Some at St. Mary’s left reeling in aftermath of investigation
Parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ireland were told on Sunday an article would be coming out in the news on Monday. The announcement concentrated on the fact the congregation is stronger now than it was three years ago; referring to a troubled time while they were planning a new church building.
But no other details on the article were given.
“Everyone on my street goes to St. Mary’s,” one parishioner said, “and you couldn’t mow your yard on Sunday without someone asking what you thought the news about the church would be.”
The article Monday did little to relieve the confusion as they learned that the parish’s leader, Father Ron Kreilein, was involved in a criminal investigation for sexting —transmitting sexually pervasive messages and images between cellphones.
The Jasper native was ordained to the priesthood in 2007. Before being assigned to St. Mary’s, he served at the St. Celestine and St. Raphael parishes.
The criminal investigation began when the male victim came to police on April 5 of this year with allegations that Father Kreilein had offered to pay him for sex. The act occurred after the two passed sexually explicit texts back and forth from March 31 to April 4. On April 4, Fr. Kreilein made the offer to pay for oral sex but the victim used the excuse of a flat tire and early morning meeting to break the engagement.
The texts started when Fr. Kreilein contacted the victim on March 31. The victim stated he decided to lead Fr. Kreilein on at the urging of friends who saw the texts. The victim knew Fr. Kreilein from marriage counseling sessions that occurred a couple of years before the texting events. At the time, Fr. Kreilein was pastor of churches in Celestine and Dubois. During those sessions the victim alleged the Father offered him alcohol and at one point had porn playing on a TV at his residence when the victim came over for a counseling session.
Police subpoenaed the cellphone text messages that occurred between the two and were able to determine Fr. Kreilein had made the offer and even agreed to pay more if the victim would accept a check.
During the investigation Fr. Kreilein admitted to sending the messages but told police he thought it was all a joke.
The investigation was turned over to the Dubois County Prosecutor’s Office and on May 2 a letter from County Prosecutor Kevin Crouse was sent to the attorney for the Catholic Diocese of Evansville. He told the diocese Kreilein’s actions as stated in the investigation would constitute the crime of Patronizing a Prostitute (a class A misdemeanor) and Attempting to Promote Prostitution (a class C felony). But, Crouse explained, he would not file criminal charges against Fr. Kreilein since the act would have been between consenting adults and it never occurred. He also stated he wanted to avoid the victim being labeled as a prostitute.
He did, however, state in the letter it is “deeply worrisome that Fr. Kreilein continues to minister to parishioners while cloaked with the power, respect, credibility and trustworthiness that inherently derives from his status as a Catholic priest. We are concerned that his access to potential victims will become problematic. We will thus continue to monitor the situation, and we reserve the right to proceed against Fr. Kreilein in the event new facts come to light or we learn of any other acts that can be deemed criminal in nature.”
Kreilein was not removed from his position until late June. Through an article that appeared in the diocesan newspaper, The Message, on June 29, Bishop Charles C. Thompson told parishioners that Fr. Kreilein’s leave was “health related”.
In the most recent church bulletin a message from Fr. Kreilein appears in which he states he can’t wait to return to St. Mary later this year.
[quote style=”boxed”] Hello from St Louis! It’s been one month now and things are going great. I do miss all of you and remember you every day when I pray the Liturgy of the Hours. St Louis is such a big city and traffic can be challenging. I have been living at Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois for the first two weeks and now have moved to a duplex apartment in St Louis. Instead of driving 20 miles each way to where I go, I now only drive 2 1/2 miles. I will continue praying for you daily and ask you to say a little prayer for me if you have time. I can’t wait to return to St Mary later on this year. God bless! Fr. Ron/ Message from Father Ron Kreilein in the July 29 St. Mary Bulletin[/quote]
Now some parishioners are upset the Diocese was not more transparent in their explanations. To some it appears the diocese didn’t want to let the congregation know until they knew it would be made public. “I’m outraged that it appears they are trying to cover it up. They don’t want feathers ruffled and I think feathers need to be very ruffled,” a parishioner said. “I don’t want Fr. Ron back.”
