Clergy with Allegations of

Abuse & Misconduct

Safe Environment Policy statement

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and its Affiliates promote a Zero-Tolerance Policy regarding sexual misconduct and are committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all of God’s people: one that is free from any form of sexual misconduct, which is antithetical to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

For the purposes of this policy, sexual misconduct means any behavior of a sexual nature that occurs between diocesan personnel and a minor or an adult which includes sexual abuse, enticement, exploitation, and any other such behavior, or the appearance of any such behavior, whether in person, verbal, written, or through the use of technology or other media, that is defined by and contrary to the moral teachings, doctrines, and Canon Law of the Catholic Church; and/or unlawful as described by laws: local, state, and federal.

This policy applies to all diocesan personnel, including clergy, seminarians, consecrated religious, diocesan, parish and school employees, and adult volunteers. Any violation of this policy will be grounds for discipline up to and including termination.

In its annual report, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) utilizes five categories for determinations made by the Review Boards of each (arch) diocese, which includes Credible, Unsubstantiated, Obviously False, Unable to be Proven, and Investigation Ongoing. The allegations that involve clergy that are deceased and/or alleged victims of sexual abuse or misconduct that are deceased at the time the report is received and are not determined to be “Obviously False,” should be categorized as “Unable to be Proven,” as an investigation could not be completed.

We continue to pray and offer support for those harmed by abuse and maltreatment.

Diocesan Priests

CLERGY with allegations of abuse & Misconduct

* Designates that the report or allegation of sexual abuse or misconduct was received by the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau after the accused priest was deceased, and without due process or an opportunity to respond to the allegation.

John Brath*

Ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1968, in the Cathedral of St. Raymond, Joliet, IL, by The Most Rev. Romeo Blanchette, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died in 2014.

The full press release may be found here.

Walter Craig*

Ordained June 10, 1923, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, MO, by The Most Rev. John Joseph Glennon, DD, for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Died in 1971.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, St. Louis, MO

Pastor, St. Ambrose Parish, Chaffee, MO

Pastor, St. Matthew Parish, St. Louis, MO

Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, New Madrid, MO

Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson, MO

Pastor, St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg, MO

Dec. 16, 1971 – Deceased

Wallace (‘Wally’) Ellinger

Ordained to the priesthood on February 28, 1953, in Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, by The Most Rev. Joseph E. Ritter, for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Left the priesthood in 1975; was laicized and returned to the lay state in 1976; died in 2007.

A full press release may be found here.

Fred Lutz

Ordained to the priesthood on April 6, 1973, Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, MO, by The Most Rev. William W. Baum for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died March 25, 2023.

The full press release may be found here.

John Rynish*

Ordained to the priesthood on February 21, 1943, in the Cathedral of Kansas City, MO, by The Most Rev. Edwin O’Hara for the Diocese of Kansas City. Died in 2001.

The full press release may be found here.

John Wells*

Ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1950, in St. Meinrad Archabbey, IN, by The Most Rev. Paul Schulte for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Incardinated into the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau on June 1, 1964. Died in 1972.

The full press release may be found here.

Gary Carr

Ordained to the priesthood Nov. 26, 1982, by The Most Rev. Bernard Law for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, he was placed on Administrative Leave on Dec. 23, 2008.

Read the full press releases: April 27, 2020, and July 20, 2020.

Eugene Deragowski*

Ordained April 4, 1948, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, MO, by The Most Rev. Edwin V. O’Hara, for the Diocese of Kansas City. Died in 1981.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

Assistant Pastor, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, MO

Assistant Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield, MO

Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Bolivar, MO; Pastor, St. William Parish, Buffalo, MO; Pastor, St. Patrick Mission, Greenfield, MO

Appointed Diocesan Director of Council of Catholic Youth

Pastor, St. Mary Parish, West Plains, MO; Pastor, St. William Parish, Gainesville, MO; Vicar Forane, West Plains Deanery

