Click here to read: Priest to return after porn investigation but questions remain, Philly.com, May 2017
As Kathy comments in this article, imagine what would happen to an archdiocesan lay employee in the same situation? Would he or she get another good job within administration? No.
In the two most recent cases of archdiocesan embezzlement, the woman was fired and charged while a priest kept his leadership position.
Compare and contrast: Monsignor admits to embezzling $500K to cover gambling debts…
Former Philadelphia Archdiocese CFO Gets Prison Term
Clericalism is alive and well. And it still puts our Church at risk.
Dear Fr. Kolenkiewicz,
You are among the clerics crippling the Church and Catholicism. Your story is alarming. Your recent appointment defies reason. No intelligent human being would conclude that you belong or deserve participation in active ministry… or that the Church did not collude to protect you from your crime… or that the archdiocesan investigation team does not consist of clerical mouthpieces… or that your computer miraculously vanished… or that your treatment program was a fix.. or that you are fit… or that you are not a disgrace, threat, or loser. Rather, an intelligent human being would conclude that you are perceived by the brotherhood as “set apart,” an ecclesiastical elite, a prince, one among the noble clerical class. In the clerical purple-haze, your brothers will save your priesthood at all costs, indeed, in doing so, they save your identity. That the truth of your identity is grossly out of sync with the priesthood is a deviation they are used to… they cover it up, pass you along, recycle you, inflict you on the rest of us. All that matters is that they have saved one of their Christ-own.
The utter disconnect from the rest of us– our well being and our intellectual and moral sensibilities– is appalling and unconscionable.
Do us a favor, “Fr.” Kolenkiewicz, don’t shove your sordid, ignoble and distasteful circus-sickness in our faces. Kindly just disappear or crawl in a hole somewhere.
Kate FitzGerald
Dear Kate FitzGerald,
Kindly recall the words of Christ: “For the measure with which you measure will be measured back to you.”
Bear that admonition of Christ in mind the next time you so self righteously wish to condemn another person.
The review board of the Archdiocese unanimously voted for the reinstatement of Fr. Kolenkiewicz. This group of professional people whose names and credentials are easily accessible through the archdiocesan website found no reason that Fr. Kolenkiewicz should not be returned to ministry. Are you claiming to know his case and his circumstances better than the review board?
He harmed NO minors or any other person. No one has ever accused him of inappropriate conduct toward anyone. His was a personal moral failure and addiction which he obviously has addressed.
The gospel is not about throwing people aside or deeming them “unclean” as you have. The gospel is about conversion, renewal and restoration. Because he has committed no crime I have no difficulty with him resuming ministry. Additionally, I would also dare say that his experiences have made him more aware of the mercy of God and thus a more effective instrument of that mercy to the people to whom he will minister.
Larry, wag your gospel-apologist finger at the clerics who freely distribute mercy to one of their own while withholding it from others as noted in the two attached articles. Compare and contrast the clerical treatment.
Spare us the naive and small-minded theological lecture that we are to blindly embrace Kolenkiewicz. In forgiving, Christ did not ask us to disregard reason, evidence and knowledge or to suppress relevant truths. He intended that we use our hearts and minds. He intended that our resolutions to matters be compassionate and intelligent.
It’s interesting that the former CFO was put on leave the next day and fired the next week. There was an article where Chaput said something to the effect that he was angry about the theft and we should be angry too. There was no mercy, just a swift exit and prosecution. The monsignor who embezzled however kept his position they just restricted his access to finances ..when a reporter called Villa St Joseph after the story broke he claims that the Monsignor actually answered the phone there. It is a double standard…all of it.
If Larry wants to be the ambassador of mercy to fired archdiocesan employees or students who have been expelled for breaking the rules, he might be really busy.
The one other factor that is always overlooked in cases like Fr K is the children. Can you imagine back when you were a 12 year old finding out that the parish priest had 12,000 Playboy or Playgirl stashed in his room? It would freak you out a bit…let’s have the kids be able to practice their faith without the “ick” factor. I can guarantee some teen has already tweeted out the Inquirer article and when the local school students go to the cathedral they will be eyeballing anyone in a collar..we would have when we were kids for sure. Some of the suggestions people make on this blog never take into consideration that there are children. I am supposed to tell my kids that a priest with a porn past is a more effective instrument of mercy?…no thanks Larry.
The priest who embezzled broke the law and now will face criminal charges and possible imprisonment . He remains at his residence until the court passes judgment. Anita Guzzardi, the CFO who embezzled, also remained in her home until she was imprisoned. Embezzlement is a federal crime and is punishable by law. The viewing of pornography is a moral failure and addiction. Civil authorities do not concern themselves with addictions. The Fr. K case is very different from the embezzlement cases.
Folks like you have asked for accountability and transparency. From my perspective that is what happened in the Fr. K case. He was sent for treatment, spent several years unable to publicly minister and had his case thoroughly vetted by the review board.
It would seem to me that all the “T”s have been crossed and all the “I”s dotted. A priest with no criminal past and no accusations of misconduct against minors or anyone is a threat to no one except those who refuse to believe in the transforming power of God’s grace.
Larry – to use your own words – He was sent for treatment, spent several years unable to publicly minister and had his case thoroughly vetted by the review board.
[1] He presented himself as a priest – while deemed unsuitable for the ministry – at a funeral, an anniversary celebration at St. Bede’s and other venues.
[2] He is publicizing a trip, which he no doubt gets a cut of the profits, as a clergy member, even though he is not reinstated.
Sounds like the guy who has his license taken away but continues to drive. RULES – I don’t need no stinkin’ RULES! Perhaps we should refer to him as Father Entitled Spoiled Brat!
