Dearborn — Fr. Peter Petroske, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Dearborn, is scheduled to appear in 19th District Court for a preliminary examination Sept. 13 before Judge Richard Wygonik on charges stemming from an incident Aug. 2.

Fr. Petroske, 57, was placed on paid administrative leave by the Archdiocese of Detroit after being arrested that day on charges of drunken driving and indecent exposure. He was alone in the vehicle at the time of his arrest, according to police.

“The archdiocese takes such matters seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement,” a statement from the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Communications Department said. “This is a difficult time for the parish community, and we ask for prayers for all who are impacted.”

Archdiocesan officials met with the staff at Sacred Heart Parish on Aug. 6 to inform them of Fr. Petroske’s leave of absence. During his suspension, Fr. Petroske will not be allowed on the grounds of the parish or its school. Recently retired Fr. Robert Blondell has been named temporary administrator and will oversee day-to-day operations at the Dearborn parish.

Fr. Blondell addressed parishioners in the Aug. 19 bulletin about his appointment as administrator. “While my assignment is temporary, I share some of your disappointment over what has happened in the removal of your much loved pastor, and, at the same time, some of the excitement over what I have found here at Sacred Heart in the parish and in the school,” Fr. Blondell said. “Please keep Fr. Peter in prayer.”

Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss, who was among those from the archdiocese who met with staff at Sacred Heart, asked for prayers, patience and good will from all those affected by Fr. Petroske’s arrest. The archdiocese distributed a statement with the weekly bulletin and addressed parishioners at all Sacred Heart Parish Masses the weekend of Aug. 11-12 to inform them of the situation.

“With investigations underway, and the archdiocese cooperating with authorities, parish staff and Church officials are limited in publicly discussing this matter,” the statement read, adding that there is no certain date when the matters will be resolved. Parishioners can contact Fr. Petroske via letter through the parish office, the statement said.

In addition to Sacred Heart, Fr. Petroske has also served at St. Rene Goupil Parish, Sterling Heights; St. Anne Parish, Warren; and St. Pius X Parish, Southgate.