Pastor, SS Peter and Paul Parish, Pulaskifield; Pastor, St. Edward Parish, Cassville, MO

Pastor, St. John Vianney, Mountain View, MO; Pastor, St. Sylvester Mission, Eminence; Chaplain, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, Mountain View

Associate Pastor, St. John Vianney Parish, Mountain View, MO; Pastor, St. Sylvester Mission, Eminence

Chaplain, Mercy Villa, Springfield

Aug. 23, 1981 – Deceased

Mark C. Ernstmann

Ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1951, in St. Joseph Church in Springfield, MO, by The Most Rev. Joseph M. Marling, Auxilary Bishop for the Diocese of Kansas City, Missouri. Died in August 2013.

The full press release may be found here.

Ernest (‘Ernie’) Marquart

Ordained to the priesthood on December 18, 1970, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, by The Most Rev. Jacobus A. Hickey, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died March 13, 2024

A full press release may be found here.

Stephen Schneider

Ordained May 27, 1972, St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, MO, by The Most Rev. William W. Baum, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died in 2016.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

Associate Pastor, St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, MO

Assistant Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield, MO; Director, Sacred Heart House of Studies, Springfield, MO

In residence, St. Susanne Parish, Mount Vernon, MO

Pastor, St. Mary Parish, West Plains, MO

Pastor, St. John Parish, Leopold, MO

Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson, MO

Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield, MO

Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston, MO

Pastor, St. Henry Parish, Charleston, MO

Pastor, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Joplin, MO

Feb. 24, 2006 – Removed from active ministry

March 13, 2016 – Deceased

Louis Wyrsch

Ordained, Dec. 16, 1964, St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy, by The Most Rev. Francis Reh, STD, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died in 1997.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff, MO; Chaplain, Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Poplar Bluff, MO

Associate Pastor, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Joplin, MO

Deanery Moderator, Diocesan Council of Scouting

Part-time Associate, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Joplin, MO; Chaplain, Missouri Southern College

Director, Vocations, Joplin Deanery

Chaplain, Southwest Missouri State Ecumenical Center, Springfield, MO

1973 – Left priesthood

1990 – Laicized, returned to the lay state

1997 – Deceased

Leonard Chambers

Ordained April 3, 1965, Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff, MO, by The Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, DD, STD, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Laicized in Dec. 9, 2005, returned to the lay state.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

(Motor Missions) Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff, MO

Assistant Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Pierce City, MO

Temp. Assistant, Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City, MO

Assistant Pastor, St. Peter the Apostle, Joplin, MO; Instructor of religion at McAuley High School, Joplin, MO

Associate Pastor, St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, MO

Associate Pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, MO

Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph the Worker, Ozark, MO

Instructor of Christian Doctrine, then-St. Agnes Regional High School, Springfield, MO

Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Parish, Advance, MO, and St. Anthony Parish, Glennon, MO

Pastor, St. Susanne Parish, Mount Vernon, and Parochial Administrator St. Patrick Mission, Greenfield, MO

Pastor, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lebanon, MO

Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield, MO

Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Salem, Christ the King Mission, and St. Jude Chapel, Montauk (summer only)

Interim Parochial Administrator, St. Mary Parish, Pierce City, MO

Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Pierce City, MO

Pastor, Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling City, MO

Pastor, Holy Family Parish, Shell Knob, MO

Relieved of Shell Knob, MO; continued Kimberling City, MO

Pastor, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Joplin, MO

July 31, 1998 – Priestly faculties revoked

Dec. 9, 2015 – Laicized, returned to lay state

William E. Donovan*

Ordained to the priesthood on March 26, 1955, in Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, by The Most Rev. Joseph E. Ritter, for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Died in 1975.

A full press release may be found here.

Larry Gregovich

Ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1972, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, Kansas City, KS, by The Most Rev. William Baum for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died in 2017.

A full press release may be found here.