Micklega, are you saying that the review board was wrong in recommending this priest’s reinstatement? It would seem to me that the review board, comprised of intelligent, experienced and knowledgeable people are exactly the ones who are able to use their hearts and minds to recommend resolutions that are compassionate and intelligent. It would seem to me that they are in the best position to determine whether or not Fr. K is suitable for ministry. They have all the facts unlike you or any other naysayer who has posted here.
Larry,
Your reasoning absolutely baffles my mind but, I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion regardless of how idiotic and mindless it is. As a matter of “Fact” Yes “Fact” the members of the review board are nothing but puppets controlled Chaput. They have BS facts and only the information Chaput provides them and/or thinks they should know. Notice I left his formal title out because the man does not even deserve to be addressed as Archbishop let alone Mr. He controls the members of the review board just like he controls you to put your money in the basket every Sunday money that goes right into the pockets of the lawyers at Conrad & O’Brien. All is all the review board is is nothing but a marketing/PR ploy to make it look like Chaput and the archdioceses is actually making an effort to change all while doing what they do best “Cover it up and hope nobody notices.” Nobody is trying to desecrate or take down your church. Your church is doing a GREAT job of doing it to themselves. Chaput and yourself for that matter should practice the following phrase until it sinks in….. “When it comes to Children ALL BETS ARE OFF PERIOD END OF STORY!”
Hey Larry,
As a matter of fact he did harm minors. How many minors were sexually molested and lives were destroyed for his viewing pleasure? That’s right about 12,000. Think on that a little before trying to make the people on this board drink Chaput’s “Catholic Kool Aid”.
I just want to clarify that the 12,000 images are adult porn with a small number that was investigated for possible minors. Porn is not victimless as many in that industry have abusive pasts,drug addictions and other issues so a priest should be ministering to them rather than getting off on their sexual exploitation, but he has not been charged with child porn.
Chris,
Please take a look at the following link which provides the names and bios of the members of the review board:
http://archphila.org/archdiocesan-offices/office-of-investigations/review-board-members/
You will notice the very strong credentials which these folks have. I am quite certain that none of them would appreciate your assertion that they simply rubber stamp what Archbishop Chaput wants; quite to the contrary.
Larry,
I could care less about what the Review Board thinks about my assertions. Strong credentials? Please! Their credentials are not worth the paper or webpage they are printed on. The ONLY reason there is even a board is NOT because of Chaput but, because of the archdioceses Liability Insurance Company and Legal Team requires it in order to be insured and represented..
As far as the board “Rubber Stamping” everything Chaput wants…. That’s EXACTLY what they do or they risk getting one of Chaput’s famous letters telling them they are Hurting their church or Not Going to Heaven (See Chaputs comments in Denver) or better yet risk being called out and coined not Christian from the pulpit during Sunday Mass at their own parish which they mindlessly donate to week in and week out. Chaput was brought to Philly for 3 reasons and 3 reasons ONLY. 1. To further bury the TRUTH. 2. Damage control to minimize liability and, 3. This one is my personal favorite to KILL legislation that would hold them liable for the CRIMES they have been proven to have committed and continue to commit by 2 Grand Jury Reports and an ACTIVE State Attorney General investigation. Its actually a shame that the church preaches about doing the right thing but, they themselves refuse to follow their own teaching. Classic example of “Do as I Say Not as I Do.
On a side note with regards to Fr. Creepo and the porn images. Yes they found “Adult” images on the computer the cops had access to Ill give him that. On the other hand the computer that was intentionally destroyed I can with 99% certainty say their were pornographic images of minors on the hard drive. If there was no wrongdoing then why destroy it? This should also answer your claim to the churches transparency protocol. If the definition of transparency is “If we destroy the evidence it never happened” I may have to buy a new dictionary.
Kate,
You are so right. What people must keep in mind is that this IS THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA and that this is the pattern that has been followed for probably a century.
Archbishop Chaput is following what has been done, or not done, by his predecessors. He will continue with his plan in assigning this individual, Louis Kilenkiewicz, to ministry at the cathedral as long as there is no challenge strong enough or public enough to make Chaput reconsider. He will take it step by step for as long as he can get away with it.
It’s time to reread the 2005 and 2011 Grand Jury Reports. But first though, I would suggest everyone’s reading Fr. Tom Doyle’s “Nightmare on 17th Street” –
http://www.awrsipe.com/Doyle/2017/2017-02-21-Nightmare-on-17th-Street.pdf
– which is on RichardSipe.com
If anyone would like to join the few of us picketing with signs on First Friday, June 2nd, 2017 from 12 noon to 1 pm on the pavement outside the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul in Philly on 17th St, please do come. Bring a sign of your own and please circulate this to anyone you believe may be able to join us.
Larry according to the Archdiocese he violated the terms of his admin leave by appearing in clerical attire during his suspension. That raises red flags to me. There is a double standard in the Archdiocese, I can assure you a student ,teacher or coach at an Archdiocesan school would be shown the door if they downlaoded 12,000 images of porn on a school/parish computer. Students,coaches and teachers also are not the persona of Christ who should be held to even a higher standard. I am for the same discipline or mercy across the board..not selective/different for priests. As long as it is selective the problem continues.
We alerted the Archdiocese in 2015 of the situations that came to our attention where Fr K appeared in clerical attire while on leave. At that time I believe we were told they had also been contacted by another person concerning a similar matter. I have emailed questions to Ken Gavin and the Department of Investigations at the Archdiocese because there seems to be a conflict in the statement from the Archdiocese in the article and what was relayed to us back in 2015 about the issue of compliance. We will of course post any updated/relevant info we recieve.
