July 31, 2019
Office of The Archbishop
100 East Eighth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-421-3131 Ext 2810
Dear Family of St. Ignatius Parish,
Effective immediately, I am appointing Deacon Tim Helmick as temporary administrator of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. Deacon Tim will have all of the administrative authority of a pastor until such time as a permanent pastor is identified and appointed. Father Dave Kobak, OFM, will continue as parochial vicar and minister to the pastoral needs of the parish. I am deeply grateful to both Deacon Tim and Father Dave for their dedication and caring service to the people of St. Ignatius.
On Tuesday, July 23, I placed Father Geoff Drew on a leave of absence due to behavior that violated our Decree on Child Protection. Father Drew will not be returning to St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. Father Drew will soon undergo a complete physical, psychological and spiritual assessment at an independent in-patient treatment facility. That assessment, along with the recommendations of the professionals treating Father Drew, will be provided to me as input for deciding the appropriate next steps.
We have received no allegation of criminal behavior on the part of Father Drew. We are committed to investigating fully any allegations, criminal or otherwise, that we receive. If you know of, or learn anything, suspicious or criminal regarding Father Drew, please report it to Mr. Mark Piepmeier at the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Piepmeier may be reached directly at 513-946-3078 or [email protected].
I am acutely aware of the pain and distress that you rightfully feel due to this matter, and for that I am deeply sorry. Please know of my prayers during this very difficult and stressful time for the St. Ignatius family, and for all of us. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the Catholic Church in the United States, continue to intercede for us. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and protect us.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr
Archbishop of Cincinnati
