West, PhD. of the Accountancy Department of Villanova University, and Charles Zech of The Center for the Study Management at Villanova.) 

Canon Law 1284

The primary document governing the Catholic Church is the revised Code of Canon Law, which became effective in 1981. Canon Law contains a number of provisions directed at good management and financial affairs. Canon 1284, for example, while it requires that church administrators (Pastors) carry out their responsibilities with the prudence of a “good householder,” it also clearly states, “As a hierarchical church the buck stops with the bishop who can delegate authority but not responsibility. Hence it is imperative that the bishop take responsibility for ensuring that an effective system of internal controls is in place.”

Canon Law 537

“In each parish there is to be a finance committee to help the parish priest in the administration of the goods of the parish. It is ruled or governed by the universal law and the norms formulated by the diocesan bishop.” The Financial Council generally has a two-fold responsibility:

1. To assist the Pastor, Parish Council and parish as primary consultants in financial matters.
2. To assist the pastor and parish council in making decisions and policies for the parish, including parish budgets, annual reports, financial planning, fund raising and development.

The authors conclude that Church law grants the diocesan bishop ultimate responsibility for managing his diocese.

In addition to Canon Law, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has recommended guidelines for diocesan financial management. Unlike canon law the bishops may abide by them or reject them entirely.

In 2002 the USCCB issued a 213 page handbook that covered a variety of materials, including those of both civil and canon law, and specifies the role of the Diocesan Finance Commission and the effective use of internal controls. Implementation of these controls again is the sole responsibility of the local bishop.

The authors of this report point out the fact that if the church had been more open in its finance, the expenses associated with sexual clergy abuse, and hence the nature and magnitude of the problem, would have been uncovered sooner than it was. This might have caused church leaders to take action sooner and prevent some of this abusive behavior, especially that by repeat offenders. I feel that is equally true in the embezzlement case at Saint Dunstan.

If Father Demmer, who was Pastor for two decades and regularly sent financial reports, didn’t follow all the rules and regulations provided by the Archdiocese, the bishop certainly should have been aware. That is the bishop’s responsibility. If he had taken action earlier perhaps the extent of the embezzlement would have been limited.

If Father Demmer violated church procedure in this matter, this is not a criminal matter. It is the responsibility of the regional bishop.

If the archdiocese wants to place blame on the pastor (rather than the real embezzler) then I think they also need to point a finger of blame at the local bishop for his lack of oversight. Ultimately the regional bishop is responsible for financial matters of parishes under his jurisdiction.

Edmund V. Starrett  Ed.D.

UPDATE:  The writ of capias for Debra Ann Kilyanek has been withdrawn at the request of the Wayne County Prosecutor.  A new sentencing date has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2008. 

All that however is in the past.  The Archdiocese of Detroit has killed our parish family, they have destroyed our church.  They have beaten our pastor, battered his reputation and thrown him in a ditch.  Like unashamed thieves in the night, they robbed us of the very essence of our religious fellowship.  They have left us a building and nothing more.  People are even wanting to remove their paving stones from the church garden.  It is their home no more.

People did not come from near and far to attend mass at Saint Dunstan because of the stunning architecture. People came to worship at our parish because of the manner in which Father Don was able to consistently convey the Bible’s theme of love and hope in his every Homily.   He was a source of inspiration and a conduit to a higher love and greater faith in God.    

When there is a death in a family, all cry, feel sadness and know loneliness.  In time, with much prayer and reflection, we try to replace our sense of loss with the good memories and insight of our relationship with the person who has left us.  We focus on love shared, the lessons learned, the heartaches and the happiness.   

The loss of Father Don as the shepherd of our parish community feels like a death to many. He was ripped from the arms of his family in the middle of the night, never to return.  For many this has been a time of great sorrow and despair.  We have not found healing because we do not comprehend why the AOD will not allow him to come home. 

