Springfield Catholic Diocese to Investigate Allegation of Clerical Sexual Miscond

By Kathie Sass
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
September 19, 2013

http://www.dio.org/communications/press-releases/347-springfield-catholic-diocese-to-investigate-allegation-of-clerical-sexual-misconduct.html#sthash.MGdf3Wx8.dpbs

SPRINGFIELD -€” Following an allegation of clerical sexual misconduct with a minor said to have occurred over 30 years ago, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has temporarily withdrawn from ministry.

Father Robert "Bud" DeGrand, pastor of parishes in Sigel, Neoga, Green Creek and Lillyville, is cooperating with the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board that he temporarily withdraw from public ministry and from his ecclesiastical residence pending further investigation.

The alleged abuse was said to have occurred in 1980 when Father DeGrand was assigned to Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville.

"The Springfield diocese takes such allegations very seriously," said Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. "We have a strict Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Church Personnel that reflects our desire to safeguard the welfare of minors in our parishes, institutions and programs. It also reflects our determination to deal properly and decisively with any allegations of sexual abuse of minors."

The allegation was received by the diocese's victim assistance coordinator on Sept. 9. On Sept. 13, the Diocesan Review Board found the allegation to have "a semblance of truth" and recommended that Bishop Paprocki begin a preliminary investigation.

As required by the diocesan policy, the diocese has notified the Morgan County States Attorney, where the alleged abuse is said to have occurred, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

The allegation was communicated to Father DeGrand Sept. 15 by Msgr. Carl Kemme, vicar general of the diocese, and Father David Hoefler, the local dean. On Sept. 18, Bishop Paprocki, Msgr. Kemme and Father Hoefler met with parishioners of the four parishes in a meeting held at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Sigel to inform them of the reason for Father DeGrand's temporary withdrawal from ministry.