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Priest explains abrupt resignation from parish

Irudamoney says he needed to cope with personal issues

By Scott Bellile


IrudamoneyA former priest at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church wrote churchgoers a letter explaining his reasons for resigning about five months after he suddenly quit his job and left the U.S.

Rev. Arul Joseph Irudamoney, known to the MPB parish as Father Joseph, left a letter with Rev. Tom Long of the Diocese of Green Bay to distribute to church members last weekend. Irudamoney didn’t appear in person before the parish or specifically state in the letter why he quit last November.

“I found myself entangled in one such bump in my personal life that made me go home to cope with that situation,” Irudamoney wrote in the letter dated April 8. “I want to make it clear that it was not because of any personal problems in the Parish, groups or committees. It is entirely because of my personal problems.”

Irudamoney quit in mid-November and informed the Diocese of his resignation after he had left New London, according to Justine Lodl, director of communications for the Diocese. He went home to his native India.

Long prefaced Irudamoney’s letter by stating Irudamoney had returned to Wisconsin to collect his belongings and the two met on Thursday, April 7.

“His return surprised me, as he has not had any contact with me since he left the parish,” Long wrote.

Irudamoney stated he’s in good health and the parish staff had been “so nice” during his time serving MPB. He asked parish members to understand his personal life and that he and they pray for one another.

“I take this opportunity to thank all of you in a very personal way for all what you had been to me while I was with you,” Irudamoney wrote. “I am indebted to you forever.”

Lodl said a new priest will be appointed to MPB on July 1. The Diocese’s selection could be announced in one month, she said.

MPB stated in its Nov. 22 bulletin, “The development of some urgent personal matters that must be addressed by Fr. Joseph has necessitated his return to India. He apologizes for this unanticipated departure. At this time we are not sure of the status of Fr. Joseph’s return. In the meantime, we will put together a plan for the pastoral care and coverage for the parish. Please keep Fr. Joseph in your prayers.”

Bishop David Ricken appointed Deacon Dan Wagnitz to serve as pastoral coordinator from Dec. 8, 2015, through June 30, 2016. Numerous priests have also led masses since November including Long.

The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay appointed Irudamoney to administrator of MPB in August 2012. The Diocese had previously appointed Irudamoney to associate pastor at St. Mary Parish and St. Francis Xavier Parish in De Pere but withdrew that appointment and reassigned him to the administrative role in New London when it decided he was more needed here.

Prior to his appointment, he served Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, from 2007-2012. He was ordained in India.

Irudamoney succeeded Rev. David Lewis, who was priest at MPB from 2000 to 2012. Lewis died of cancer on June 9, 2012.

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