Is there a new transparency issue? Why isn’t Father Louis Kolenkiewicz listed in the online Archdiocesan clergy directory? He is listed in the clerical appointments that went into effect today.
Father Kolenkiewicz is returning from a removal from ministry and his new gig as parochial vicar at the Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul prompted an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Given this, you’d think all the i’s wouldn’t have been dotted and t’s crossed. But as of 3pm today – his name does n
The clergy directory omission is important. Both priests and laity have come to rely on the directory as a source of information. For example, a bride may request a specific priest for her wedding. Her pastor may check the clergy list to see if the priest has full faculties. Some priests don’t want to enable those removed to falsely present themselves. They know these guys bring them down and I’m sure they resent the tarnish.
Child safety and victim advocates also routinely check this list to track information.
If a priest has been removed from ministry for any reason, his name is taken off the list. Priests who do not have a clerical assignment remain on the list as long as they have full faculties. Does Father Kolenkiewicz have his full faculties? Maybe not.
The removal of faculties is a bit different than laicization. It means the bishop has removed that priests ability to perform ministry in that diocese, such as celebrating the Mass. This removal can be temporary or permanent. The removal can be specific or general. An example of specific would be if the bishop said the priest could not give homilies but could say Mass. General means that all faculties have been removed. Laicization is decided at the vatican and can be voluntary or involuntary.
Bottom line: Transparency and clericalism issues persist.
Transparency and The Archdiocese of Philadelphia should not be used in the same sentence. The Only time they are semi-transparent is when if benefits them in the public light. The lack of transparency goes right to the top of the Arch. Chaput likes to claim the Arch is being transparent but, what about the documents in “The Secret Archive” that he still to this day refuses to hand over? How about all of the pedophile clergy who served as chaplains in “Private Schools” whose posts were never documented on their rap sheets? In all honesty Chaput should be charged as an accessory after the fact for continuing to cover up the damming information he has in his possession. So until the doors to the “Secret Archives” are open to the public any claim the Arch has to being Transparent is Null and Void!
Chris, Susan, Kathy et al,
Just wanted to let every one know that Louis J. Kolenkiewicz , Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, was quite visible at the Latin — “Solemn Pontifical Mass in the Extraordinary Form,” yesterday evening, 7 pm, 9/14/17 at the cathedral.
There were two of us on the pavement outside the cathedral with our signs – mine for Statute of Limitation Reform in PA and a retired Philly Police Officer whose son committed suicide as a very young man as a result of having been sexually abused.
Chaput was nowhere to be seen. An auxiliary bishop from Chicago was the celebrant. Actually, I was told that according to Canon Law, Chaput as the Archbishop should have been the celebrant.
Also wanted to mention that a few First Fridays back while a group of five of us picketed as usual from 12 noon to 1 pm at the cathedral, the Rector, Fr. G. Dennis Gill came down the steps to talk to me and basically assure me that Kolenkiewicz should not worry anyone. I responded with my assessment of the situation and suggested he quote me to Chaput.
Before that conversation took place, an older woman accosted me. She was about 3 inches away from my face and yelled at me: “Are you that nun?” “You said terrible things on your blog” and the like about Kolenkiewicz. I told her “I don’t have a blog,” but figured it out that she must have been referring to the comment I made about Kolenkiewicz and the position taken by Chaput. This went on for some minutes until I threatened to call the police and report her harassment. But that was not the end of the confrontation. When the hour was finished I walked across to the park, settled by myself at a table in the shade and who approached me? You’re right, that woman did.
Now we know Fr. Gill, the Cathedral Rector, and the Wild Woman read Catholics4Change.
But last night was unbelievable! I can’t tell you exactly what happened but Thank God my retired Philly Police Officer had me walk away and took care of the problem.
Maureen,
Unfortunately the woman who got in your face is much like many brainwashed Catholics. The notion I have got is that if the abuse scandal has not touched themselves or their family it didn’t happen and anyone who says it did must be lying. In all honesty this woman should take a look in the mirror because what she did to you goes totally against the Christian values she holds so dear. Most Catholics do not know much more than what they read in their Sunday Bulletins or hear in Prepared Statements by Chaput. Sad very Sad.