Also how is it possible that Fr K was arranging a pilgrimage trip to Poland and presenting himself as a priest in the advertisment while on admin leave? What exactly does not presenting oneself as a priest while on leave even mean at this point?http://selectinternationaltours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Fr.-Louis-K-Poland-2017_web.pdf
I was at the same funeral in June, 2015. He DEFINITELY was not supposed to present himself as clergy. After that, he was seen by me and others at the Carmelite Monastery, still presenting as clergy. And now, presenting himself again while on leave… and hosting a great trip to Poland and still acting as if NOTHINGs WRONG.
This guy is poison, and needs to get himself some serious help.
I agree wholeheartedly with Kathy Kane… and
onewhoknows,please contact the Department of Investigations at atoczydlowski@archphila.org and let them know where and when you saw him presenting himself as a priest while on leave. Violations of an admin leave are only reportable to the Archdiocese…unfortunately…. but it is something. I will also forward your comment to them. I encourage anyone else to also reach out to us and we will forward any info to the Archdiocese or better yet contact them directly. It has been the people in the pews alerting all to Fr K’s presence in clerical attire while on leave and that is a very encouraging sign . It is the people in the pews who will make the difference in breaking down clericalism.
Thank you. I will do that.
I have sent the archdiocese the following email:
I’m not one who would normally protest… but…. this guy just thinks he’s so far above anyone on the earth that he can do whatever he wants and still get the “plum” assignment. And so far, the archdiocese has done NOTHING but prove he’s right. Really, to hide him at the Pink Sisters? You may want to see how the archdiocese hid Stanley Gana by chucking him into the Carmelite Monastery in Philadelphia. I know that Kolenkewicz has been neither charged nor convicted… but, REALLY??? It’s getting so the archdiocese is getting like working for the government – screw up, move up. This guy had “rehab” and has been checked on? And twice was discovered to have these images on a computer? And a parish that decided to get rid of the computer used to view these images? You must think people are totally stupid.
This guy totally disregarded the part where he wasn’t supposed to represent himself as clergy or appear in clerical garb. He has, on several occasions, during this suspension, done just that.
I was at the same funeral at St. Mary’s at Czestochowa in June, 2015. He DEFINITELY was not supposed to present himself as clergy. After that, he was seen by me and others at the Carmelite Monastery, still presenting as clergy. And now, presenting himself again while on leave… and hosting a great trip to Poland and still acting as if NOTHINGs WRONG.
This guy is poison, and needs to get himself some serious help. Or you can just keep HIDING HIM and his obvious problem.
2 new priests ordained
9 priests retiring
2 sabbaticals
1 diocesan priest transferred out of the diocese
2 order priests transferred out of the diocese
1 health leave
1 personal leave
Net loss of 14 priests
Any wonder we are scraping the bottom of the barrel?
While the priesthood implodes and extinction is immanent, “the plan” consists of “scraping the bottom of the barrel,” multiplying individual priestly assignments, closing churches, and praying a lot. The lack of astute leadership is appalling. Clerics are up to their ears and drowning in a self-inflicted and well deserved quagmire resulting from a culture worthy of disdain, cronyism, sins and crimes for which they will not pay or be held accountable, blind loyalty, and cultish silence. That structural changes and reform are necessary, now, and not in 400 years, do not go with the clerical monarchical territory. Instead, we are to be patient little sheep while the priestly turf wars, petty squabbles, paralyzing fears, and irrational decisions morph into some sort of prolonged but elaborate, mystical, inspiring and earth-shattering new-priest-story. Get off it! Priests don’t need a new story. They need a plan centered on structural change and reform.
My first point is that we must all consider the children who were used and forced into those pornographic photos that this priest and other “enjoyed.” That’s the most important part of what he did wrong.
My second point is – how would you like to be those nuns that this guy is going to “minister” to and say Mass for and possibly hear their confessions???????? He should be nowhere near these women. And yet Chaput appoints him for these “duties”.
Just clarifying again that the 12,000 images were adult porn with a small number questionable as being minors and no charges were filed.
I agree about the assignments given with no thought as to what those receieving him would think. Like I said earlier the school kids who frequent the cathedral for events… can you imagine??
*receiving
This is the current list of clergy with full faculties in the Archdiocese, he is not on it but is advertising a pilgrimage and has been seen on admin leave dressed as a priest. You know who also could get caught up in such confusion about his status?…other priests. One of the reasons the Philly Priest Assoc was formed was for clarity on the process. I could absolutely see a priest end up having a suspended priest at their parish for an event not knowing a suspended priest’s status . http://archphila.org/clergy-directory/priests/
Louis… I will not call you father!!!! How dare you!!!!! and archdiocese of Philadelphia… what a disgrace!!!! Remember what I said to you.. how can you lay your head down at night….
Yep, I would check the confessionals and the pews that those high school girls sit (Hallahan). Still remember Hermley whose first charge was showing porn to young kids, he passed a psych test also. Had to move him from Philly to Jersey to Delaware and then Virginia. Same story each time. Parents still would not listen. Is it worth it, same people supporting the church and not holding it accountable.Asked about Herm when I was checking on him in Delaware. was told they took care of him in the 70’s, right.
When do our kids become important? http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2009/05_06/2009_05_18_Miller_DelMan.htm See no difference between then and now except for the brave survivors who are trying to save your kids, relatives and friends – people they don’t know or have not meet.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia proves time and time again that they know more and do less. It has been 17 years since the first Grand Jury report and as the saying goes ” nothing changes if nothing changes”. MMcD
Everything has changed. Just ask any priest or knowledgeable lay person who is involved with the church. Your refusal to acknowledge all of the positive changes which have been put into place to safeguard children does not mean that nothing has changed it simply means that you have such a strong animus against the church that you will never recognize what those who are active in the church can see: the church is now the safest instuition for children in our country.
