A priest serving the Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community has been placed on administrative leave following an allegation of sexual misconduct involving an adult.

Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community — part of the Diocese of St. Cloud — includes catholic churches in Wadena, Staples, Verndale, Bertha, Bluegrass, Bluffton, Menahga, and Motley.

In a June 29 letter, Bishop Patrick M. Neary informed parishioners that Father Aaron Kuhn was placed on leave and will undergo a professional evaluation for personal and spiritual renewal.

Neary wrote the allegation of sexual misconduct involved another adult, not a minor.

“I ask that you keep him and everyone affected by the situation in your prayers,” Neary wrote.

Neary wrote he has been in contact with Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community parochial vicar Father Rick Aubol and business administrator Deacon Randy Altstadt to offer support and assistance.

“I am truly grateful to them for their leadership,” Neary wrote. “I promise to provide future updates regarding Fr. Aaron’s status as appropriate.”

Neary also said a Diocesan Response Team would be visiting churches in the Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community to address questions and concerns.

The Facebook page for Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community announced prayer events for Father Kuhn, the area Catholic community and “everybody affected by the circumstances disclosed in Bishop Neary’s letter” Monday, July 8, at Sacred Heart Church in Staples and Tuesday, July 9, at St. Ann Church in Wadena.

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