St. Rose Priest Removed; Bishop Explains

The Diocese of Victoria has removed Fr. Scott Hill as pastor at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg and its mission churches. Bishop Brendan Cahill delivered the news to parishioners at Mass on Sunday morning, July 17.

Cahill read the following statement to the congregation Sunday morning:

“It came to my attention Monday morning that your pastor, Father Scott Hill, has been involved in an inappropriate relationship with an adult woman which is in conflict with his priestly life. Throughout this week, after inquiry into the circumstances of what has occurred, it is clear that Father Scott cannot continue to fulfill his role as pastor of your parish and needs time away to address his personal challenges and discernment.”

Cahill appointed Father Robert Knippenberg as temporary administrator to oversee St. Rose and its mission parishes of St. John the Baptist in Ammannsville, St. Mary in High Hill and St. Wenceslaus in Holman. Knippenberg will also coordinate the pastoral work of Father Isaac Maunger and Father Chase Goodman, the parochial vicars at St. Rose. Knippenberg will continue to serve as resident pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Frelsburg and St. Roch Church in Mentz.

“Please join me in offering prayers for all of those who are affected by this ongoing experience,” Cahill said.

The Diocese appointed Hill as pastor at St. Rose last summer.