Larry I am giving you my email kmkane242@gmail..please get in contact with me and I will give you a private tutorial on how things have not changed and kids are at risk. Have you ever read the Archdiocese Charter for Child Protection? It is a legal document that protects the Archdiocese..if you took a drink for each time the word child is mentioned in the Charter you would be sober at the end. I will take the time to eductate you even though you are all for kids being exposed to a porn addict because you find him to possibly be even a better priest than a regular priest. Actually Larry that is a little creepy. Actually it is really creepy Larry
Kathy, I have no need of a private tutorial from you. I have read the Charter and am very well aware of the policies and procedures of the Archdiocese concerning child safety.
I am very aware of the terrible abuse which many minors suffered at the hands of clergy and religious. I am also aware that the long dead bishops who so poorly responded to these crimes were very wrong in the manner in which they addressed or failed to address these issues. I also know several people who were abused by clergy as well as family members and friends. I am no stranger to these sad realities. I am hopeful, however, by all the positive changes which I have witnessed which have benefited the children.
A major difference between us is that I don’t allow anger at past errors/tragedies/crimes, etc. blind me to the good which is going on in the Church right now. Additionally, I am unwilling to lump Fr. K in with the abusers which many commenters here seem to be willing to do. Heck, a few of them couldn’t even read correctly that the 12 thousand images were of adults and not minors!
I always try to see the bigger picture. Fr. K was not and is not a predator toward anyone….adult or minor. He did his penance and now he has been restored because the process in place works.
Finally, I happen to believe that those who experience the mercy of God in a very profound way because of their great sinfulness (think of St. Augustine and St. Ignatius of Loyola) can also become some of the most credible witnesses to the power of transforming grace.
My position is the truly Catholic one: hate the sin but love the sinner. There is nothing creepy about that at all.
Larry as a parent I can tell you it is creepy to expect children to feel the same way that you do as an adult. Maybe an adult who had similar issues as Fr K could benefit from a conversation with him….but kids who hear about an adult’s sexual disfunction and that the police are concerned..well no Larry they will not be thinking the same as you and with good reason.
Larry the Archdiocese continues to place men being assessed for sexual abuse across the street from an archdiocesan high school. The facility allows porn addicts to roam the area with cell phones with picture taking capability. I know this from a meeting Larry after I found one of their patients in the school parking lot.
Last week my 17 year old daughter received a friend request on FB from a Philly priest..that violates the tech addendum policy. I heard absolutely nothing back from the Dept of Investigation after I reported it..not even a courtesy saying they received the email…until I emailed a second time days later.
There was a situation where we were involved in reporting some info that came our way and the police were also involved…the Archdiocese gave the police the age of the priest’s FATHER..I believe a 90 something year old man..they confused the priest’s FATHER with the actual priest and from a simple google search I was able to come up with the correct age of the priest that the Archdiocese was not able to do…real great investigating going on Larry.
When we received info in 2015 of Fr K surfacing around the Archdiocese dressed as a priest and reported this to the Archdiocese …do you know how much follow up was done.?..I’ll let you take a guess.
Did you also know Larry that many of the child safety policies are at the discretion of the pastor? Learned that one the hard way when I initiated a child safety policy and was schooled by Archdiocesan employees that they can’t tell pastors what to do EVEN when it comes to child safety and many things we think are policy are only suggestions .
the very kind priest who helped me get the policy passed confirmed the way the system is set up.bI could go on and on Larry but you get the picture
Sorry Larry I actually forgot my two favorite examples. When a pastor made an incredibly stupid child safety decision,a former employee of the Archdiocesan OCYP office who was aghast at his decision told me that Canon Law prohibited her from offering her opinion to him. So I checked with a canon lawyer..guess what? not true.
My all time favorite though is how the Archdiocese mandated we all attend the mandatory reporter training where we were told it was our legal and moral obligation to report…only then to be told by the Office of Investigations that they are as suspicious of the person reporting as they are the of the person being reported…words from their mouth to my ears Larry.
That Fr. K was assigned to Parochial Vicar at the archdiocese’s mother-church is mind boggling, and the minds that should be boggled most are those of the archdiocesan priests.
Face it. Priests are human. That they minister to the faithful is no less a career than yours or mine. Like you and I, priests bring aspirations, passions, and goals to their careers, and they need and thrive on affirmation, advancement, promotion and reward. I’m not talking about “climbers,” priests who seek power and influence for their own benefit. I am talking about your average hard-working and dedicated priests.
There are all kinds of parish assignments and titles. Trust me. In the grand scheme of things, they are not equal. There are “plum” parish assignments, “larger” assignments, more fiscally stable assignments, assignments that involve a high level of exposure, and assignments that commonly lead to being named a bishop and more. Fr. K’s assignment is a “plum” assignment. No normal, hard-working and dedicated archdiocesan priest will not feel disrespected and demoralized by his assignment.
A few weeks ago, Kathy wrote about a parish priest, noting his commendable service and dedicated parishioners. When the priest was asked where he saw himself going in terms of advancement, he said no where. For a long time, Fr. Chris has ministered commendably at a challenging parish church. Is he, too, going no where?
From porn addict to Parochial Vicar at the mother church/head church of the Philadelphia archdiocese…
Were it not so outrageously incongruous, unfair, irrational, dangerous and wrong, it would be zany and comical.
You have to ask, what do the members of the Priest Personnel Board and/or Chaput have going with Fr. K? Or, what did Fr. K hold over the heads of the Priest Personnel Board and/or Chaput?
