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	Regarding Fr. Walter Lezuchowski� By Ned McGrath Archdiocesan Communications May 10, 2002 Fr. Walter Lezuchowski (pronounced Lez-oo-Hov-ski) 69, has been placed on leave of absence and restricted from any public ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Fr. Lezuchowski was already serving on a restricted basis in the archdiocese, following a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with children brought forward in 1991 and dating back to the earlier years of his ministry. However, as a result of a recent internal review by the archdiocese of cases processed under its sexual misconduct policy, along with new information supplied by civil authorities currently reviewing these very same cases, it became clear that it would be wise to further restrict Fr. Lezuchowski's service as priest. Fr. ezuchowski has cooperated fully in this process. At times over the past 10-years, Fr. Lezuchowski served as a part-time chaplain in a hospital and a correctional facility. Furthermore, the archdiocese has determined in its review that Fr. Lezuchowoski's name was also on a list of priests available to substitute in parishes on an as-needed basis and served briefly as a temporary parish administrator two years ago. Msgr. Walter Hurley, liaison with the prosecuting attorneys in the six counties of the archdiocese, says, "Although it was determined by an independent, non-Church evaluation that Fr. Lezuchowski did not represent a threat to anyone, what has happened here is certainly regrettable." Msgr. Hurley adds, "Going forward, we can and will learn from this experience." Ned McGrath, archdiocesan director of communications, emphasized that the allegations against Fr. Lezuchowski involve activity from 20-plus-years ago. "Still, we must be vigilant," says McGrath. "Our primary concern is for the safety of children and the well-being of the community. That is why we are so thankful for the review by civil authorities� to remove any suspicion and to resolve all questions concerning what has been handled by the archdiocese under its policy." The archdiocese was among the first in the country to develop a policy on sexual misconduct with minor children by clergy when it published comprehensive guidelines in November of 1988. -- Released by Archdiocesan Communications Friday, May 10th, 2002 **Note: Both digital images and hard copy photos of Fr. Walter Lezuchowski are available from the Public Relations Office of the Archdiocese of Detroit. The hard copies are available for pick up until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 10. For further information, call 313-237-5943. -- More -- Fr. Walter Lezuchowski � FIRST ADD Biographical Data Fr. Walter Lezuchowski, age 69 Ordained: June 1959 Education: St. John�s Provincial Seminary, Plymouth Associate Pastor: 1959 � St. Stanislaus, Detroit 1963 � Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Detroit 1968 � Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Hamtramck 1969 � St. Albert the Great, Dearborn Heights 1971 � St. Robert Bellarmine, Detroit 1978 � St. Andrew, Rochester Pastor: 1979 � St. Aloysius, Romulus 2000 � Temporary Administrator, St. Ronald, Clinton Township (3-month assignment) Part-time Chaplaincies: 1990� Crittenton Hospital, Rochester Ryan Correctional Facility, Detroit Current Status: 1991� Resigned pastorate 2002� Leave of absence
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