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Saint Paul
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Wehmeyer dismissed from clerical state

Just after the two-year anniversary of the criminal conviction of Curtis Wehmeyer, former pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in St. Paul, Wehmeyer received word in prison that Pope Francis had dismissed him from the clerical state.

“The effect of this decision is that Wehmeyer has been permanently and definitively barred from presenting himself as a priest or exercising priestly ministry,” Archbishop John Nienstedt said. “He is also prohibited from exercising a teaching or leadership role in any Catholic institution. This decision is the final resolution of Wehmeyer’s status as a priest.”

In February 2013, Wehmeyer was convicted in Ramsey County of 20 felony charges for sexual abuse of two minors and possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison. On Nov. 7, 2014, Wehmeyer was also charged in Chippewa County, Wis., with second degree sexual assault regarding an incident that occurred in the summer of 2011. Wehmeyer remains incarcerated.

Wehmeyer also served as associate pastor at St. Joseph in West St. Paul and pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle in St. Paul. His name and assignment history are listed on the archdiocese’s public list of priests who have substantiated claims against them regarding sexual abuse of a minor.

A substantiated claim is one for which sufficient evidence exists to establish reasonable grounds to believe that the alleged abuse occurred. Anyone having knowledge of sexual abuse of a minor should call law enforcement and is encouraged to contact the archdiocese at (651) 291-4497.

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“I am deeply saddened and have been profoundly affected by the stories I continue to hear from victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse,” Archbishop Nienstedt said. “My focus, and the focus of the archdiocese, is to do all we can to keep children safe while offering resources for help and healing.”

 


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