News - August 2019 RSS Feed

Everyone, in every role of life, has the opportunity to live a virtuous life and grow in holiness. It is in the ordinary and sometimes difficult moments in life where we are "built-up" by the grace of God...and become who we are called to be.

August 22, 2019 – The Diocese of Kalamazoo released the following statement regarding the federal indictment on the charges of wire fraud against its former employee. “This past March when diocesan officials discovered evidence of potential fraudulent activity, we dismissed the employee and immediately alerted local law enforcement and began distributing notice of this to outlets that reach potential affected parties. Additionally, we alerted the public through our April 18th news release so we could heighten awareness to those individuals who may have been negatively impacted. “We are grateful for the diligence of both the Kalamazoo Public Safety Department as well as Homeland Security. “The Diocese of Kalamazoo has a long-standing commitment to assist immigrants seeking a legal pathway to citizenship through its Immigration Assistance Program. The Diocese stands ready to assist in finding just and equitable resolutions for the victims of fraud in this matter.”

August 22, 2019 (Kalamazoo, Mich.): The Diocese of Kalamazoo released the following statement regarding today’s announcement from the Attorney General’s office regarding allegations involving Rev. Brian Stanley. “The Diocese of Kalamazoo learned this morning that Fr. Brian Stanley has been criminally charged by the Michigan Attorney General. The incident alleged in the Attorney General’s complaint was reported to the Diocese in 2013. In accordance with the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese promptly reported the allegation to Child Protective Services, who referred the matter to the Otsego Police Department for investigation. “We promptly placed Fr. Brian Stanley on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation. According to the Otsego Police Department, ‘the complaint was not criminal and there would be no charges.’ “Four years later, the Diocese learned of additional allegations involving Fr. Stanley. We reported these incidents to the Coldwater Police Department; no charges were filed by law enforcement. We placed Fr. Stanley on administrative leave from active ministry in January 2017. He remains on administrative leave and is prohibited from public ministry. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to promote greater protection and safeguards of all people, particularly for children and vulnerable adults. We adhere to the National 2002 Charter for the Protection of Young People, which guides all that we do. “We continue to cooperate with the Office of the Michigan Attorney General in its ongoing investigation. We encourage the reporting of clergy sex abuse to the Attorney General’s office by calling the established hotline at 844.324.3374.”

The Eucharistic Congress is an event bringing faithful from around the diocese together to spend a day centered around the Eucharist; a day to Ignite the Faith of all those in attendance. The day will feature keynote and breakout sessions, Mass, adoration and more.

On Thursday, September 12, 2019, the Office of Schools will be hosting an inaugural Back to School Mass. Bishop Paul J. Bradley will be celebrating Mass at 11:30 a.m. at Wing Stadium, Kalamazoo. All of our Catholic education community is invited to celebrate our faith and the beginning of a new school year.

In a letter to the Faithful, Bishop Bradley is calling for a diocesan-wide Day of Prayer for Peace and an End to Violence to be celebrated on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2019. He writes, "Even in the face of these despicable acts, we must remain a prayerful, faithful and hope-filled people. Therefore, I ask that our entire Diocese designate next week’s Holy Day of Obligation’s celebration of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven, as a Day of Prayer for Peace and an End to Violence. I am inviting all 59 of our Parishes to devote special prayers during their Holy Day Masses, as we all call upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother, and as we stand in solidarity for the protection of all human life. Next week, on August 15, 2019, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, body and soul, into her Heavenly Home. I feel this is a fitting time to once again turn to our Blessed Mother during these times of trouble to seek her protection, to ask for her intercession, and to know that she will stand with us and help us."