In addition, some are concerned that the Diocese was not more active in removing Fr. Kreilein when they were made aware of the criminal activities. “You know when I go to discuss some sins I may have committed by looking at something on the internet,” a male parishioner said. “I am going to him to absolve my sin and he’s committing these sins. It’s troubling.”
The Evansville Diocese has declined to comment further on the situation, stating in a letter from Rick Jillson, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Evansville, “The Dubois County prosecutor has advised the diocese that criminal charges will not be filed. As a result, this situation now becomes a diocesan personnel matter, and our long-standing practice is not to comment publicly on the details of personnel matters.”
Currently an administrator from the Evansville Diocese is overseeing the church. In regards to Fr. Kreilein’s return to St. Mary, Jillson further stated, “All decisions regarding a return to active ministry for Father Kreilein will be made by Bishop Thompson at a later date.”
In the end though, one person’s actions do not determine the character of the church, “St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Ireland is my church,” a lifelong parishioner said, “It’s not Fr. Ron’s church. He’s one individual and this is my church, the congregation’s church, and I love my church.”
I believe this is a very disrespectful article to right. Maybe if we knew who the actual "victim" was we may know the whole story. And to the parishioners that said it was "his" church that is a bunch of BS it is not his its the community. It's not like he molested a child he made a mistake and just shows that he is human just like everyone else. We will continue to pray for you Fr. God bless
I agree with you 100%!!!!! We all make mistakes and God is the only judge in the end. Praying for you Fr.
are you people insane….he is a priest!!!!! ….that's a pretty big mistake for a priest to make and just overlook…if your next door neighbor made a mistake and accidently tried to have sex with a member of your family that was off limits to him or her would you pray for them or kick some butt…for your familys sake i hope you would not just say…oops!
I know the victim
The "victim" was the guy he was supposed to be counseling. Not sexting and giving him alcohol and porn! If this was a regular citizen you would call him disgusting and make him register as a sex offender. "It's not like he molested a child", well apparently since god is the only judge that would've been ok too.
I think you missed the word "alleged" when you read this.
Def of alleged:
1 asserted to be true or to exist
2 questionably true or of a specified kind : supposed, so-called
3 accused but not proven or convicted
How do you know Father didn't offer him water or coke too, but knew the guy liked beer, wine or whatever drink he offered?? I know a lot of people that offer alcohol when guests come over. People gift alcohol all the time!
And the whole porn thing could have been a preview for the new American Pie movie that was on during a commercial. You can channel surf and come across some crazy stuff on tv nowadays. during Super Bowl one year there was an exposed boob. Millions of people accidentally saw that and if you were channel surfing then and that came on…. I am sure that was a shocker to many!
There are many ways to twist this story to make him look like a bad guy.
I totally agree I don't think the whole story or situation is being told. Dubois county free press is ruining the reputation of a great priest. The article in the herald was better written. And as for as Thomas that is BS about being registered a sex offender what you have never had sex before or made sexual comments. If he was a regular guy we would consider him human to not disgusting he has done nothing wrong to make him a sex offender.
I agree with you 100%
I question where you get your information from. If this is an ongoing investigation how did you get such detailed information. I sure hope that if this is someone trying to set up Fr. Ron that you post a story with the correct information!
The Dubois County Free Press received information about the subpoenaed records directly from the Dubois County Prosecuting Attorney's office. According to the prosecuting attorney these records are public records. His letter to the diocese was also relinquished to the Dubois County Free Press upon request.
Does the public record also say who the victim is? Why was that not reported?
The identification of the victim was redacted before the records were released.
What about interviewed parishoners? Why were there names not mentioned? Sorry, but this story seems all a bit bogus. If everyone involved with the article is an adult, then their names should be made public…otherwise its nothing more than a 'witch hunt'.
The parishioners I interviewed requested they not be named. No one is "witch hunting" and the fact remains that Father Kreilein was the focus of a criminal investigation. Sexually explicit texts occurred between two adult men culminating in an offer from the Father to pay the victim for oral sex. That fact is easily vetted with a public records request to the proper authorities.
Okay, well then: shame on those parishioners who don't have the guts to put their names behind their comments/accusations!! If you're going to have the guts to comment, at least back it up with your name. And, no offense to you, Matthew, but you didn't have to use comments from people who wished to remain annonymous when writing this story.