The leadership of the Archdiocese of Detroit seems incapable of following the example of Jesus who led His people with words of love and humility.   They expect the parishioners to shrink and tremble as they sanctimoniously snort their pronouncements.  As if still in medieval times, they look upon worshippers as ignorant peasants for whom they alone know what is best.  

Participants at the Saturday Town Hall Meeting saw the doors to our place of worship flanked by oversized AOD security sentinels.  An additional security contingent and plainclothes law enforcement officers were peppered throughout the church interior.  Were these police officers eavesdropping on the private conversation of parishioners?  An incursion by police into a church is a very serious matter.  The show of brute force by the AOD is reminiscent of how the Soviets menaced over their citizens.  This is not how our church leaders should present themselves in House of the Lord. 

The AOD is bankrupt of credibility.  Too many have witnessed their malevolent hands strangle the life from our parish.  They came to us with tin ears and hearts of stone.  They talk inanely about respecting Father Don’s privacy rights after being the sole source of so many vicious rumors and speculative press releases.  They do not deserve their positions in the Catholic Church for they have forgotten that God is the Church, not the Church God. 

Bishop Reiss talked about how Father Don neglected his obligations under Canon Law (lack of parish council, personally not opening the bank statements, etc.) but he himself deliberately ignored the Canon Law when it came to providing Father Don with canonical representation before making his decision to resign.  The Bishop said the AOD has been openly dealing with Father Don’s canon lawyer for 18 months.  Ha! The truth is Father Don only hired his canonical representative in November, 2007.  What about the Canonical provision for a mediator when an archdiocese and a parish have reached an impasse?  Obviously different rules apply to this Bishop.

The AOD trumpeted their financial largess at the meeting, itemizing their support to keep a struggling Saint Dunstan parish afloat.  Like 30 pieces of silver, they intended to buy our loyalty, convince us to have a weak memory about the misdeeds done to our parish family and Father Don.  They offered money for us to look the other way.

The people of Saint Dunstan made it clear that they would take responsibility for their own parish - all that was needed was the return of Father Don as pastor.  He has personally taken responsibility and apologized for his missteps.  He has asked to come home to fix that which went wrong.  The majority of parishioners agree that is the best way to heal our parish - not just financially but more importantly spiritually.  But our input is repeatedly disregarded.  Thousands of letters, emails, cards, phone calls, petitions are rudely ignored.

The AOD wants to conjure up the illusion that if people do not come rushing back to Saint Dunstan and fill the church coffers with treasure - the parish will fail and that will become the legacy of Father Don.  The legacy of Father Don is safe.  That is something even the all-powerful AOD cannot steal.  The fact that he continues to receive the support of the majority of the parish is a testament to the good he has done with his life.  His legacy will not be about a building, it will be the thousands of people he has brought closer to Christ.

A failed Saint Dunstan will though be the legacy of the AOD for their proud defeat of the defiant people of Dunstan.  They know how to get people to return - bring Father Don home.  Remember that in the past people filled the church voluntarily - without intimidation or coercion.

It was said at the close of the meeting we must choose between a man (Father Don) and our Faith.  No, we in fact choose to support the man (Father Don) who has led us to a stronger and more meaningful Faith.  He is not the object of our worship; he is a shepherd who has provided us with the inspiration to try and lead a good Catholic life. 

There are a multitude of other wonderful priests within the Archdiocese of Detroit.  They are passionate about their vocation and typify the principles of the Catholic Church.  They generously tend to the spiritual needs of students, parishioners and the community at-large.  They are gifts from God.  Bishop Francis Reiss and his AOD minions however are not among these men.

In their dealing with Saint Dunstan they have not been guided by the Holy Spirit.  They have allowed their egos, pride and desire for control to come before the spiritual and emotional well-being of a parish. They have flexed their hierarchical muscle and demanded a respect that can only be earned with honesty and trust.  The Bishop has exacted his revenge on the people of Saint Dunstan for disrespecting him on “Black Sunday,” the day he announced Father Don had “requested” medical leave.  It is obvious now to all that his blatant lie from the ambo was the ignition source that fired the crisis that still burns at our parish.  It was Bishop Reiss who disrespected the people of Saint Dunstan, the sanctity of his priestly title and the Catholic Church. 