Paul McHugh*

Ordained May 1, 1970, Our Lady of Providence Parish, St. Louis, MO, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, by The Most Rev. William W. Baum. Died in 1983.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

Associate Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Springfield, MO

Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff, MO

Associate Pastor, St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, MO; Instructor of Religion, Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau; Moderator, Council of Catholic Youth Deanery, Poplar Bluff, MO

Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Parish, Advance, MO; Parochial Administrator, St. Anthony Mission, Glennon, MO

Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Advance; Pastor, St. Anthony Mission, Glennon, MO

Pastor, St. Henry Parish, Charleston, MO

In residence, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson, MO

Pastor, Our Lady of the Lake, Branson, MO

June 4, 1983 – Deceased

Amel Shibley

Ordained March 25, 1962, Immaculate Conception Church, New Madrid, MO, by The Most Rev. Charles Helmsing, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Died in 2002.

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

Assistant Pastor, St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg, MO

Assistant Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston, MO

Assistant Pastor, St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, MO

Assistant Pastor, St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, MO

Pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Piedmont, MO; Pastor, St. George Mission, Van Buren, MO; Pastor, Our Lady of Sorrows Mission, Williamsville, MO

Pastor, St. Ann Parish, Malden, MO

Pastor, St. Eustachius Parish, Portageville, MO

Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston, MO

Diocesan Director, Society for the Propagation of the Faith

Pastor, St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg, MO

Aug. 1995 – Retired

Parochial Administrator, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Fredericktown, MO

Sept. 13, 2002 – Deceased

Religious Congregations

Since the establishment of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in 1956 from territory that prior to 1956, was part of the then-Diocese of Kansas City and the Archdiocese of St. Louis, we have relied on the generosity of various religious orders to assist in staffing parishes and Catholic ministries. The names of those for whom allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor have been received appear below along with their dates of service, if known, in the Diocese. The ministry outline for religious order priests with allegations of abuse appears below.

RELIGIOUS ORDER PRIESTS WITH ALLEGATIONS:

Stephen Juda, CR, Congregation of the Resurrection

Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Salem; Christ the King Mission Church, Bunker, MO, and St. John the Baptist Mission Church, Licking, MO

2006 — Deceased

Thomas G. Meyer, OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate Oblate House at Our Lady of the Ozarks,

Carthage, MO, (opened junior seminary in 1944, when still part of the Diocese of Kansas City, closed in 1971); possible supply priest at St. Ann Parish, Carthage, or area.

Pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Mansfield, MO, and St. Leo the Great Parish, Ava, MO

2012 — Deceased

Thomas Parrott*, CM, Vincentian Fathers

St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardeau, MO

Chaplain, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Monett, MO

Associate Pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, MO

Administrator, St. Mary Parish, Seneca, MO, and Nativity of Our Lord Mission Church, Noel, MO

1974 — *Incardinated into the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau

Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Seneca, MO

1987 — Retired

1996—Deceased

Edgar Probstfield, OSB, Rule of St. Benedict, Benedictines

Assistant/Associate Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Springfield, MO

Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Springfield

2007 — Deceased

Bernard Vedder, OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Oblate House at Our Lady of the Ozarks, Carthage, MO, (opened junior seminary in 1944, when still part of the Diocese of Kansas City, closed in 1971); possible supply priest at St. Ann Parish, Carthage, or area. No assignment by diocesan bishop.

1995 — Laicized, returned to lay state

Mark Santo, OSM, Order of Friar Servants of Mary, Servites

Associate Pastor, St. Marie du Lac Parish, Ironton, MO

2008 — Deceased

Henry Vetter, CP, Passionist Order, formerly known as the Congregation of the Passion of Christ

Chicago House, Missionary Priest *

St. Paul, Kansas House, Missionary Priest*

1977 — Deceased

(*Missionary priests would conduct retreats/missions in the area; abuse occurred between 1948-1950 in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church Joplin, when the church [and school] was still part of the Diocese of Kansas City).