Kate in the secular world it would seem someone would have to have some type of power to land such a position after breaking the rules, in the church although that of course that happens at times,it is also just sheer arrogance to place him at the Cathedral. It is treating people like we always have been treated and treating the children like cattle. I went on the Cathedral website and in just a short scroll down came across a May procession,Children’s rosary,Boy Scout Mass. My FB page from last week was full of pics of friends whose children graduated at the top of their class and were honored at the Cathedral. The Cathedral is also a parish along with being the Mother Church of the Archdiocese. There are kids there all the time for regular mass and for the special events held at the Cathedral. Children are no
more than cattle..a herd that have no rights and no one gives any thoughts to their feeling of safety after they read a front page newspaper article where law enforcement has voiced concern.
I cannot tell you how many times I have emailed the Archdiocese over the years to present the child angle in a situation because they simply do not seem to even factor into the most ridiculous of decisions and plans over the past few years..or ever for that matter. It is frustrating,maddening and defies comon sense and common decency the way children do not factor into the decisions. There are the Larry’s of the world who want us to look at the Fr K’s of the world as a special vessel of mercy , more than even a regular rule abiding priest would be viewed. Then there is a kid’s realistic outlook that when they step into the Cathedral they will be wondering which man had the 12,000 porn images and how to stay as far away as possible. When I was a kid I would have been skeeved even walking in the place knowing it might be one of the men I might encounter. That is the reality.
But really who cares about the kids in these situations.
Kathy –
Just to place in perspective the “child angle” – I was taught religion in my Junior Year by Edward DePaoli (formerly Rev). In 1986 he was arrested for having over $15,000 of pornography, some involving children, under his bed at the rectory (http://www.bishop-accountability.org/reports/2005_09_21_Philly_GrandJury/Philly_05_12_DePaoli.pdf).
He taught me Morality and Ethics at McDevitt.
Do you think I have put one ounce of credibility in what he taught me that year?
And there you go. Exactly.
Micklega,
“Extinction is immanent.” Really? A greater awareness of church history on your part will help soften the rather bleak picture you paint of the Church’s future. The Church has survived persecutions,etc. and continues to be the presence of Christ in the world. She will come through this trial as well. I am certain of the fact because of the many joyful and excellent young catholic adults I am honored to know.
I have no doubt the Church will survive,it always has in the past and will in the Future,it is the kids that I worry about.
The Church certainly has an institutional component. However, that is not its only side. For believers the Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. She is the extension of the incarnation through space and time. Hence, she will always exist in her earthly form until that time when God decides time will be no more. As such the disciples of Jesus Christ will continue to preach the gospel and perform the works of mercy and teach and form children in the Gospel.
Given that the safety of children is now a very large concern for the institutional church, I believe that they will be very safe within her confines. Children are far less safe in the public schools of this country as well as on sports teams and scouting. That is where the real danger lies.
Difference here Larry is Public institutions send their abusers, molesters, criminals, and FLAT OUT ANIMALS to this magical place called Prison and throw away the key. Your church either destroys the evidence and reassigns “The Animal” or better yet if caught red handed you guessed it that’s right A Life of Prayer and Penance! So children are safe within the confines of the church is a pretty Sick Joke!
Chris, once again you demonstrate that you are uninformed concerning current practices toward accused and guilty child abusers within the church. Right now there are several priests who were found guilty of abuse who are imprisoned as they should be. No contemporary bishop would ever oppose the imprisonment of a priest found guilty of molestation. Secondly, do you have any knowledge of the “rubber rooms” so prevalent in this nation’s public schools? That’s a reality more worthy of your outrage because it is still going on.
While it may be emotionally satisfying to refer to another human being as an “animal” such a designation contradicts Gospel teaching concerning the inherent dignity of all human life. Criminals do not lose their humanity because of their crimes. They, too, are in constant pursuit by the Creator who desires friendship with all of His creatures.
This site is suppose to be for Catholics who wish and work for change in the Church. It is obvious that you are not Catholic ( you very well may once have been a Catholic) and have no concern for the Church so I can only conclude that you simply like to spread your half truths in whatever forum you can find.
Let me state for the record: the exploitation of children in any form is abborant. People found guilty of such crimes should be punished and to the extent possible rehabilitated.
Clergy who have been found guilty of abuse should never be permitted to publicly exercise ministry again. Fr. K’s case does not fall into this category at all.
His fitness for public ministry was determined by the review board. I am not dismissive of their credentials nor do I believe that they are a rubber stamp group. Anyone who seriously reviews their credentials can see that this particular group are very strong advocates of child safety.
Larry,
Have you been living under a rock for the last 20 years through 2 Damning Grand Jury Reports? You right about 1 Thing and one thing only. I used to be Catholic and then I wised up. Why should I follow a church that does not follow their own rules? They violate their number 1 commandment for Christ sake. You know that one Thou Shalt Not Kill? The Catholic Church has been killing people since the beginning of time. Also, the only reason you coin me as uninformed is because I am stating facts that you don’t want to hear and are obviously too blind to see. I understand that this site is for Catholics who want change in the church. There has been NO change in the church since the first Grand Jury Report and that is a FACT. The alleged changes you think you see are all smoke and mirrors aimed at repairing an image that they still continue to taint with their arrogance.
The churches refusal to change is the reason this website still exists. As to your claim that I spread so called half truths. That’s laughable Larry! The things I know about the inner workings of the Archdioceses would make your feeble mind spin. Public persona, Control and Money are the only 3 things that matter to the Archdioceses and they will go to great lengths to protect them most of the time with mafia like tactics. As far as I’m concerned the authorities have all of the pieces to prosecute the church using the RICO Act. I have heard credible information that they just might do that.
