News
Continuing coverage of Archbishop Chaput’s decisions on priests
Archbishop Chaput announces decisions on eight suspended priests 'Swift and transparent' investigation leads to resolution of clergy abuses cases Archdiocese initiates plan to promote healing among the faithful
Archdiocese initiates plan to promote healing among the faithful
Church action following the clergy sexual abuse scandal is most importantly about justice for the victims. But it’s also about healing – not only for the victims, but for the entire Church community. With that in mind the Archdiocese has begun a new initiative, “Honesty, Healing and Hope in Christ: Confronting Sexual Violence in Our […]
‘Swift and transparent’ investigation leads to resolution of clergy abuses cases
When Gina Maisto Smith, a veteran child abuse prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, was hired by the Archdiocese to review all cases of living priests accused of child abuse in the Archdiocese in the aftermath of the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report on clergy sex abuse, Philadelphia Catholics might be excused if they […]
Details of a rigorous review process revealed during press conference about suspended priests
After intensive review, eight of the 26 cases of priests placed on leave last year by Cardinal Justin Rigali following the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report have been resolved, Archbishop Charles Chaput announced at a May 4 press conference held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. All eight priests had allegations against them of sexual abuse of minors or violations of the Archdiocese’s Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. The Archbishop also said a number of the remaining cases should be decided within coming weeks.
Documents regarding Archbishop Chaput’s decisions
News Release May 4, 2012 Archbishop Chaput's remarks at press conference Archbishop Chaput's Letter Archbishop Chaput's Letter (in Spanish) Executive Summary Executive Summary (in Spanish) Priest Administrative Leave Resolution Chart Priest Administrative Leave Resolution Background
Archbishop Chaput announces decisions on eight suspended priests
Archbishop Charles Chaput announced May 4 his decisions on eight priests who had been suspended due to past allegations of clerical misconduct or child sexual abuse. Of the priests, five were “unsuitable for ministry.” They include Msgr. Francis Feret, 75, and Fathers George Cadwallader, 58; Robert Povish, 47; John Reardon, 65; and Thomas Rooney, 61. The three priests deemed suitable for ministry are Msgr. Michael Flood, 72, and Fathers Philip Barr, 92; and Michael Chapman, 56.
Dioceses defend against in vitro suits filed by former teachers
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Both the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., are defending themselves against lawsuits filed by Catholic school teachers who were fired for pursuing in vitro fertilization treatments. In the Indiana case, Emily Herx is suing the diocese after being fired from her teaching job of eight years […]
Archbishop informs priests of leave status
Archbishop Charles Chaput met May 2 with most of the priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield to discuss his decisions regarding archdiocesan priests placed on administrative leave. Their status has remained in limbo for more than a year as investigations into clerical misconduct followed the January 2011 Philadelphia […]
Nearly 800 people join the Church
Carl Kelley, 67, regularly attended Mass at St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia with his Catholic wife and raised his children Catholic. Baptized into the Baptist church, Kelley said that for years “my whole being had been drawing toward the Church.” It took an invitation and some prodding from two parishioners for Kelley formally […]
May/June events
Spiritual Novenas The Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia will hold its regular Monday novena with Father Stephen Cantwell, C.M., as principal homilist on May 7. He will preach on “Our Lady of Fatima” at the 9 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. novena prayers and Mass. On May 14, Father Carl Pieber, C.M., will preach on “Mary, […]