PRESS RELEASE ISSUED FEB. 26, 2018
SAGINAW — The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw first learned about the arrest of the Rev. Robert J. DeLand this morning from local media who received a news release overnight from Tittabawassee Township Police. The Diocese of Saginaw had no previous knowledge of the police investigation or of these allegations.
Upon receiving the information from media this morning, the diocese requested a copy of the police report and warrant issued against Father DeLand, which we have not yet received.
“I am deeply distressed by this most serious situation,” said the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw. “Clearly, the diocese will cooperate fully with law enforcement and their investigation. I ask that you keep in your prayers Father DeLand and anyone who has brought forward allegations against him. My heartfelt prayers and support go out to the St. Agnes Parish family and the entire Freeland community.”
Father DeLand, who is pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Freeland, as well as a judicial vicar for the Diocese of Saginaw, will be placed on administrative leave during this investigation in accord with diocesan policy.
---------------------------------------------------END PRESS RELEASE------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assignments
Father Robert J. DeLand was ordained to the priesthood on June 17, 1973. He was first assigned as associate pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Bay City from July 1973-July 1975, where he also served as chaplain of All Saints High School. He then served as director of the Office of Church Ministries and Vocations Director from July 1975 to July 1980. He was appointed associate pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, Bay City from 1976-78 and chaplain of Ss Peter and Paul High School from June 1978-August 1980; he served as co-director of the Permanent Diaconate Program from July 1976 to July 1980 and associate pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Saginaw from July 1980 to July 1981. He next was appointed Pastor, St. Boniface, Bay City from July 1981 to July 1987; pastor, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Essexville from July 1987 to July 1991. He served as chaplain of All Saints High School, Bay City from July 1984 until assigned to studies.
Father Deland was a graduate student at American University, Belgium, studying canon law, from September 1991 to July 1993, where he earned a license in canon law. Upon his return to the diocese of Saginaw, Father Deland worked in various capacities in the diocesan Tribunal. He was appointed pastor of Holy Family Parish, Saginaw from July 1993 to July 1995; then pastor, Ss. Peter and Paul, Saginaw from July 1995 to July 2005 and as chaplain at Nouvel Catholic Central High School from 1993 - 2005. He was appointed Judicial Vicar in 2001. He served as pastor at St. James Parish, Bay City from July 14, 2005 to July 1, 2011, where he served as chaplain of All Saints High School. He also led a variety of outreach programs, as well as national and international mission trips. Until being placed on administrative leave, Father Robert Deland served as Pastor of St. Agnes, Freeland since July 2011.
Note: The term “chaplain” was sometimes substituted with the word “pastor.”