Fr. O’Rourke was found lying outside his home by a parishioner on Monday morning. The low temperature in Appleton on Monday morning was 17 degrees. He underwent surgery at St. Elizabeth Hospital. As of Feb. 16, he was in a coma.
Bishop David Ricken and Fr. Demuth visited Fr. O’Rourke at St. Elizabeth Hospital on Feb. 18. In a letter to diocesan employees Feb. 19, Bishop Ricken requested prayers for the priest.
“Please keep Fr. O’Rourke, his family and members of St. Mary Parish in Appleton in your daily prayers during this holy season of Lent,” noted Bishop Ricken.
St. Mary Parish held a prayer service on Feb. 15. There are updates on his health at the parish Web site. Facebook fans can join the “Pray for Fr. Mike” fan page.
Fr. O’Rourke has been pastor of St. Mary since July 1986.
