Cardinal Cupich Removes Evanston Pastor from Parish Finances

Archdiocese launches review of 'serious concerns' about financial management at St. John Henry Newman Parish

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Cardinal Blase J. Cupich has asked Rev. Kenneth J. Anderson, the pastor of St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston, Illinois, to step away from overseeing the parish's finances while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates 'serious concerns' about how the money is being managed. The archdiocese has named Pastor Wayne Watts of Wilmette to temporarily oversee the parish's internal financial administration during the review.

Why it matters

The move comes as St. John Henry Newman Parish, formed in 2020 through the merger of St. Athanasius and St. Joan of Arc, has been running budget deficits since its inception, leading to repeated appeals to parishioners for additional donations. The parish's business manager and operations director recently resigned, raising internal concerns about oversight.

The details

In a letter to parish leaders, Cardinal Cupich said the archdiocese has launched a review and asked Father Anderson to step back from administrative duties tied to parish finances. The correspondence does not specify the particular issues that triggered the review. Parish records show the merged St. John Henry Newman has been running in the red since its formation, including a roughly $329,000 deficit in its first full year after the merger and ongoing gaps in the 2023–24 budget that led to a 'Balance Our Budget' appeal to parishioners.

  • On April 3, 2026, Cardinal Cupich sent a letter to parish leaders asking Father Anderson to step away from overseeing the parish's finances.
  • In the summer of 2025, Father Anderson informed parishioners that the parish's business manager and operations director had resigned.

The players

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich

The Archbishop of Chicago who asked Father Anderson to step back from financial duties at St. John Henry Newman Parish.

Rev. Kenneth J. Anderson

The pastor of St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston, Illinois, who has been asked to step away from overseeing the parish's finances during the archdiocese's review.

Pastor Wayne Watts

The pastor of a parish in Wilmette, Illinois, who has been named to temporarily oversee St. John Henry Newman's internal financial administration while the inquiry unfolds.

Donna Borman

The former business manager of St. John Henry Newman Parish, who resigned last summer.

Natalie Hennigan

The former operations director of St. John Henry Newman Parish, who resigned last summer.

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What’s next

The archdiocese says the current review will be handled internally with oversight from episcopal staff, and parish leaders have told congregants they will share updates as the process moves forward. For now, Masses and school operations are expected to continue while the archdiocese completes its financial review.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of financial transparency and accountability in religious institutions, especially as they navigate mergers and budget challenges. The removal of the pastor from financial duties raises questions about the parish's financial management and the archdiocese's oversight, which will need to be addressed to restore trust within the community.