Topeka Catholic priest suspended after allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, which he denies
"Father Pilcher denies the allegation and is cooperating fully," the archdiocese said in a news release. "He will remain on leave until the investigation is concluded and the archdiocesan Independent Review Board has reviewed the case and made a recommendation to Archbishop Joseph Naumann regarding the matter."
Law enforcement was also notified, the archdiocese said.
An announcement about the allegation was made at all Masses this past weekend at Mater Dei Parish, the archdiocese said. That parish was created in 2006 by the merger of Holy Name Catholic Church, 911 S.W. Clay, and Assumption Catholic Church at 204 S.W. 8th Ave.
The archdiocese takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency and respect, it said in Monday's news release.
The archdiocese encouraged anyone with knowledge about the case regarding Pilcher or about any other misconduct by any church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member to contact civil authorities first, and then make a report to its confidential report line at 913-647-3051 or online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
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