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Effective April 23, 2009, Fr. Kenneth Kaucheck, 62, has resigned as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Royal Oak, and pastor of St. James Parish, Ferndale. He has been placed on an administrative leave of absence and is currently restricted from any public ministry.

The Archdiocesan Review Board has deemed substantive an allegation of sexual misconduct with a person under the age of 18 involving Fr. Kaucheck dating back to the early years of his ministry in the Detroit archdiocese.

Information about the allegation was received in January by the archdiocese and immediately shared with civil authorities.

Subsequently, the Archdiocesan Review Board commissioned an independent investigation that found the complaint to be of sufficient substance to require the placement of a temporary restriction on Fr. Kaucheck's service as a priest. A new pastor for St. Mary and St. James parishes has been appointed and will be announced at weekend liturgies. Beteween now and this summer, Fr. John Hall, a senior (retired) priest, will serve as administrator.

Information on archdiocesan policies and procedures regarding these matters is available on the Promise to Protect/Pledge to Heal page of the Archdiocese of Detroit Website. To inform the archdiocese of complaints involving sexual abuse of minors by clergy or church personnel and/or to speak to the Victim Assistance Coordinator contact: 866-343-8055.

Biographical information

Education: Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit; St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth; St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore; Gregorian University, Rome

Degrees: Doctorate in Ministry; Doctorate in Canon Law