I get no satisfaction out of calling another human being an “Animal” but, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck you know what??? Its a Freaking Duck. There is a special place in HELL especially for clergy who use their position and power to abuse minors. You mention basically just send these sicko’s to rehab and all will be well… Well 1. Rehab is way to good for these degenerates and 2. Facts show that a majority of these Animals act out again. These men if you want to call them that deserve life in prison or The Death Penalty flat out end of story. Why should they receive a slap on the wrist and a cushy rehab when their victims receive a life sentence and often times kill themselves?
Back to your adoration of The Review Board. Once again their credentials are inflated and exaggerated. Like I mentioned in previous posts The review Board is a Public Relations tool used by Chaput and The Archdiocese to make people like yourself think that they are transparent. They have no power to remove pedophile clergy what so ever. Ultimately the final decision lies with Chaput The Almighty and most times more than not without the involvement of law enforcement. If Chaput really wants a board to be effective, it needs to be an independent investigative board that has the ability to remove priests. This will never happen under his watch. As long as Chaput picks every member and shares only limited information with them then whats the point of The Review Board to begin with? Review boards are ineffective because the bishops control who is on the boards, what cases they review, and what information they receive about abusers. Here is where your Transparency claim is shot to shit yet again.
Lastly, your uneducated and mindless theory on Fr. K is completely discredited based on the above FACTS. His fitness for ministry is based on a Review board who was not given all the facts and very well could have found him unfit but, ultimately it was not their decision. It was Chaput’s and Chaput’s alone. Also, Larry in all of your posts on this board you have not once acknowledged Fr. K’s computer that was intentionally destroyed by The Archdioceses. Gee Larry why would they destroy that computer?? Simple HE WAS GUILTY and Chaput thinks he is above the LAW! United States LAW not The BS Canon Law your organization hides behind.
So in conclusion your distorted view that your church is “Changing for The Better” is just that. DISTORTED just how Chaput wants it! Your and so many other Catholics distorted views justifies the need for this website and I think Susan Mathews would agree with me.
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2012/04/take-it-board-how-effective-are-lay-review-boards-preventing-sex-abuse
Who was in charge of some of these priests? How bad are those gambling debts? Who wrote those reports?
“Among the money that Dombrow was accused of embezzling was $14,410 left to Villa St. Joseph by the Rev. Francis P. Rogers, against whom numerous sexual-abuse complaints had been lodged prior to his death in 2005. They were spelled out that year in a Philadelphia grand jury report detailing the history of priest sexual abuse throughout the archdiocese.
Dombrow, 77, was ordained in 1970 and served as pastor and parochial vicar in several parishes. A recovering alcoholic, he devoted much of his time to helping other priests with their struggles with addiction. He previously led the Archdiocesan Priests’ Committee on Alcoholism and a center for those seeking help with addiction treatment.” http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/Monsignor-admits-to-embezzling-500K-to-cover-gambling-debts-dinners-concert-tickets.html
I tend to see things in simple terms. This priest was in a state of mortal sin for about 10yrs. How is a priest suppose to teach us about holiness while he is in a state of mortal sin? The spiritual world is real. You can feel when people are holy and in the state of grace and when they are “creepy” “dark” and “deep in sin”. The apostles, Paul, St. Augustine were full of the Holy Spirit and therefore must have been in the “state of grace” as well.Thats why they were able to convert millions of people. My concern is that a few articles said that at least 12 pictures were of children but the AD didn’t keep the computer so there was no evidence to investigate further. It sounds like the police were concerned because of the many pedophile priests in Philly that came to light in the Grand jury reports and that the police were being responsible and proactive voicing their concerns. Porn is destroying our society in general. It is never victimless. I was reading an article the other day that porn is connected to human trafficking many times and even porn stars have come forward that they have been drugged and/or raped. Lifesite.com has a lot of really sad stories about the porn industry. Maybe the AD hopes by putting this priest in contact with the pink sisters he will see woman as people not objects. I don’t know what state his soul is in now but as stated above by so many we expect our priests to lead us to Christ not away from him. Its just basic religion 101. I am not perfect and I go to confession as often as possible. Its hard staying in the state of grace. Its a struggle for laity as well as priests.
I have to correct myself. The pictures were thought to have appeared to possibly be children by an expert.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/n-j-priest-accused-of-uploading-child-porn-in-wayne-county-1.2108960
Larry,
According to the article upon which this discussion is centered:
1. Bucks County prosecutors who investigated K. in 2011 were so concerned about him returning to ministry that they helped provoke his two-year suspension. They went about concretely provoking it presumably because they didn’t trust the Church to provoke it! Yet, you say the Church is doing everything in a hunky dory manner. Were it, the Bucks County prosecutors would not have felt the need to provoke K’s suspension.
2. District Attorney Weintraub described the investigation into K as “frustrating” in the way it was hobbled by the Church’s failure to preserve evidence, leaving local law enforcement in the dark. Larry’s beautiful and mystical Church was frustratingly uncooperative, and it colluded and destroyed evidence.
3. “Wow,” was Weintraub’s response upon hearing K’s appointment to the mother church. Considering what he thinks and knows about K and his case, he’s floored! Larry’s not. K’s transformation brings a tear to his infantile Catholic eye.
4. The archdiocese, according to Gavin, has deemed K suitable for ministry, and his treatment unfolded in a Church institution. The insularity of all of it raises a big red flag! “We have an in-house problem, let’s deal with it in-house. Then, whatever comes down in-house remains in-house.” Sounds substantive to Larry! Where is the independent investigator, independent treatment center, independent investigative Board members, and independent archbishop????? Ah, but everyone is so credentialed, according to Larry. No, Larry. They are a bunch of sheep, operating in an exceedingly “frustrating” manner according to ALL of the independent professionals associated with K’s case.
