Superior Diocese vicar general stole funds for gambling habit

The second-highest ranking official in the Diocese of Superior was removed as pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson, Wis., after taking about $10,800 from a charity account, likely to fuel a gambling addiction, church officials said.

The Rev. Dan Dahlberg — the diocese’s vicar general who previously served at Superior’s Cathedral of Christ the King — was removed by Bishop Peter Christensen following a request by St. Patrick’s church trustees after they discovered the money was missing, according to a letter distributed to parishioners on Sunday.

“It is very likely that this misconduct is the result of a serious gambling addiction which has led to personal financial issues and impaired Father Dan’s judgment,” read the letter from trustees Samuel Cari and Claire Zajac.

The trustees said that arrangements have been made for Dahlberg to repay the full amount and recommended the diocese help obtain professional help for Dahlberg, who also sits on the Diocesan Finance Council and the corporate boards of all parishes.

Dahlberg served as rector at the Superior cathedral from 1998 to 2009 and has been vicar general of the diocese — the second highest position next to the bishop — since 1998.
Duluth Tribune

Let's pray for Fr. Dahlberg.  May this humiliation bring him closer to the humiliations of Christ on the cross. 

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