In a preemptive move, the Diocese of Sioux City has released a statement on another priest, saying that the man’s private issues are not newsworthy. The Diocese says that with media scrutiny as of late, they became aware the incident was going to be made public in the near future, even though they say Fr. Jeremy Wind has recovered from his issues and has provided “exemplary spiritual and priestly care to his parishioners.” The Associated Press has released details from a police report that say in 2013, Fr. Wind was meeting with a parishioner in a Sioux Center mall when his behavior became erratic. He removed his shoes, pants and socks and chased the woman out to her car. He was then taken into custody after striking an officer. Susan O’Brien, Director of Development and Communications, distributed the statement that says Fr. Wind received counseling and treatment after this public, mental-health episode. The diocese says Fr. Wind continues to receive treatment. He takes medications, sees a psychiatrist, a counselor and follows a life-style regimen that enables him to function without problems and to remain in good mental health since 2013. Leaders of the Sioux City Diocese have also expressed their disappointment in the media, or anyone else, using an individual’s mental health issues as an opportunity to portray them in a negative light. They say that not only has Fr. Wind been open to questions about his illness, he is an advocate for others who may be struggling with their own mental health problems. Fr. Wind currently serves at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.