5. After 15 years of investigations, Grand Jury reports, trials and the like involving the Philly archdiocese, K’s assignment to the mother church reflects how the Church’s internal response to cases “continues” to exasperate law enforcement. So, Larry’s Peter Pan idea that all is mystical and beautiful on the archdiocese-front, and that every conceivable measure has been taken to protect human beings, are completely ridiculous. Law enforcement has so had it with the shady archdiocese that it isn’t funny, Larry! Indeed, the shady ways fuel skepticism, according to law enforcement officials… “has the Church begun to, or want to, change?” Law enforcement officials ask because they don’t see signs pointing to either, Larry!
6. Larry, one of the most striking signs that the Church has not changed, and what makes your assertion that it is functioning on the up-and-up an utter in-denial fantasy, is the fact that the 2005 Grand Jury report and the 2011 Grand Jury report “BOTH delivered a similarly critical assessment of the Church.” I know you are aware of what was put in place by the Church between the years of 2005 and 2011 to correct its ways and protect people, but what was put in place resulted in few, if any, concrete improvements, and innumerable “infractions” continued relentlessly! They continue, today.
7. In 2005, K was found to have 12,000 pornographic images on his computer. A re-check in 2011 showed he had visited pornography again. Clearly, the presumably humiliating experience in 2005 did not terminate his engagement with pornography. The treatment that followed K’s 2011 re-check, showing his continued engagement with pornography, in no way guarantees that he is “fixed.” Addictions are managed, they are not destroyed.
8. “A pediatrician hired by Bucks investigators said she believed several [of the 12,000] images in the pornographic cache were of children.” K was titillated by the images of innocent and exploited children, Larry. Do you get that? Do you get how indecent it is for a human being to not be altogether offended by it, and to not become hyper-protective of exploited children and their dignity? The adult images require us to respond as well! To use human beings– children or adults– as devices of sexual pleasure is vulgar and immoral.
9. “Investigators in Doylestown and Northampton Township struggled with their efforts because the archdiocese…” FAILED THEM OVER AND OVER. Larry, investigators exited the K case feeling as those Church officials were unscrupulous and deceptive shysters. BUT, before they left, they insisted that K not be returned to active ministry. Naturally, they were shocked to find K back on duty at St. Bede. Clearly, Church officials had not respected the input of concerned, experienced, and independent law enforcement officials. Finally, two detectives met with the head of the archdiocese’s Office of Investigations and basically threatened the Church to remove K from active ministry. That what it took to get the Church to react responsibility to the danger K posed! A threat– a public press conference on the matter!
Larry, I think what I find most annoying about you is your total insensitivity to how the facts have formed the content of my mind and heart on the matter pertaining to K. You callously dispel me as un-Catholic, uninformed (PhD, Boston College, theology!), a Church basher, a gospel ethic failure, etc. You don’t know me, but many of you have challenged me over the years. I am a better person for it.
The article upon which this discussion is based was produced by the Philadelphia Inquirer which is notoriously a very unreliable source for any information on the Catholic Church in general and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in particular. If you doubt that fact simply consult Ralph Cipriano’s blog “Big Trial.” Ralph has even appeared in this forum from time to time only to be dismissed by commenters here because of his fair minded treatment of the Lynn Trial, etc.
Ralph also has demonstrated that the 2011 Grand Jury Report contains approximately 30 factual errors. The Inquirer has consistently refused to report on this matter. The Inky continually misrepresents the truth concerning the Church. Why would I believe their spin on the Fr. K case especially because of their salacious headline?
Additionally, Kate, I am not concerned that you find me annoying nor do I care how the “facts have formed the content of your mind and heart on the matter pertaining to K.” I do not know you but I am free to draw conclusions based upon your statements.
Someone who so cruelly castigated a fellow Christian and priest as you did in your open letter to Fr. K when you called him a threat, disgrace and loser among many other names is certainly behaving in less than a gospel centered fashion. You call me callous? Absurd. You, madame, are the callous one unable to see what is obvious to me because like all liberals you see yourself as the aggrieved party here. It seems as if I am the only one who has not engaged in ad hominem attacks in this thread.
This site’s mission is define as : “… a forum for Catholics who wish to respectfully share their concerns, questions and desire for real reform within their religion in regard to child sex abuse.”
How does someone like Chris, the ex-Catholic who hates the Catholic Church , find a home on a site like this which is supposed to be for Catholics who want change? He simply uses this site to spew his venom which grows ever more strong when someone like me contradicts him? How does someone like Micklega find a home here when she so disrespectfully addressed an open letter to Fr. K? No charity and no mercy here. There is simply the desire for vengeance and the discarding of a fallen human being.
Earlier in this thread I was accused of drinking the archdiocese’s Koolaid. The way I see it I was simply trying to offer a counter view point which obviously isn’t welcome here. The Koolaid which this site continually serves up is one which simplistically sees the instuitional Church as the bad guy incapable of any good. Well, I am not going to imbibe that poison.
Although I do not possess a Ph.D from Boston College, I am a committed Catholic and a reasonably intelligent man despite Chris’ assertions to the contrary. As I said in an earlier post, I always look at the big picture. From my vantage point the ugliness of the abuse scandal is in the rear view mirror. I am satisfied with the actions taken by the hierachy and believe that children are very safe in the Church.
It appears that opinion is not welcome here.
I will take leave of this site happy to leave such angry people behind. No worries, Chris and Kate, you’ll no longer hear from me!
