"SAVE ST. RENE"
Concerned parishioners of St. Rene Goupil Catholic Church in Sterling Heights are protesting the assignment of Fr. Steve Koehler to our Parish. Fr. Koehler's mismanagement of our parish in just his first 60 days has shaken the very roots of our vibrant and growing faith community, threatening our religious education programs, music ministry, financial health, and our faith. Fr. Koehler's assignment to our parish has resulted in the departure of key spiritual leaders from our faith community, the unjustified termination of two respected Religious Education directors, the mismanagement of parish funds, violations of Archdiocesan fiscal policy, and countless acts of defiant indignities toward parishioners and staff alike.
In addition, we are protesting the inexplicable inaction and indifference demonstrated by our regional Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop Earl Boyea in failing to acknowledge or act on the injustices carried out by Fr. Koehler after being directed to do so by Cardinal Adam Maida. We consider Fr. Koehler's actions and Bishop Boyea's indifference toward our parish to be yet another in a series of attacks on Catholic education by those most entrusted to preserve and promote what is undeniably the very future of Catholicism.
As persons of faith we remain hopeful that the Cardinal will recognize the great injustice that has been done to our faith community, right the wrongs by admonishing Bishop Boyea appropriately and then honoring our request to have Fr. Koehler reassigned to non-parish duties and thereby make the role of Pastor of St. Rene available to all deserving and capable candidates.
As stewards of St. Rene we are committed to saving our church and will continue to demonstrate and take actions to ensure our concerns are both known and remedied. We are seeking a unifying spiritual leader, a priest that can appreciate active, interested, and involved parishioners and staff rather than being intimidated by them as is now the case.
We pray that the Cardinal and all of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Detroit are able to truly hear the voice of the faithful and to act with the moral integrity entrusted of their roles in hierarchy of the church to nurture and support the faith of Jesus' followers rather than test it.
During this time of endearing turmoil at our parish we ask believers of all faiths to please pray for us.
Sincerely,
The Concerned Parishioners of St. Rene Goupil
c/o Save St. Rene
43700 Sweetwood
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314
FAX: 586.323.9854