As Susan pointed out the list of clergy with full faculties is used in many ways. A priest can check that list before having another priest at his parish and make sure he is in good standing. If the list is not kept current / updated than a priest could make a mistake by allowing someone to come to his parish to celebrate funerals,weddings, baptisms or help with Confesssion. In the case of Fr John Paul a few years ago his name was quietly removed with no announcement made when that happened. All if this affects child protection. Accuracy is essential. If Fr K did start his assignment today while still not listed as having full faculties, then just take the entire liet down as it serves no purpose.
I emailed Ken Gavin and the Dept of Investigations a few times since the Inquirer article and not a word of response so far. One question I asked was if the Review Board was even informed of the concerns we passed on about Fr K in 2015. We pass on all info/ concerns we receive in order to help assist the safest environment be provided to the children of the Archdiocese. One law enforcement person once said we must be a valuable resource to the Dept of Investigations. I am still laughing at that comment. Valuable? Try even getting a response .
http://archphila.org/archdiocesan-offices/office-of-investigations
The list can be found on the Dept Of Investigationd page on the AD website. It is no small issue to be removed from this list and a bigger issue to be acting as a priest if your name is not on the list.
What was the gist of the Philadelphia Inquirer article?
The archdiocese’s “fog” is purely clerical in nature. It accomplished who serves where for the coming year, and it saved one of its brothers. That a few “details” are missing is peripheral, frivolous, and inconsequential.
They’ll get around to it.
‘Tis the Archdiocese of Folly.
Kate Fr K is the priest case we have been following the past few years involving suspension of porn/investigation into possible child porn and now placed at the Cathedral while remaining off the list as a priest with full facuties. None of it makes sense. This was the article Susan is referring to http://www.philly.com/philly/news/priest-to-return-after-porn-investigation-but-questions-remain-20170527.html
Another example where we posted about the problems with the clergy list https://catholics4change.com/2014/02/27/clergy-list-confusion/#comment-112451
What are your thoughts on the fact that Pell is returning to Australia to face criminal charges? He insists he is innocent and intends to salvage his good name. A person is innocent until proven guilty. But, for the sake of conversation, say Pell is guilty of the criminal charges against him. Can someone explain to me the thought process of a preeminent Catholic cleric who (presumably) is guilty of the charges against him but intends to prove his innocence and salvage his good name… in other words, lie, collude, and do everything possible to beat his crimes and sins? Really? Christ-figure or con man? When a person like Pell is guilty (presumably) of sexual abuse and he is charged, how do you think he should respond?
Saturday, July 1. Today, Pope Francis declined to renew Cardinal Gerhard Muller’s position in the Vatican as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican branch responsible for handling sex abuse cases and matters of faith. Under Muller, 2,000+ sex abuse cases have piled up, failing to be acted upon. When Marie Collins resigned from the sexual abuse Commission, she named Muller as the main impediment to the advancement of the Commission’s goals and advice.
In a single week under the papacy of Pope Francis, we have seen the top two Vatican prelates removed– Pell and Muller. This is good news for us.
micklega – While I am happy to hear that Muller is gone, I will believe Francis will do something once he sends Bernie Law back to the US.
Hi all at C4C!
It has been years since I last posted here, though I have sometimes looked in to see how you are doing. I am 85 in September and still roam the internet and post on blogs in addition to my own website which I once made known here. It is called “Paul, Our Apostle” and is reached at:
http://xcatholic.yuku.com
You may find me under the names Gods Trombone, or sometimes Gerald Nichols.
Have a great day!
Oh and I forgot to mention: I love Susan’s new photo! Wow! 😉
WOW – Not a lot has changed since I was here 14 months ago.. Still have priests getting shuffled around, Chaput still plays he denial game and the Philadelphia Church wants the sheep to BELIVE and to top it all off what has the Pope truly accomplished to date as it relates to priests who like little boys… Chaput continues to sell of the riches and yet has not addresses those who have been so wronged and the people keep coming back every Sunday and drop some more cash in the box.. What am I missing here folks? The only way to stop this is to stop coughing up the cash and going to church on Sundays. That Catholic guilt has us all yet we continue to allow the leaders of OUR church to dictate to us.. I will be back in 14 months to see if the comments and issues have change..