This is a message I shared this weekend at Masses:

I want to let you know that beginning this week (Dec. 1), I will be stepping away from my daily responsibilities for a period to focus on my mental and spiritual health. I feel it necessary at this time to address personal challenges in my life. I’ve spoken to the Archbishop and he’s agreed to allow me some time away to receive some help and healing. 

I don’t plan on sharing additional details, but, please keep me in prayer during this time. I believe this period of care is part of a healthy, responsible approach to my personal well-being. I cannot say how long I will be away, but I anticipate it will at least be a period of a few months. 

What I can say is this is not a vocational crisis - I love being a priest of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. And I am not dying either! I simply want to be well -to be a happy, holy, priest.

Our parish staff, along with the Archdiocese, has a plan in place to support the ministry of the parishes while I am away - there are still some details to be worked out, but I’m confident that all will be fine. This will mean that there will not be daily Mass for some time. However, adoration will continue as much as possible at the regularly scheduled times. There will be Masses on the weekends.

Thank you for your understanding, compassion and prayers. And please know of my prayers for you. 

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Michael McAndrew