It is tragic irony that Bishop Reiss, during his inept handling of the Saint Dunstan and Father Don affair, is promoted to Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Detroit by Cardinal Maida while Father Don, for his mistakes, is humiliated and banished from his friends and family.

The Archdiocese of Detroit has asked people to move on and I assure you that without the return of Father Don to Saint Dunstan many will be moving elsewhere.  I personally will leave Saint Dunstan Catholic Church with sadness, not bitterness.  I leave behind the memories of being married in the parish, the baptism of my children, their First Holy Communion and the countless joyful associations with other parishioners.  I will so miss the optimism I felt in my heart after hearing the Homilies of Father Don and celebrating Mass among family.

But I leave Saint Dunstan with a solid and continuing faith in God and a belief in the principles and moral guidelines of the Catholic Church.  I will continue to practice my religion and forever will I heed Psalm 146.3 “Put not your trust in princes” - particularly princes of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Gregg M. Ward

Friends Who Are Family

There are many people who contribute to the writings of CatholicsForJustice.com and even more who have dedicated their time and resources to support the efforts to return Father Don to Saint Dunstan. Thank you. There is a very large group of supporters who has attended events, written letters, given advice, made calls, shared information, sent emails and spoken out against the injustices.  Thank you.  Like Good Samaritans, you have all crossed to the other side of the road to help the one who has been robbed and beaten, and as Jesus said, “you have been good neighbors.”  It is and will continue to be an honor and privilege to be associated with you all.  This has been one of those rare occasions in life where people did what was right, not what was easy.  You stood for truth and we stood together.  Be proud of what you have done.  Always you will have our love, respect and admiration.  May God bless you all.

Catholics For Justice

A Message from the Parents of Father Don

The card and fruit arrangement were very thoughtful.  Thank you…your love and appreciation strengthens our hope.

Karl and Betty Demmer

Pictures That Tell A Story

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatherdon/sets

For The Record

A published author has expressed interest in chronicling the story of our troubles at Saint Dunstan.  In an effort to gather source information, please consider answering the following questions and emailing your responses to aboutfatherdon@gmail.com.  This will be a very good opportunity to document for history your emotions, thoughts and perspective.  Please include your name and phone number if you would like to be available for follow up questions by the author.

1. Year I came to St. Dunstan:
2. Favorite Fr. Demmer Masses/Homilies:
3. Fr. Demmer offered nuptial Mass, funeral Mass, baptism, etc:
4. Family/life problems he counseled on:
5. Things he did as pastor for the parish:
6. How/when I first heard about his departure:
7. My reaction:
8. Events since:
9. How I feel about the situation:
10. Other comments:

The Holy Father recently showed his courage by personally speaking to victims of abuse.  He apologized to them and asked forgiveness for the acts of clergy and the cover-up by the Church hierarchy.  Pope Benedict XVI provides the Archdiocese with a clear example of how they must conduct themselves at the Town Hall Meeting.

The Archdiocese needs to abandon their absurd assertion that Father Don is on a “medical leave.”  Hundreds saw him at the March Town Hall Meeting.  He was an example of a man in good health - vibrant, energetic, thoughtful and humorous.  He continues to administer the Sacraments, visits the sick at home and in hospitals, takes office appointments and celebrates beautiful Masses.  This is the profile of a man fit for duty and one who should be returned to his Saint Dunstan home. 

We hope the Archdiocese comes ready to listen.  They would be ill-advised to attempt to strong arm us with their authority, to drone on about the parish finances and debt, and to continue spreading rumors and false allegations.  The task before them is simple - be humble, say they are sorry, and give us back what they have taken - Father Don.  Anything less is unacceptable. 

