Statement regarding Reverend Eugene Katcher

Father Eugene Katcher, former pastor of Resurrection Parish in Canton, has been charged by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office with three counts of larceny in a building.* He was arraigned on Aug. 31 in 35^th District Court.

The charges are felonies carrying a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison.The charges stem from a preliminary investigation begun by the Archdiocese in the spring of 2017, after an allegation was made against Fr. Katcher. After uncovering evidence of possible improper activity, the Archdiocese contacted civil authorities for further investigation.It is alleged that during his time as pastor at Resurrection Church, Fr. Katcher stole money and numerous items of property from the parish.Having reached what the archdiocese calls senior priest status, Fr. Katcher, 71, retired, as had been previously scheduled, in July. Following his arrest, he was restricted from public ministry, meaning he may not celebrate Mass or the sacraments in a church setting, may not wear a Roman collar or present himself as a priest, and he is not allowed on parish property at Resurrection.The Archdiocese takes seriously every allegation involving inappropriate conduct of clergy, church personnel or volunteers. It is the policy of the Archdiocese to conduct a financial audit of parishes every three years. Additionally, each parish is required to have a finance council, led by parishioners, that assists and advises the pastor in oversight and control of parish financial affairs.Parish employees, parishioners, volunteers, vendors, and other parties can report confidentially any concerns related to financial matters to EthicsPoint, an independent, third-party company, at (855) 234-9774.Anyone with knowledge of any misconduct by a member of the clergy, church personnel or volunteer may also contact the Archdiocese of Detroit at (866) 343-8055. Matters involving possible criminal activity are reported by the Archdiocese to civil authorities.* Charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.Father Eugene Katcher1993 – Ordained for the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota2000 – Incardinated into the Archdiocese of Detroit1996-98 – Associate Pastor, St. Edmund Parish, Warren1998-99 – Associate Pastor, St. Joan of Arc Parish, St. Clair Shores1999-01 – Associate Pastor, St. Patrick Parish, White Lake2001-04 – Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Yale2003-04 – Administrator, Sacred Heart Mission, North Branch2004-14 – Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Roseville2012-14 – Administrator, St. Athanasius Parish, Roseville2014-17 – Pastor, Resurrection Parish, CantonJuly 2017 – Restricted from public ministry