Providence President Fr. McGrath Steps Down Amid Investigation

NEW LENOX, IL - Father Richard McGrath is gone from Providence Catholic High School effectively immediately, according to a statement issued by the Diocese of Joliet. The departure of the long-time president of Providence stems from an investigation, the diocese indicated in a statement on the matter. "The Diocese of Joliet and the Augustinian Order have followed the accepted protocol for responding to such allegations and are cooperating with authorities," the Diocese announced.

The allegation surrounds "potentially inappropriate material on his mobile device."

Father McGrath had been President and/or Principal of Providence Catholic High School since 1985. He is a priest in the Order of St. Augustine of the Midwest Province and has been involved in Catholic education since 1969, according to biographical material.

The Diocese of Joliet statement asks people "to refrain from speculation in this matter, as the investigation continues. As this is an active investigation, officials of the school diocese, and order are not at liberty to comment further."

Now that McGrath is gone, Father John Merkelis has been named as acting president until a permanent leader is named. "Father Merkelis will continue to serve as Pastoral Director at Providence Catholic during this period of transition," the statement indicates. It also asks people to "Please keep the Providence Family in your prayers."

Meanwhile, Father Merkelis issued his own statement on the matter.

Father Merkelis

"Although it is a sad and confusing time, the school will continue to move forward and get back to business after a well-deserved Christmas break. As is the Providence Catholic way, we will need to support each one another in these difficult times."

The Merkelis statement indicated that school counselors were scheduled to be available from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday in the learning commons for student support.

"Please keep our school and all who attend here and work here in your prayers," Father Merkelis wrote. "Should you have any questions, please contact me. I will do my best to answer any of the concerns that you may have."

On Friday, the Providence Catholic High School administration website included photos and contact information for Father Merkelis and Principal John Harper, the retired Plainfield School District superintendent, but information about Father McGrath was no longer there.

John Harper

Patch will continue to update this story with more information as it becomes available.

Image via Google Maps, images of Father Merkelis and Principal John Harper via Providence Catholic High School website