Please continue to call and write Cardinal Maida and Bishop Reiss: 

A town hall meeting is an informal public meeting where everyone in the community is invited to attend, voice their opinions, and hear the responses from public figures (the Archdiocese of Detroit in our case).  Town hall meetings are held so that people can influence officials in their decision making and be given a chance to feel that their voices are being heard. 

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_hall_meeting)

We thank the AOD for their offer to engage in open dialogue about the difficult issues we have struggled with over the past year.  We look forward to providing our direct input into the decision making process as it relates to the future of the parish. 

Ours is a parish in need of reconciliation, renewal and the return of our pastor Father Don.  Our questions will begin with, “What can we do to bring Father Don home to Saint Dunstan?” 

In another odd turn of events, this evening the parish administrator at Saint Dunstan smugly announced, during the homily, that an official decision has been taken - Father Don will not be returning to Saint Dunstan and Father Ron Richards will become the new pastor as of August 1, 2008.  He said an announcement would be made at all the Masses this weekend.

Not surprisingly, Bishop Reiss was spotted lurking in the parking lot after Mass ready to whisk the administrator off to a celebratory dinner.  While these two were gloating and clucking over a fine meal, do you think God was smiling upon their “success?” 

It is again a great disappointment that the AOD leadership has chosen to treat its parishioners as second class citizens instead of valued members of HIS Church.  Some within the Archdiocese are acting like self-anointed lords of the manor, instead of humble servants of our Lord.

The people of Saint Dunstan are not at war with the Church nor are they an enemy to be overrun.  We are adults who have come together voluntarily to form a community of faith.  Do not patronize the people in the pews.  Be leaders who are filled with the Holy Spirit and a vision of Reconciliation.   Bring Father Don back to Saint Dunstan, please.

AOD WAR DRUMS?  The AOD issued a press release following the Town Hall Meeting.  Ned McGrath said “It’s regrettable that Pyrrhic-like efforts continue to re-hash what happened and why at St. Dunstan.”  After researching the term “Pyrrhic” it seems Mr. McGrath is referring to the ancient Greek king Pyrrhus who won a major battle against the Romans but at great cost to his own army.  An analogous phrase is “winning the battle but losing the war.”   It is deeply disappointing that the AOD characterizes the efforts of Saint Dunstan parishioners to return their priest back to his place in the community as an act of war.   This might help explain why in the past the police were called on parishioners handing out flyers at the parish. 

The parishioners of Saint Dunstan want no part in being labeled as the enemy and do not wish to be in a war with the Archdiocese of Detroit.   We share a common interest in our love of God - this should unite, not divide us.  The fact we are energetically defending and supporting a Catholic priest should be warmly welcomed, not seen as a threat.  Thousands of letters and phone calls have been made in an effort to communicate our most heartfelt thoughts and feelings.  In return we have received silence.  The lack of communication has been counter-productive.  We want Father Don back at Saint Dunstan.  Give peace a chance.

Has a new priest been assigned to St. Dunstan?  The Observer & Eccentric reported late last week that “Despite rumors to the contrary, (Ned) McGrath (AOD Communications) said a permanent pastor has not yet been selected.”  Cardinal Maida’s secretary said that the decision on the pastor of Saint Dunstan would be made during an April 4, 2008 Assignment Board meeting.  The current administrator has hinted he already knows the name.  On Saturday he offered the initials RR, but said he could not tell his name.  After Sunday Mass, the administrator said the new priest is Father Ron Richards.  Father Richards was called.  He said he could not confirm or deny what Father Sutherland had said.  When asked if he was indeed the new priest at Saint Dunstan, after some hesitation he said he would not comment since that decision would come from the AOD.  An offer was made to meet with him to discuss the outcome of the recent Town Hall Meeting.  Regretfully he said he is leaving on a two week vacation (his first vacation in over one year) but has agreed to talk after his return.  An update will be given then.

APRIL 1,  1987:  Today is Father Don’s Anniversary at Saint Dunstan - 21 years.