April 12, 2021

Dear Saint Peter Damian Parish Family, 

It is with great difficulty that I write to share news about your pastor, Father Christopher Ciomek. In keeping with our child protection policies, I have asked Father Ciomek to step aside from ministry following receipt by the Archdiocese of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor approximately 30 years ago. Allegations are claims that have not been proven as true or false. Therefore, guilt or innocence should not be assumed.  

I have further directed Father Ciomek to live away from the parish while the matter is investigated, and he is fully cooperating with this direction. Father Curtis Lambert will serve as temporary administrator of Saint Peter Damian Parish. Father Lambert presently resides in retirement at Saint Peter Damian and, as an experienced pastor, will attend to the needs of the parish community. 

Moreover, as is required by our child protection…