January 10, 2002

Contact: Marilyn Vydra, Director
Communications Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office: 417-866-0841
Home: 417-883-2162

Bishop John J. Leibrecht has announced his approval of a revised Sexual Misconduct Policy originally adopted in 1993. The policy, effective immediately in the 39 counties of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, is the result of the work of a six-member committee that took into consideration the requirements of civil law and the Roman Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law. The policy was carried in the January 10th issue of The Mirror, the official newspaper of the Catholic diocese, and posted on its website (www.the-mirror.org) as well as being posted on the diocesan web site. (www.diocspfdcape.org).

At the time of the adoption of the revised policy, Bp. Leibrecht appointed five people to form a Sexual Misconduct Review Board. This Board is designed to function as a confidential consultative body to the bishop, advising him and other diocesan administrators regarding alleged offenses against the diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy. The Board will also periodically reviewing the diocesan policy in light of experience. The members are:
Paul Dobard, Jr., MD, Springfield: Dr. Dobard has been on the staff of St. John's Regional Health Center for eight years. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of New Orleans and is board certified in psychiatry. He is a member of the Greene County and American Medical Associations and the American Psychiatric Association. He and his family are members of Immaculate Conception Parish.

John Layton, Cape Girardeau: Mr. Layton is an attorney who has been in practice for more than 30 years. He received a BS in Business Administration from Southeast MO State University and his law degree from the University of MO -Kansas City. Mr. Layton has served on many civic and community boards and is a member of the local and state Bar Associations. He and his family are members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish.

Rebecca Pruitt, Springfield: Ms. Pruitt has earned Master's degrees in Social Work from the University of IL, Champaign-Urbana and Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans, and Juris Doctor from Loyola University, Chicago. She currently specializes in elder law as an attorney with Zerrer& Pruitt, LLC. A member of the Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Pruitt is also a member of the MO, IL, and American Bar Associations. She serves on the boards of McAuley Counseling Services, the Mid-America Singers, and The Mirror. She is a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.

Fr. Stephen Schneider, Sikeston: Fr. Schneider was ordained in 1972 after completing his studies in Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, and Aquinas Institute of Theology, Dubuque, IA. He has served as parish priest at St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau; St. Mary Parish, West Plains and Sacred Heart Mission, Thayer; St. John Parish, Leopold; Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson; Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield; he is currently the pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston. He also served as Diocesan Director of Vocations/Seminarians.

Patricia Wheeler, Joplin: Mrs.Wheeler, mother of three adult children and grandmother of four, earned a degree in sociology from MO Southern State College, and is currently on the staff of the Parents as Teachers program of the Joplin R-VII School District. A member of St. Mary Parish, she serves on the Parish Council and is active with the PCCW. She also works with the Safe Kids Coalition of Missouri and the United Way's Success by Six program.

Bp. Leibrecht has also appointed an Assistance Coordinator. This person will receive and respond to reports of incidents of sexual misconduct from those who would be more comfortable talking to a lay person not in the employ of the diocese. The Assistance Coordinator's name and phone number will be given to individuals needing that type of contact.