Rising to the Occasion

08-04-2019Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

My very dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It has been a challenging week for our parish, and I am grateful for the prayers you have offered for our entire Church community. Please continue to keep those prayers going.

If you were not able to attend Mass over the weekend, let me share with you some news. Father Raymond, our parochial vicar, was placed on administrative leave for engaging in behavior inappropriate for a priest. During this time, he is not allowed to perform priestly functions.

When we learned this information more than a week ago, I immediately contacted diocesan officials and law enforcement. I can assure you that the parish and Diocese followed all legal and appropriate protocols, including prompt notification of law enforcement officials; however, no charges have been filed by the authorities.

In an effort to address certain concerns expressed to me, I want to clarify that the inappropriate conduct did not involve the touching of a minor.

The safety and well-being of our children and youth are always of the utmost concern to us and guide our actions, and we provide appropriate resources to those involved in situations affecting or potentially affecting our young people.

At this time, I do not have any additional information to share, but I will let you know if more information becomes available that can be shared. In the meantime, let us respect the dignity and privacy of those involved and assist in dispelling any rumors or gossip that may come to your attention regarding this matter, as such rumors often arise from incomplete factual information.

Let me just end with what I said personally last Sunday. I truly feel my role in our parish is a father, and I love you, my family. It’s in times like these that saints rise to the occasion. Times like these are when saints are made. We are all called to be those saints. God will shed His divine light on our path so that the Good News of Jesus Christ may continue to be spread. We move forward as a loving family, as holy disciples of Jesus Christ.

And, as always, let us pray for each other!
– Father Wilson

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