MADISON — It was brought to the Diocese of Madison’s attention late last week that the State Attorney General’s office would be bringing felony charges against Fr. Thomas Marr pertaining to last year’s financial irregularities at St. Bernard Parish in Watertown.
While it is against our policy to comment on ongoing investigations and/or court rulings, we offer the following for context and background information:
For over a year now, St. Bernard Parish and the Diocese of Madison have been cooperating fully with civil authorities in this matter, as has Father Marr. We will continue to do so.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino offers Father Marr his prayerful support and love as a brother priest and friend and has encouraged him to continue to cooperate with civil authorities, so that the truth may be served.
The diocese continues to be in constant contact with Msgr. Daniel Ganshert, pastor of St. Bernard Parish, and parish representatives. The pastoral care of the parish, spiritually, emotionally, and financially, remains a priority of the bishop and his offices now and it will be in the future.
Father Marr has been living as a “priest in residence” at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison, assisting with sacramental needs only, at the request and supervision of Msgr. Kenneth Fiedler.
Further than this, it would be inappropriate for the Father Marr, St. Bernard Parish, or the diocese to comment on these ongoing charges.