Here is the letter from Father Michael Woods read to parishioners of St. Jude the Apostle parish in Sandy Springs at weekend Masses Aug. 4 and 5:

I have a difficult message which I bring to you now as my parish family. As you leave Church today, you will receive a letter outlining the Archdiocese's position on the Archbishop Marino matter you have heard about in the news media. My statement relates solely to Father Michael Woods.

I will not be evasive. I will be very direct with you, whom I have come to love at St. Jude's. Very directly, I will tell you I was intimately involved with the lady mentioned in the Archbishop Marino reports. That illicit relationship has stopped.

In the past, when asked by Church officials about this matter I have denied any such involvement. This morning, for the first time, I informed Church officials in the person of Bishop James P. Lyke, Apostolic Administrator, of the facts.

As you know, questions were raised in media reports about the possibility of me being the father of her child. I am virtually certain that I was not. However, I will volunteer to a blood test to certify scientifically that I was not.

I tell you that what I did was wrong. What now can I do? All I can think of are two things:

One, I ask your prayers for my family back home and for me.

Second, I ask your forgiveness. I have asked forgiveness of God already in the confessional. Now I ask you to please forgive me for my very serious sins.

I have offered to submit my resignation as pastor of St. Jude's. That matter now is in the hands of the Archdiocese. I will accept what decision results.

But, I repeat -- for now, please, forgiveness, mercy and prayers.