As for 'public record' – the way this was written seems totally biased to the "victim". Understanding that Fr. Ron wasn't available for comment notwithstanding, this article feels very 'one sided' – therefore the witch-hunt comment. There was no criminal activity to speak of – yet by the way this article reads Fr. Ron is guilty…as well as the diocese.
I also spoke to a lot of Fr. Ron supporters last night: None of them were ever asked any questions by you, Matthew. Why is it that there are so many supporters – but none of them were interviewed for the article?
In a time when, in the national media, the Catholic Church is being battered left and right its a shame that on the local level it's receiving the same abuse. Perhaps unintentionally, but I'm only expressing how it reads from my point of view.
There was no criminal activity in the investigation, so why on earth did this article even NEED to be written?
All of the press sources have the opportunity to do a piece that puts a Ron's Supporters spin on this, I would say enough calls to the right people could get this to happen.
Let's not forget about past local priests that have admitted to, been transfered or had their association with the church erased due to their deviant behavior. The Fr. deserves due process within the Church and law of man. I would caution those that are screaming "witch hunt" to consider that possibility that there is some truth to this accusation. If he does have deviant tendancies would you rather it be known know now rather than find out after a "child was molested"?
My .02. St.Mary's has some choices: Side up and allow this issue to divide the parish and cause a lot of ill will. Or come together and decide the parish is stronger than this scandal and move forward. I can almost assure you that if he is allowed to come back St.Mary's a mass exodus is almost inevitable. You have to decide if this is really what YOU as a parish wants. This is going to be old news at some point but the collateral damage inflicted on each other will be worse than the scandal itself.
Finally, lay off Matt. He is a jounalist and IMHO doing a damn good job reporting fact, regardless of how ugly it is, rather than a watered down version of what we call the "local news". The opinion part of the news is what is going on now or if some decides an editorial is in order.
Well if you seen the text in black & white you would understand what this guy is…I seen it on the victims phone………
No you need to get real
Father Ron has done everything he possibly could do to bring the parishioners of St. Mary closer to Christ. He is a disciple of God and has planted seeds of the truth in many. His reverence for Jesus is beautiful.
Texts can so easily be misunderstood….and taken out of context. What happened to Jesus bible verse about throwing the first stone…I am not a judge..God is….. but I am his friend and will not turn my back on him….or throw him to the wolves. He is a kind person and I have never seen him act out of line and find all of this VERY hard to believe. I do however believe in Father Ron And would love to see him back at St. Mary but for sure a priest at a parish….. because it would be a shame to see someone so deep in love with the Eucharist…. not being able to spread the truth.
I believe we have to consider the source…. some people like to twist everything and live for scandal…..
Pray for Fr. Ron and for the other person involved. If the records are public record. I will be checking on them. So far all I see are accusations. Supposedly Fr. Ron admitted to sending messages and images, but the people deciding on the type they were may or may not putting them in the proper context.
We really don't know what the images were. Fr. Ron also said it was a joke. The only way to really know is to check the fact records on file.
Everyone needs to come together and pray. The devil wants to win and we need to be strong as a parish. He has done so much for us and we need to move forward and help him. Jesus is always here for us and we need to be there for him. We are no different we all sin forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Just look at what Paul did. He was no saint, but he came out ahead in the end. God never said life would be easy. He did say that if he brings you too it, he will see you through it. This just may be a test of our faith. Just think about your sins and ask God to be with you. Open up your heart to him and see where he leads you. May God Bless us and be with is through this.
God Bless you,
Fr. Ron (This has not been verified as a message from Fr. Ron Kreilein-DCFreep)
These comments look ever so close to a bulletin posting by father no so long ago, so I'll attempt to reach out. This is my last post related to the issue. I've grown heavy in my heart over the issue. I will copy this letter to the staff at St. Mary's and will ask that it be copied and forwarded to the chuch council, the diocese, and father Ron. I also give DC Freep editor the right to post the letter, but I DO NOT give him the right to post my name.
