To my brothers and sisters, I am saddened to let you know that on the afternoon of Friday, April 29, the Diocese of Crookston was served papers through the office of Mr. Jeffrey Anderson, notifying us that the Diocese and St. Mary’s Parish, Red Lake, are being sued due to alleged sexual abuse of a minor by Father Pat Sullivan during Father’s tenure at St. Mary’s, Red Lake. Because of this allegation, in accord with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the corresponding Norms, and our diocesan policy, I have placed Father Pat on Administrative Leave. Father Pat denies any wrongdoing. We will follow our diocesan policy for dealing with such matters. Please keep in your daily prayer Father Pat, the faithful of St. Elizabeth Parish, Dilworth, St. Andrew Parish, Hawley, St. Mary’s Parish, Red Lake and all those involved. And pray that the truth prevail and that this matter be quickly and fairly resolved. If you are contacted by media, please direct them to Msgr. Foltz.