See the full press release issued Sept. 3, 2020, by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph here.

Emil Twardochleb, OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate

1975 — Deceased

ORDER PRIESTS WITHIN THE DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU WITH REPORTED ABUSE OUTSIDE OF THE DIOCESE:

Wayne Barron, CMF, Claretian Missionaries

Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff, MO

Ministry in Springfield area: Sacred Heart Parish, Catholic Campus Ministry at Missouri State University, Springfield

1990s — Removed from ministry by Claretians

Floyd A. Brey, SJ, USA Midwest Province of Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

Chaplain, St. Vincent Hospital, Monett, MO

1996 — Deceased

Allegation was reported to Jesuits referring to a period in 1958 at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, WI. Found credible by Jesuits.

John ‘Jack’ Farris, CM, Vincentian Fathers

Associate Pastor, St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg, MO

Pastor, St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg

2003 — Deceased

Charles Mrowinski, CR, Congregation of the Resurrection

Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Salem, MO

Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Salem, MO

2008 — Deceased

2013 — Accused of abuse in Archdiocese of Chicago; alleged incident occurred in 1984. Found credible by Resurrectionists.

John Ruhl, CM, Vincentian Fathers

No assignment by Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau; could have been in and out of the Cape Girardeau area due to various ministries within the Vincentian order.

1992 — Removed from ministry by the Vincentians

2018 — Deceased

Vincent Barsch, OSB, Rule of St. Benedict/Conception Abbey, Conception, MO

Assistant/Associate Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Springfield, MO

Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Springfield, MO

1973 — Left the priesthood

2010 — Deceased

Michael Charland, OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Oblate House at Our Lady of the Ozarks, Carthage, MO, (opened junior seminary in 1944, Diocese of Kansas City, closed in 1971); possible supply priest at St. Ann Parish, Carthage, or area. No assignment by diocesan bishop.

1989 — Laicized, returned to lay state

2004 — Deceased

J. Vincent Fitzgerald, OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate

2009 — Deceased

Orville Munie, OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate

1993 — Deceased

Daniel Schulte, CM, Vincentian Fathers

Associate Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau, MO

2006 — Removed from Ministry by the Vincentians

2020 — Deceased

Damian Boeding* OSB, Order of St. Benedict, Benedictines

Came to Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau from the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS, in 1969.

Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City, MO

1970 — *Incardinated into the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau

Associate Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield

Pastor, St. Cecilia Parish, Kennett, MO, and St. Joseph Mission Church, Steele, MO (closed in 1986)

Associate Pastor, St. Canera Parish, Neosho, MO

In Residence, St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield

Pastor, St. William Parish, Buffalo, MO; Chaplain, Cox Medical Center, Springfield

Relieved as Pastor in Buffalo for reasons of health

Chaplain, St. de Chantal Monastery, Springfield

1975 — Left the priesthood

1984 — Reinstated to priesthood, no longer in Diocese

Aug. 1988—Retired

2003 — Deceased

Daniel Michael Drinan, CMF, Claretian Missionary

1976—Transitional Deacon, Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff

1977—Ordained to the priesthood for the Claretian Missionaries US-Canada Province

1979-1982—Part-time Chaplain at then-Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield

1985-1992—Chaplain/Director for Catholic Campus Ministry (Nancy McGregor House) on the campus
of Missouri State University, Springfield

2006—Expelled from the Claretian Missionaries US-Canada Province

2014—Laicized

Richard Lause, CM, Vincentian Fathers

Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau, MO

Pastor, St. Henry Parish, Charleston, MO

2003 — Removed from Ministry by the Vincentians

William Paiz, CMF, Claretian Missionary

Sacramental Priest, Holy Trinity Parish, Aurora, MO

Sacramental Priest, Sacred Heart Parish, Verona, MO

Jan. 2012 — Removed from Ministry by the Claretians

Fr. Francis "Lery" Wendling, OFM, Franciscan Friars

No assignment from the diocesan bishop; Ordained in 1962 for the Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. John the Baptist, Fr. Wendling lived in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau from 2008-2017 while a member of the Friar’s Interprovincial House of Prayer at Ava (Our Lady of the Angels Friary). Estimated timeframe of abuse within the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS: 1980s and 1990s.

