Diaconate Director Placed on Leave Over Adultery Charges

Here’s something you rarely hear about, and almost never see reported in the secular press. This comes from The Kansas City Star:

A deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph was removed from service after being accused of violating his marital vows with a woman, according to an announcement from the diocese on Tuesday.

Bishop James Johnston removed Deacon Dwayne Katzer from his position as director of the Diaconate and Diaconate Formation Offices. Deacons are ordained ministers of the Catholic Church who perform various tasks, including baptisms and officiating marriages and funerals. Married men can become deacons.

Katzer also was removed from all other ministerial duties and placed on administrative leave for an indefinite period, according to the statement.

Also: it’s worth noting that this man is charged with breaking his marriage vows, not breaking the law. But his prominent position in the diocese makes this noteworthy—and a reminder that we all fail and we all fall. None of us is immune.

Remember this deacon and all concerned in your prayers. They need them.