Demonstration outside of Sacred Heart Church targets leadership decision

A demonstration outside Sacred Heart Catholic Church during the 10 a.m. mass on Sunday, Sept. 27, consisted of 20 or more men, women, and a few children carrying homemade signs attempting to gain the attention of passing cars to join their demonstration. Messages included “We stand with Tammy Seys,” and  “Our school, our voice, our principal.”

 

Ann Jewison, one of the demonstrators and member of Sacred Heart parish said, “This is in hopes to remove Father Frerich from the parish leadership [for] his lack of transparency and his lack of leadership. If he stays, we could lose staffing. This could also potentially affect families, and cause them to leave as well if he stays.” Nodding their heads in agreement nearby were Megan Malecha and Molly Ulschmid. Said Malecha, “Lies can be spread and Father contradicts himself.”

 

The group was hoping their numbers would grow after church let out at 11 a.m., and Ulschmid added, “We understand that the specific details of this matter have confidentiality issues, but we are looking for facts.”

 

Father Glenn Frerichs addressed this issue in both the church bulletin and after mass on Sunday, he said: “I would like to take a moment of your time to speak about the leadership changes in our school. Mrs. Tammy Seys recently informed us of her decision to enter into a marriage outside the Catholic Church. After considerable consultation and review, it was decided to discontinue her contract as the principal of our school. This decision was made in accordance with diocesan policies and with the direct guidance and support of Bishop Barron, the Office of Catholic Schools, diocesan legal counsel, and other diocesan leaders.

 

“This decision was not mine alone, as the Bishop and members of the diocesan office provide direction on matters such as this, though I fully support it. As a Catholic school, we are entrusted with the mission of forming young people in the faith and providing an education rooted in Catholic teaching. The circumstances surrounding this matter are understood to be in conflict with the principles that guide Catholic education and the expectations placed on those who serve in leadership roles within our schools.

 

“I am aware that there has been a lot of discussion within our community and on social media about this, including questions about compassion, fairness, and the decision itself. These conversations are understandable. At the same time, the Church holds marriage to be one of the seven sacraments and regards it as a sacred institution established by God. Throughout history, Christians have sometimes been called to bear difficult witness to the truth. And we are called to that even today. 

 

“Much of the conversation has surrounded Ms. Seys wanting to move in with her fiancé during his illness, and some have said this living arrangement is the reason for her removal. I assure you this is false. The Church provides the opportunity for someone to move into someone’s home to provide care in severe circumstances. We would never stand in the way of that decision; we would work with them. Nor would we end a working relationship with someone who wanted to provide such care. This was made known to Ms. Seys. 

 

“Please know that the diocese and I sincerely hoped a resolution could be found that would allow this situation to be resolved differently, but ultimately that was not possible. 

 

“I also want to acknowledge that our school community has experienced several leadership changes in recent years. The Bishop, Diocesan staff, and I understand that stability and consistency are essential to the trust families place in the school, and we do not take that lightly. “To ensure continuity, Michael Gerard, Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, has assumed the role of interim principal. He brings valuable experience as a principal and will provide our school with the time, guidance, and leadership needed to maintain its academic, spiritual, and moral integrity during this transition. Our school is not in any way in danger of closing. 

 

“Please know that this outcome was not my wish. I share the sadness many are feeling and find this deeply painful. I ask for your prayers for Mrs. Seys, her family, our students and staff, and the entire community. The search for a new principal will begin immediately, and we remain committed to our school’s mission and future.

 

“Thank you for your prayers, understanding, and continued support of Catholic education.”