Larry you replied to zero child safety facts that I brought to your attention. You doubt the reliability of a newspaper and law enforcement but have no problem with any credibility of the Archdiocese with their history of treating child rape with a wink and a nod. You bring up a case that no one mentioned and then act like you know the political leanings of a commentor.
My daughter was confirmed a few weeks after the last GJ report when it was brought to light that up to 26 priests with “issues” might still be in active ministry. After the Confirmation the Bishop and pastor stood in the back of the Church to greet everyone. Many people walked right past them, suddenly there was a man rushing past me almost knocking people over to get to the Bishop and pastor. He obviously was so upset that these two men were momentarily ignored that he almost leapt to their aid. They bank on people like you and that man Larry. You make their system work . Good bye and Good Luck
Larry – as recently as 2012/13 – a priest under investigation for child sexual abuse was left as pastor at Our Lady of Cavalry parish in NE Philadelphia, a parish with a school, CYO, altar servers, etc. His ministry was “monitored” – according to the AOP statement –
“The archdiocesan official statement stated, “Father Paul remained in ministry at the parish since that time in a restricted capacity ‘in that he had no unsupervised contact with minors.’ Appropriate notification of his restrictions was made to pertinent parties and a monitoring and support plan was implemented and followed.” ”
This is in DIRECT contradiction to policies developed by the Archdiocese –
1103.11. Policy When there is sufficient evidence that the accused has engaged in sexual abuse of a minor, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith shall be notified. If it has not already been done, the Archbishop shall apply the precautionary measures mentioned in Canon 1722, i.e., remove the accused from sacred ministry or from any ecclesiastical office or function, impose or prohibit residence in a given place or territory, and prohibit public celebration of the most Holy Eucharist pending the outcome of the process. (Cf. USCCB Essential Norms, #6) (see
USCCB Charter and Norms). The name of any cleric who has temporarily or permanently withdrawn from ministry shall be posted on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s web site. (See
List of Clerics Temporarily or Permanently Withdrawn from Ministry).
How am I so familiar with this – because the priest in question abused me? Fortunately, his case became public, other allegations of abuse were received, and he left the priesthood. God was on the side of the good guys – and it wasn’t that of the Archdiocese. Many on this blog have seen other instances where protocol was not followed.
So forgive me if I don’t place 100% trust in the AOP.
Larry,
For someone who looks at the “Big Picture” you could not be more wrong, blind, and ignorant. You denounce the Philly Inquirer because the publication has proven time and time again to be Chaput’s and The Archdioceses worst enemy. The Inquirer one of the few news sources that has not been paid off by the Archdioceses to limit exposure and/or contain the Clergy abuse scandal. Yes your Sacred Church Pays People Off” hence why K’s story was not on one single local news program. Coincidence? I think not Larry!
Larry you are right on one thing here…. I do have a lot of Venom and 99% of people would say its justified Venom. The Catholic church LOVES people like yourself. People that follow their every word and movement like a lost puppy. Thats right Larry you sir are “Lost”. Just wait though when it comes to your time of need talk to me back on this board when they throw you to the curb.
Also, it figures a person of your nature would bring politics up into this conversation. For your information I am a card carrying Republican who believes in a woman’s “Right” to choose (against my party) and Capital Punishment. The same Capital Punishment that yes even your precious child molesting clergy members deserve 10 fold.
Your claim that my “Justified by the Facts” venom grows stronger with contradiction by you and your made up distorted views carries Zero Credibility. Maybe my anger just gets stronger having had to read and witness your absolute stupidity when it come to this topic which you think is no big deal. This proves one more point in your claim that you have family members and friends that were abused by clergy. If this was true Larry any NORMAL person Catholic or Non-Catholic would have changed their tune drastically after being witness to the destruction clergy abuse causes to the “Survivor” and the family and friends of the “Survivor”. On the other hand if you really do know clergy abuse survivors and this is still your attitude and view I recommend seeing a Doctor ASAP.
This brings me to yours and Cipriano’s comment on the fair treatment of Lynn. Larry, are you KIDDING ME??? Hate to break it to you Larry….. Lynn is just as guilty as the clergy he protected as deserves the harshest punishment allowable by law. Basically Lynn is a Low Life Scumbag covering for scumbag clergy and the scumbag head of the Archdioceses.
Lynn deserves the same treatment as he provided to so many survivors under his watch which is Non-existent and Inhumane.
The ugliness of the abuse scandal is in the rear view mirror? Really how can that be when its still to this day being covered up by the hierarchy of the church?? Also Larry, tell all of the survivors and survivors families who have to live with the disgusting actions of your highly credentialed church on a daily basis for the rest of their lives.
Larry Ill leave it at this…… If you are not part of the solution your part of the problem! You sir are a serious part of the problem.
Larry,
You are a “fall in line” guy. Clerical authority and leadership make you sappy and obedient. Blindly, you trust and follow, even when it means harm could befall an innocent victim, victims could be re-victimized either directly or indirectly, or people who are upset and mistrustful, and have every right to be, are insensitively disregarded. These go over your head while you myopically look for The One silver clerical and theological lining in everything. There is nothing versatile about your thinking because, were you to venture out, you would be set adrift from your safe and simple “Catholic” silver lining logic. Chris and Kathy are correct. There are priests who rely on people of your stature, mainly because their stature is small. But know that, for the vast majority of priests, people like you make them sick to their stomachs. What makes them sick is your distorted sense of how to be a wise and responsible adult Catholic in the 21st century. Put your toys away, Larry. Have the courage and confidence to venture down every conceivable thinking-path, don’t deny what is real or troublesome, know that leaders and people in positions of authority are not special or “above the law,” do not tolerate their misbehavior, stand up to them, and always, always, stand up for those who have been or could be hurt by them.