Statement regarding former diocesan employee

In November 2025, Jeremy Lillig, a former employee of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, was federally charged with wire fraud in excess of $150,000 in his capacity as Director of Bright Futures Fund. The Diocese continues to fully cooperate with all civil authorities both prior to and after the charges were made. Today, we learned that Mr. Lillig has pled guilty to the charges and will be sentenced in the coming months.

Our faith teaches us that God forgives us our trespasses as we forgive the trespasses of others, and so we must approach this news with merciful hearts. However, forgiveness does not negate justice or right action in our world.  We continue to pray for all parties involved in this situation.

You may read Bishop Johnston’s previous statement on this topic here.