The stabbing death of a Catholic priest in the rectory of a Ft. Calhoun church early Sunday morning is being felt locally. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department Father Stephen Gutgsell called 911 around 5:00 a.m. saying someone was trying to break into the rectory.
When deputies arrived they found Father Gutgsell suffering from stab wounds. He later died at an Omaha hospital. Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln tells KLIN News he reached out to the Archbishop of Omaha Sunday morning to offer his condolences and prayers for Gutgsell.
“And then later on in the afternoon I sent out an email to all of our priests informing them of the tragedy and asked them for their prayers for not only Father Gutgsell but also for the parishioners and for the people of the Archdiocese of Omaha.”
Bishop Conley says acts of violence like this really hit home. “When this happens to a brother priest, even though it’s not in my diocese, all the priests are affected by this when one of our brothers is killed so senselessly.”
Conley says the tragedy in Ft. Calhoun illustrates the importance of church safety. “We’re very vigilant on security at all of our facilities, schools, parishes, property of the diocese. We’re always looking at the security question. Just kind of remind ourselves we can never be lax on that and make sure all of our facilities are safe and secure.”
A Sioux City man had been arrested in connection with the murder.