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	Group Backs Ousted Bonita Priest By Christina Cepero News-Press January 14, 2011 http://www.news-press.com/article/20110114/NEWS0102/101140402/1075/Group-backs-ousted-Bonita-priest A group of parishioners of St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs believes the Rev. Stan Strycharz should be reinstated. They've set up a defense trust for Strycharz, who was placed on administrative leave with pay July 23 by Bishop Frank Dewane. Strycharz had served as St. Leo administrator since 2005, overseeing a $21 million expansion. This week, the Diocese of Venice named the Rev. Teofilo Useche as the church's administrator. Useche came from Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto. Bob Reddy, diocese spokesman, said St. Leo needed a pastor who could devote more time to its needs while the Strycharz investigation continues. Monsignor Stephen McNamara has served as temporary administrator for the past five-plus months. McNamara is the diocese's vicar general and administrator at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord in south Fort Myers. Eighty St. Leo parishioners this month sent a letter to all parishioners supporting Strycharz. "The bishop and his spokespersons have publicly accused Father Stan of numerous instances of egregious misconduct, but have offered no evidence," the letter states. The letter advises Strycharz's position on various allegations: • He acknowledges he has a daughter who was conceived before he was assigned to St. Leo and who lives out of state with her mother. Strycharz said he revealed his relationship with the mother to the bishop almost three years ago. His relationship with the mother ended shortly after the child's birth, but he provides child support and has visitation rights. Strycharz said he asked the church for forgiveness and that the bishop chose not to punish him when the issue was disclosed to him more than two years ago. • Strycharz claims no financial improprieties were disclosed in diocese or independent audits. • He denies inappropriate relationships with adult females at St. Leo or visiting a gay bar years ago. • He refused the bishop's order to fire the religious education and music directors because he didn't find anything in their work that would warrant it. Reddy declined to comment on the letter. "All matters involved in the investigation were brought to the attention of Bishop Dewane from complaints and concerns of parishioners," Reddy said. "Strycharz had refused to authorize the release of some information pertaining to the use of credit cards which were paid by the parish. ... Until he releases the information, we can't conclude our investigation." Otis Wragg, who is serving as spokesman for Strycharz and his supporters, said Strycharz was advised by counsel not to turn over all of his personal financial records without knowing why the diocese is asking for it. Wragg said the group of supporters has grown from 80 to 150 and that Strycharz has received more than 1,400 letters and e-mails supporting him. "He'd like to go back," Wragg said. Contact: ccepero@news-press.com
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