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	Priest Should Be Reinstated at St. Leo in Bonita Springs, Group of Parishioners Says By Christina Cepero The News-Press January 13, 2011 http://www.news-press.com/article/20110113/NEWS0102/110113044/1075/Priest-should-be-reinstated-at-St.-Leo-in-Bonita-Springs--group-of-parishioners-says A defense trust has been set up by a group of supporters for Rev. Stan Strycharz, who was placed on administrative leave with pay last July by Bishop Frank Dewane. Strycharz had served as the administrator at St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs since 2005, overseeing a $21 million expansion. This week, the Diocese of Venice named Rev. Teofilo Useche as the church’s administrator. Useche came from Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto. Bob Reddy, diocese spokesman, said the appointment will allow St. Leo to move on while the investigation on Strycharz continues. Monsignor Stephen McNamara served as temporary administrator for the past five-and-a-half months. McNamara is the diocese’s vicar general and administrator at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord in south Fort Myers. Reddy said St. Leo needed a pastor who could devote more time to the parish’s needs. Meanwhile, a group of 80 St. Leo parishioners this month sent a letter to all parishioners expressing their support for Strycharz. “The Bishop and his spokespersons have publicly accused Father Stan of numerous instances of egregious misconduct, but have offered no evidence,” the letter states. The letter advises Strycharz’s position on the following allegations: • He acknowledges he has a biological daughter who was conceived before he was assigned to St. Leo. She lives out of state with her mother. Strycharz said he revealed his relationship with the mother to the bishop almost three years ago. His relationship with the mother ended shortly after the child’s birth, but he provides child support and has visitation rights. Strycharz said he asked the church for forgiveness and that the bishop chose not to punish him when the issue was disclosed to him more than two years ago. Strycharz does not understand why the private issue was publicly disclosed in recent months. • Regular audits by the Diocese of Venice and independent audits by an accounting firm did not disclose any financial improprieties. Strycharz has requested the name of the firm conducting another audit but has not been provided it. He has nothing to hide and is confident a complete audit will confirm no financial improprieties. • Strycharz denies having inappropriate relationships with adult females at St. Leo, particularly an employee. • Strycharz refused to fire the religious education and music directors because he didn’t find anything in their work that would warrant it. The bishop considers that insubordination by Strycharz, according to these parishioners. • Strycharz denies an allegation that he visited a gay bar several years ago. Reddy declined to comment on the letter. “All matters involved in the investigation were brought to the attention of Bishop Dewane from complaints and concerns of parishioners and not through any other means,” Reddy said. “Father Strycharz had refused to authorize the release of some information pertaining to the use of credit cards which were paid by the parish. He continues to refuse to cooperate. “Until he releases the information, we can’t conclude our investigation.” Otis Wragg, who is serving as spokesman for Strycharz and his supporters, said Strycharz was advised by counsel not to turn over all his personal financial records without knowing why the diocese is asking for it. Wragg said the group of supporters has grown from 80 to 150 and that Strycharz has received more than 1,400 letters and e-mails supporting him. “He’d like to go back to St. Leo. He’d like to be reinstated, and we would like to see that happen as well,” said Wragg, who is not a St. Leo parishioner. “We would like to see the bishop change his mind and in a spirit of fairness and love and respect to restore him to his priestly duties.” Contact: ccepero@news-press.com
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