Bp Christensen addresses missing funds in Hudson parish

As you have recently read and heard through local media outlets, our diocese has been in the news. On March 21, Fr. Daniel Dahlberg, pastor of St. Patrick Church, in Hudson, resigned his pastorate and was placed on administrative leave.  Fr. Eugene Murphy has since been appointed as temporary parochial administrator for St. Patrick Church. A permanent pastor has not yet been named.

Because of a problem with gambling, Fr. Dahlberg inappropriately accessed parish funds approximating, to the best of our knowledge, $11,000. Upon learning of the missing money, the Diocese of Superior acted immediately to remove Fr. Dahlberg from active ministry and to provide support and legal guidance to the officials at St. Patrick Church.

Fr. Dahlberg was asked to report his actions to local law enforcement authorities and has since been formally charged in St. Croix County with felony theft. In addition, he has worked on a repayment plan with the trustees of St. Patrick Church and has subsequently begun to receive long-term, residential counseling.
At this time, there will be no further developments until after the scheduled court hearing commences.

Bishop Peter Christensen
April 8, 2011

Sup Cath Herald