Brothers and Sisters of the Diocese of Madison,

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the difficult and sad news that one of our diocesan priests was arrested Sunday in Waupaca County.

Fr. Andrew Showers, a parochial vicar for Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Madison, was taken into custody on allegations of child enticement, use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, and attempted second degree sexual assault of a child.

We are still gathering details and are awaiting the release of the criminal complaint and formal charges by the Waupaca County District Attorney to understand more fully the situation. Right now, we know what the public knows, and even with these limited details, I am grieved beyond words.

I want to assure you that diocesan staff, clergy, and I are working in full cooperation with law enforcement. There have been no previous allegations of sexual misconduct connected to Fr. Showers. While the investigation is ongoing, he has been completely restricted from all public ministry and barred from having contact with minors. Fr. Showers is also afforded a presumption of innocence in the pursuit of justice.

I wish to reiterate that any allegations of sexual misconduct against minors by priests, deacons, or other church personnel should immediately be brought to the attention of law enforcement officials, as well as the Diocese of Madison's Sexual Misconduct Question and Reporting Line at 608-821-3162. 

While I do not have any further information to provide at this time, I am committed to keeping you informed and will share additional information as it becomes available.

These allegations wound the entire Body of Christ and cut to the heart for all of us throughout the diocese. Allegations of this nature are always deeply painful, but especially so in the case of a priest.

I earnestly ask for your prayers for anyone affected, for all victims of sexual abuse, and for our Church.

Yours in Christ,

+Donald J. Hying

Bishop of Madison