2017 — Deceased

Francis Zimmerer, OSB, Order of St. Benedict, Benedictines

Associate/Assistant Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Pierce City, MO

1983 — Deceased

ORDER PRIESTS WHO RESIDED IN THE DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU THAT WERE REMOVED IN MINISTRY BY ORDER WHILE INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED BY ORDER:

John Turnbull, OFM, St. John the Baptist Province, Franciscan Friars

No assignment from the diocesan bishop; Fr. Turnbull was placed on administrative leave/removed from ministry by the Franciscan Friars in 2005 and resided in Our Lady of the Angels Friary, Ava, MO, through process of investigation. Information on how to document an allegation of abuse with the St. John the Baptist Province may be found here.

2017 — Deceased

Henry Willenborg, OFM, Sacred Heart Province, Franciscan Friars

No assignment from the diocesan bishop; Fr. Willenborg was placed on administrative leave/ removed from ministry by the Franciscan Friars in 2009 and resided in Our Lady of the Angels Friary, Ava, MO, through process of investigation.

PRIESTS FROM OTHER DIOCESES (EXTERN PRIESTS) WITH ALLEGATIONS THAT SERVED IN THE
DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU:

John Baskett, Diocese of Kansas City, now Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Chaplain, then-St. John’s Hospital, Joplin, MO

1975 — Left Priesthood

1995 — Deceased

Thomas J. O’Brien, Diocese of Kansas City, now Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Associate/Assistant Pastor, St. Agnes Cathedral Parish, Springfield, MO

2013 — Deceased

Ralph Zimmer, Archdiocese of St. Louis

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston, MO

1981 — Deceased

Robert F. Johnston, Archdiocese of St. Louis

Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff, MO, and Motor Missions

Removed from ministry by Archdiocese

Bernard O’Flynn, Archdiocese of St. Louis

Sacred Heart Mission Church, Thayer, MO

St. Eustachius Parish, Portageville, MO

1981 — Deceased

Aloysius J. Marschner, Archdiocese of St. Louis

St. Joseph Parish, Scott City, MO

2004 — Deceased

John Wieberg, Archdiocese of St. Louis

St. Joseph Parish, Advance, MO

St. Henry Parish, Charleston, MO

St. Joseph Parish, Arcadia, MO (closed in 1957)

1963 — Deceased

Updated on September 5, 2023.
For a full list of all priests with allegations, click here.

Reporting Abuse, Misconduct, or Concerns

Any suspected or known abuse of a minor must first be immediately reported to the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 800-392-3738 or 844-CAN-TELL.

Any suspected or known abuse of vulnerable or eligible adults must first be immediately reported to the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline 800-392-0210.

Violations of the Code of Conduct for Clergy, Employees and Adult Volunteers Working with Minors may also be reported to the Diocesan Director of Child and Youth Protection, (417) 866-0841, or [email protected] or through the TIPS Online Reporting System.

Concerns may be discussed with your supervisor, the Director of Child and Youth Protection or a Victim Assistance Coordinator. The TIPS online reporting system may also be used, and is available on the home page of this Website. Go to www.dioscg.org to view the Code of Conduct for Clergy, Employees and Adult Volunteers Working with Minors for other important information, including a link to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s document, “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” If you are unable to access the Website and desire printed information, contact the diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at (417) 866-0841.

Violations involving the Bishop should be reported to the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service at 800-276-1562 or http://reportbishopabuse.org/

For more information, resources, and support, please visit the Office of Child & Youth Protection.

Contact Us:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (417)-866-0841
Confidential Fax: (888)-820-6032