Signers of the petition included parents of children who attend the school operated by St. Susanna, parishioners and former parishioners, and members of the Mason community.
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On Monday, Stechschulte announced that he would step down from his role at St. Susanna to be “reassigned elsewhere by the archdiocese.”
“The last couple of weeks have been difficult ones for all of us at St. Susanna,” Stechschulte said in a statement published to St. Susanna’s website. “As I hope you know, I have been very dedicated to our parish and looked forward to continuing to build on everything we have done together these past four years.”
“However, it has become evident to me, after much prayer and discernment, that, for the good of our parish and school, I should step down as pastor, effective immediately, to be reassigned elsewhere in the archdiocese,” the statement continued.
“I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the St. Susanna community and work with all of you to build the kingdom of God. It was a great joy to me,” Stechschulte concluded. “You remain in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your families.”
ChurchLeaders has reached out to St. Susanna for comment and will update this article in the event of a response.