Dear Father – From what I've heard, most have already forgiven you and absolutely they will continue to pray for you, but the congregation is still owed an apology if not an explanation. If you practice what you preach then my opininon is that you ask St. Mary's to hold a "special meeting" and you come and talk to us. I think you should be there for part of the meeting, but not all. Come stand before your church and do your witness. I understand you only need to witness before God, but I firmly believe your next best move is to come see us. If folks start to request the text records and they are released, it will only make this look worse. When you talk to us, you need to be aware that a handful have had parts of the doc interpreted and/or read to them, so come with an open heart and an open understanding that this is very difficult to understand. You are better approaching humbly than to approach proudly.
Dear Diocese – Understood your position is that this is a docean/personal matter because charges were not filed, but you need to understand why charges were not filed. It shows more guilt with the way you are handling this process. Letters read to us is not enough. At this point, the congregation should have final say in Father's return, but it is not justice to him if he is not allowed to communicate with his congregation. That communication needs to be directly related to this issue, not a generalized letter.
Dear Church Council – You are the best of the best of the church, and that is why you were elected. This is your time as leaders to step up and take on some of the more difficult tasks as leaders. You need to understand the church is quickly dividing itself over the matter. It is your job to step up and at minimum meet with the diocese as a group. You should demand that you are not left in the dark and you should demand that a reasonable path be determined to allow the congregation to become involved. It is not your duty to determine on your own if the church is dividing until poll the entire church to find out, so find a way to have due diligence in the matter.
Decisions – I think a very large decision stands before St. Mary's. What is best for the church? The church is defined as the people within in it, so what is best for them? Someone said "this is my church" and someone reponded "it's the community's church". The definition if the word "church" is the people within it. The matter and decision should be between Father and his congregation. It is not for anyone else to decide. The diocese has final say, but that final say should be based on input from the flock. Let's come to a decision, decide as group, and then let the press know we're strong in our decision and resolute on moving forward.
Discussion – Letters DO NOT need to read at mass. In my opinion, my children are still innocent this issue and until they reach the age of 18 I will make decisions for them, so please DO NOT attempt to ADDRESS the issue at mass. If you do, I will be the first to stand up and walk out. Don't gear your sermons towards this issue. Keep your sermons on topic, related to the readings and gospel. Wait and address to issue to adults….and to only those adults who care. Probably 40% of the congregation does not care and wishes it would go away, so let's focus on the 60% who do care and let them gather.
Closing – Someone told me our church (the congregation) and Father can grow stronger over this. I firmly agree with that and it will happen, but I think it is imperative that if we want to grow stronger we attack the situation with the utmost precision.
Im praying for father ron. I hope for the best for him. But…how many times is the church going to let this happen? They need to let the priests marry and put all this to an end. You just can't tell a guy he can never have sex again and not expect this kind of thing to happen. The urge is just too strong.
So there is no name of the "victim" and no name for the parishioner but this isn't a witch hunt? If you are man or woman enough to make a statement, then own the statement! If you are going to throw stones, then show your face. I am a former journalist and anaunamous interviews with strong opinions should never be used.
For the parishioner who made the comment about looking at something on the Internet and going to him for guidance, if he would struggle with the same sin don't you think he would have more compassion and understanding for what you are going through? And the sacrament of comfession that he gave you is still valid ( that it makes it right). These guys don't trade in their hormones when they get their collar. They struggle with sin like all of us do.
The truth is this WAS a criminal investigation which was dropped. There are no charges. Fr. Ron is a friend of mine and he has helped me in my spiritual life tremendously. I don't know what all happened or didn't happen but I know he is a holy man that takes the priesthood VERY seriously. I was shocked to see this gossip rag run with this story of anamous opinions. For all those who want to bash Fr. Ron, keep this in mind. When you go to confession he cannot tell anyone your sin no matter how bad it is. Don't judge him on hear say.
I meant to say (not that it makes it right). Sorry for the typo.
Wow. I agree … witch hunt. This is a shameful piece of writing.
Shameful piece of writing? It was a "report". He took the facts given to him and repeated them. What's shameful is a priest "sexting" a man he's supposed to be counseling. Don't act like this is something new either, priests are caught doing this stuff all the time, THAT is shameful! And no, he's not "just human, or just another person" he was a trusted messenger of a deity.
