Effort to Get Priest Back to the Pulpit Goes Viral, by Paul Gessler, ABC 7, February 11, 2011

Effort to Get Priest Back to the Pulpit Goes Viral

By Paul Gessler
ABC 7
February 11, 2011

http://www.abc-7.com/Global/story.asp?S=14010329

[with video]

BONITA SPRINGS: The fight to get Father Stan Strycharz back at St. Leo Catholic Church is hitting the internet. Hundreds of people want him back at the pulpit. But the diocese says the priest's lovechild with a woman is only a fraction of why he was removed.

Thursday, a group of St. Leo parishioners describes how mass has been since July when Father Strycharz removed from his role there.

"It's not the same, not the same at all," said parishioner Jay Disser.

"There doesn't seem to be the spirit of unity. There's a pervasive sadness," added parishioner Maria Perretti.The 3,500 families who attend the Bonita Springs church learned Father Strycharz fathered a child.

A Diocese of Venice spokesman said, "The child was one of the issues raised at that time, but is only one aspect of the large investigation into the actions of Father Strycharz."

Instead, the diocese is auditing Father Strycharz's financial records. They say it has taken so long because he is not cooperating.

"He's been cooperating since Day one, as far as I know," said parishioner Tom MacGeorge.

"This business about financial irregularity is bologna! The bishop has all the records. The audit has been going on now going on seven months. And nothing has shown up," added fellow parishioner Bernard Long.

The group supporting Father Strycharz is soliciting support online. They say there are 350 people who want him back.

A diocese spokesman acknowledges their letters, but says they "repeatedly fail to appreciate [the issue of privacy as pertains to the individuals involved]."

"Father Stan needs to be a priest again. The Catholic Church is in dire need of good priests. He's a great priest. The church needs heroes. He's a hero," said Perretti.

While the audit continues, Father Strycharz is not allowed back in church in any capacity, although he's still getting paid and living on the church's dime.

We've tried to reach Father Strycharz for comment on this story, but he's under a gag order by the diocese during the audit investigation.