Wenthe no longer pastor of Delano Catholic Community

RAMSEY COUNTY, MN – Father Christopher Wenthe, identified as the “former pastor of the Delano Catholic Community,” was arrested Thursday on charges of sexual conduct with an adult, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
The incidents occurred between November 2003 and February 2005, according to the statement. Wenthe, 46, came to Delano in May 2009, according to Delano Herald Journal archives. The charge was filed in Ramsey County.
“The matter was reported to Archdiocesan authorities in September 2005,” according to the statement. “The woman subsequently met with Archdiocesan representatives and was offered counseling and therapy.  She was informed, as consistent with Archdiocesan policy, that she could report the contact to the police but chose not to do so.  Following an internal review, the Archdiocese sent Fr. Wenthe for a psychological assessment and treatment.
“Following his discharge, Fr. Wenthe’s case was referred to the independent Clergy Review Board for evaluation.
“In late August of 2006, the Clergy Review Board recommended that the priest be allowed to return to active ministry with certain conditions and restrictions.
“Father Wenthe was appointed parochial vicar of St. Michael/St. Mary parish in October 2006, and a full report was given to the pastor and the trustees of the parish.
“He was appointed pastor of the Delano Catholic Community, concurrent with another review of his status by the Clergy Review Board.  Disclosures were also made to the Delano parish trustees.
“No complaints or incidents have been made over the past five years of his ministry. The Archdiocese sincerely regrets any pain or suffering that the woman may have endured and continues to offer her our assistance and care,” the statement concluded.
Wenthe was ordained May 31, 2003, and prior to coming to Delano, Wenthe worked at Nativity in St. Paul, St. Michael’s in Pine Island, St. Paul’s in Zumbrota, and St. Mary’s and St. Michael’s in Stillwater, according to newspaper archives.  He performed his first Sunday Mass in Delano May 21, 2009.
A Ramsey County Jail official said Thursday night Wenthe had been released from custody on bond and said his next court appearance was set for Friday, Feb. 18.
Watch for more in Monday’s edition of the Delano Herald Journal.