Bishop Archives - KVRR Local News

Diocese of Fargo cancels mass, makes changes to funerals, weddings & baptisms

March 17, 2020

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. – The Catholic Diocese of Fargo has canceled public mass, sacraments and parish events during the Coronavirus outbreak. “We have the responsibility to protect the well-being of our brothers and sisters, and I judge these measures to be prudent and necessary,” Bishop John Folda said. Folda made the announcement on the diocese’s website. Funerals, weddings and baptisms will…

North Dakota Dioceses Release List of Priests with Substantiated Claims

The lists consist of 53 clergy members.

January 2, 2020

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BISMARCK, N.D.–The Diocese of Bismarck and the Diocese of Fargo released lists of priests who have substantiated claims against them today. A substantiated claim is an allegation that a priest, deacon, monsignor or bishop sexually abused a minor during his appointment within the Diocese. Bishop David Kagen said he chose to publicly identify the priests “In the interest of transparency…

Crookston bishop defends conduct in sexual abuse case

November 5, 2019

KVRR Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS – A Minnesota bishop says he was trying to protect the confidentiality of a man who said he was sexually abused by a popular priest when he certified to other church officials that the priest was fit to work with children. Bishop Michael Hoeppner of the Diocese of Crookston is the subject of a Vatican-ordered investigation into whether he…

State Orders Shutdown Over Lead Levels at Water Gremlin

The Department of Labor and Industry ordered a 72-hour shutdown.

October 28, 2019

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MINNEAPOLIS–Authorities have shut down production at a Minnesota company amid concerns about lead poisoning among plant workers’ children. State agencies say Water Gremlin hasn’t done enough to limit workers’ exposure to lead dust at its White Bear Township facility. At least 12 children of employees have been found with elevated blood levels of lead, including two with levels above the…

Crookston bishop under investigation under Pope’s new legislation

September 10, 2019

KVRR Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has started an investigation into Diocese of Crookston Bishop Michael Hoeppner under Pope Francis’ recent legislation addressing bishop accountability in the church worldwide. He is the first Minnesota bishop to be investigated under this protocol. In a statement, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda said he was authorized by the Congregation for Bishops…

New Ulm Diocese Reaches $34 Million Settlement Deal

The bankruptcy case involves 93 people who say they were sexually abused by priests and others

June 26, 2019

TJ Nelson,

NEW ULM, Minn. — The Diocese of New Ulm in Minnesota has reached a $34 million settlement in its bankruptcy case with 93 people who say they were sexually abused by priests and others. Attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents many of the survivors, says it includes contribution of $8 million from the diocese and its parishes with the rest coming…

Fargo Bishop and MSUM History Professor React to Notre Dame Fire

April 16, 2019

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FARGO, N.D. — All eyes were on the Notre Dame in Paris as it burned Monday, and now France is dealing with its aftermath. Many people across the Atlantic have ties to the cathedral, including people in the Fargo-Moorhead area. “Years ago I was able to visit and I managed to find a little place, and I had some time…

Diocese of Crookston, Bishop Sued Over 46-Year-Old Abuse Allegations

Vasek got emotional while talking about a letter he was asked to sign saying the abuse never happened

May 9, 2017

TJ Nelson,

CROOKSTON, Minn. — A man who says he was abused by a priest 46 years ago is suing Bishop Michael Hoeppner and the Diocese of Crookston. The lawsuit says Ronald Vasek was exploring whether to become a deacon in 2010 when he reported the abuse by Father Roger Grundhaus to Hoeppner. He says the bishop advised him not to tell…

Fargo Diocese Joins Lawsuit Against Federal Health Care Regulations

The Fargo Diocese Says The Requirements Pose a Threat to Religious Freedom

December 30, 2016

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Bishop John FoldaThe Diocese of Fargo has joined with a number of North Dakota Catholic employers in filing a federal lawsuit against health care coverage requirements that are in conflict with the Church. Bishop John Folda says while the Church does not discriminate based on sexual orientation, it should have the rights to make faith-based coverage decisions, even for its…