#USA #WI – Andrew Showers, a former priest of the Diocese of Madison, was released from the clerical state after facing multiple felony charges involving child enticement and possession of child pornography, church officials announced on June 25, 2026.
Bishop Donald J. Hying informed the faithful in a letter that Pope Leo XIV granted Showers’ petition for laicization, effective June 24. The decision stripped Showers of all rights, duties, and obligations associated with the priesthood. He could no longer celebrate Mass or other sacraments, wear clerical attire including the Roman collar, or be addressed as “Father” or “Reverend.”
Showers, 38, had served as director of the diocese’s Office of Worship and as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Madison prior to his suspension. He was ordained for the diocese in 2017.
Authorities arrested Showers in August 2025 in Clintonville after he drove approximately 120 miles to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl named “Abby.” In reality, he had been communicating with an undercover police sergeant via Reddit and Telegram, exchanging sexually explicit messages and images. Prosecutors charged him with child enticement, attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child, and use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime.
Investigators later discovered child sexual abuse material on devices seized during the arrest. In March 2026, prosecutors filed two additional felony counts of possession of child pornography. Showers pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the cases remained ongoing as separate proceedings with a status conference scheduled for July 29. He had been free on $10,000 bond.
In his June 25 letter, Bishop Hying expressed commitment to transparency and cooperation with civil authorities. He asked for prayers for all affected parties, including Showers, and commended them to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The diocese had previously suspended Showers from public ministry following his initial arrest and restricted his contact with minors.
The case drew scrutiny over the diocese’s handling of earlier complaints against Showers dating back to 2021 and 2024. Church officials maintained they acted appropriately based on the information available at the time.
Image: Andrew Showers, 38, mugshot taken at Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office in August 2025.