No Phil,
When I spend time with my priest confessing my sins and I find out he's doing something ten times worse, I do not find compassion in that. I find it completely repulsive that he has the courge to sit there and counsel me! GOD absolved me through my sins becaus he did that through a conduit called a priest, so yes, my sins are absolved. You need to go read "Letters to Timothy". These are written instructions for priests. It is their rulebook.
You say he takes his spiritual life very seriously. I would have agreed with that in the past, but think about this, all this happened during HOLY WEEK!! You don't get to take a week off and go nuts, especially holy week!!!
You all are missing the point!!!!! There are no sins worse than others.. why dont you try giving everything up and see how you do
I am a parishoner at St. Mary’s. I am shocked folks are calling this a witchhunt and saying the victim needs to be named and that anyone Matthew Crane interviewed needs to step up. That is the just of the entire article. Finally some FACTS were shared! Mr. Crane has the report and printed FACTS from the report. Why did he write an article? Because that was the right thing to do!!! I personally thanked the prosecuter last night and hats off to the Herald as well! THEY put their names on it!
It is SO obvious the attempt by the diocese was to simply cover this up. NOTHING was told to us at our church. Why? Is it a private matter? Really? All priests should be held to a higher standard, just as all officials in any position that involve the public should and are held to a higher standard. One sin can be the gateway to additional sins so to simply let it blow over is NOT enough.
The victim needs to be named? Really? If someone solicited you for sex would you want your name tied to this? I would not!
All you folks you said the victim needs to be named…..why then did you not type your full name when you posted? See the irony?
The true victims are the members of the parish, so if you want to feel and pray for someone pray for the 1000 families that are being put through this. We all love Fr. Ron and still do, but this is not a simple blow-over matter and a test of our faith. It’s a test of our values and how strongly we stand behind them. Fr. Ron has done great things for me and I’ll always love him for that, but this is a test of values, and there is a point where a line must be drawn.
If you want people to put their names to it…then I’d assume you also want the full report, right? Should the full report be released? How about we let all our leaders commit crimes and we’ll just fogive them in confession. Is that what we want…or do we choose to select new leaders?
Whoever the unnamed person was who made the comment about not putting your name on it, please notice that I did.
I want to make sure I'm clear when I say that I am not condoning this behavior, but none of us truly know what happened for sure. We are all sinners and even the Apostles were sinners (St. Paul was one of the worst and he is one of our greatest Saints).
One of my issues with the article is that there are currently no charges filed therefore this should be a diocese matter. If there are criminal charges then it becomes a public matter and should be reported on. I know for some in this thread, we have to agree to disagree on this matter.
The devil works very hard on all of our priests and we need to keep all of them in our prayers every day.
Phil,
I did notice you put your name on it. I did not put my name on anything because I honestly fear the backlash of having my name tied to anything to do with it will be too great. I stayed anonymous to protect myself and my family because my response was pretty harsh. I think there will be a point where I put my name on it, but not until I'm standing before my own congregation.
I did spend three hours in Paul's letters last night and I I see your side of this, so I appreciate your input. If you scroll back up I have reached out to the church, diocese, etc. and asked that them simply take a bigger role in the matter. I'm done arguing the subject, but still think there is some debate to be had how the church moves forward…ie…how OUR church moves forward. It is important now that the conflict be resolved. Time will heal, but there are ways to make the healing go faster.
In summary, I thank you! I read Timothy, Paul, Revelations, and even parts of Sirach last night, and you triggered me to do this, so I thank you for standing up strongly.
Thanks!
Oh…I meant to tell you Phil. On the subjects that were responded back to you, it all came from me….one person. So, you can see how even I have healed along the way. I wanted you to know that so you understand you're not aguing with a mass crowd, just one person, and you've affected that person in a positive way. And I guess for what it's worth, I am glad you posted your name because I've known you for years (assuming you're the Phil from Jasper) and it actually did make your comments more meaningful…..because I've always known you as a strong and compassionate person. Someday maybe I'll have the cahunas to thank you in person! Thanks!
Thank you for your reply and I understand why you would remain anamous. I agree that healing is needed for the entire congregation. My prayers will be with the people of St. Mary's. Please seek me out when you see me when you see me.
Wow, these conversations have expressed so much emotion and also healing. I have read them from the get go…. expressed myself once with cowardness hiding behind a fake name. And commend Phil and the other person and their way of talking their way thru this deep deep heavy hearted issue.
I have grown up here at St. Mary my whole life and still too do not have the backbone to put my name on my writing just as of yet. My closest and dearest family and a few friends know where I stand…. but other than them I am a chicken…. however….. my emotions have been all over the place. When all of this first came out. I was certain that I knew "The Godly" side of Father Ron… I was certain that he could NOT have done what the allegations were stating he did…. as I sat at the foot of the cross and prayed and cried for him, for the healing by the Power of the Holy Spirit, eventually it became evident that Priest are human…. and can make mistakes. How bad of ones or on what level is what I struggle with. I still expect darn near angel-like thoughts and behavior and I know I am wrong for feeling that way I suppose…. for I know in some way, those expectations are a form of judgement on my part, which I try and struggle with NOT to do. I have to say though…. thru the years, the priests in my life have made a huge impact on my life. I looked up to them, put them on a pedistal. There are some that have walked around and I looked at them as if they wore a halo and had wings. One of which (if I blinked~~~~ I thought I could actually see them! hahaha)he waited for 2 hours in the waiting room to Baptize my infant that only lived 4 minutes. So yes—- this whole episode has had me on an array of rollercoaster emotions…. First, defending the man I believed in like a wife would defend her husband (grouping his manly side to the Priestly side)…. and feeling like I had to find the proof to free him of all he had been wronged of….(never for one moment in my life, ever realizing that I had to feel like I had to separate the two) No more than I separate a husband side to his manly side or a wifes to her womanly side…. it is one in the same in my eyes and always has been…. but then coming to the realization that even thou Father Ron might have been coaxed along~~~ and he might have said he thought of it as a joke~~~~~ that he needs us to continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to heal his every being. The devil does want to win… and we are so very desparate to have Holy Priests that don't have such worldy thoughts…. ones that are totally married to Jesus, as Jesus too so deserves to be… to have that loyalty in all aspects.
Lets continue to pray for this wonderful priest that stood before us with such conviction and a beautiful loyalty to the Catholic Teaching…. however, in my eyes~~~ his dedication to Jesus was not of one~~~~ there was a double life going on there, that never should of happened. Even though priests are human, I am sure now that he realizes this and is beating himself up enough. I know I need to go to confession to ask forgiveness for this sort of judgement but I do so feel hurt and betrayed…
We need to continue to pray that more men have a desire and calling to the kind of committment…. this life long dedication and vocation to Jesus~~~~as a woman and man promise themselves to one another forever~~~ till death do them part.
So for now, I pray for it not to divide our church but to make us all stronger…. and for the healing of all people and their vocations…. whatever they may be that they be as committed as the pedistal that I have always had in my mind for them to be……..
God Bless everyone who is being torn up inside over this….. May we all heal and become stronger and closer because of it….
Thanks! This was beautifully stated. I said I was logging out for good but I read this Friday night and also read it to my spouse, and I felt compelled to respond….because it triggered more "positive" conversation between us again Saturday night. You made such a powerful comment here about a "double life". Our discussion was not towards Father leading one, but more towards ourselves when we're commiting sin. It's a very powerful way to look at it. I think without either of us saying it we came to a realization….it is possible to temporarily lead a double life and still come back to God…or at least live life with the comfort of knowing that God will take you back if you go off the course.
My spouse and I have come a long way in the last couple weeks over this, and to be quite honest, as of last night we now completely understand the diocese's approach to this. We are so grateful Fr. Thompson has updated us. We have changed our thoughts on this….we will follow what the bishop decides and we will try very very hard to stand behind that decision completely free of judgement. My spouse said it very nicely last night….these folks know more than me, so when they make an informed decision I will stand behind that 100%. I thought about that this morning. Some folks, even Catholics, often question our position as Catholics, but we follow and believe what was written because it was written by thousands of scholars who recorded the history of our Church.
Thanks again!