Good Evening/Morning
First of all, I want to apologize for my voice. As most of you know, I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and I have completed half of the radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Because of your prayers and the prayers of so many friends and relatives, here and back home, my treatments have so far proved successful. There is indication that the tumor is shrinking. I am dealing with limited energy, shortness of breath, and, as you can tell, problems with my voice. Without doubt, the Lord and His Beloved Mother are listening favorably to your prayers. I am so grateful for the many cards and emails I have received. I have to limit my contacts with people in order to protect my immune system during this time of therapy, but I knew in my heart that I needed to be here with you today. I hope you will understand that I cannot stay and greet you as I normally do. I miss being among our people at parish and diocesan gatherings, but look forward to a full recovery.
Having shared this personal information with you, my true reason for being here is to express my solidarity with you during this most painful time. Allow me to first share some important information with you. I do not intend to be graphic; however, parents may decide if they wish to remain with their children.
Please know that the Diocese, and I personally, were first made aware of Father Bob’s arrest and arraignment through the media on Monday. In fact, at 6:30 in the morning, as I prepared to go to Flint for my daily radiation treatment, I was made aware by our communications office of a local TV station report. This was the first indication we had of this issue involving Father Bob. To be honest, the Diocese has yet to receive a report from law enforcement concerning the details of the charges. Nonetheless, in accord with diocesan policy, I immediately placed Father Bob on administrative leave from active ministry.
In doing so, I mandated that he must meet all the obligations of the courts, including the critically important directive that he is to have no contact with individuals under 21. This prohibits him from going on school properties and participating in school and parish activities and functions.
I also instructed Father Bob that he is not permitted to wear clerical garb or present himself publicly as a priest. He must also refrain from the exercise of public ministry and must notify my Office of any change of location. These restrictions will remain in place throughout the entire criminal proceeding.
In accord with diocesan policy, an internal investigation will begin once the criminal investigation is completed, so as not to obstruct the criminal investigation. I have publicly expressed my commitment, on behalf of the Diocese of Saginaw, to cooperate fully with law enforcement in this most serious matter. In the meantime, we encourage any victims to come forward to the civil authorities in charge of this investigation.
We are doing our best to appoint a parish administrator and sacramental ministry for weekend Masses and other parish liturgies in a timely manner. I need not tell you that we seriously struggle with a shortage of priests.
Having taken these actions, I want to be clear that I fully understand that a person is innocent until proven guilty. I expect that Father Bob will have the opportunity of a just defense. However, taking these allegations and criminal charges on face value, these measures are demanded for the well-being, safety and protection of our community and most especially our young people.
I am deeply distressed and broken hearted over these allegations. On one hand, I know the good that Father Bob has done for so many people throughout his years of priestly ministry. However, being made aware of these allegations, like many of you, my emotions have moved back and forth from compassion, sadness and concern to anger, betrayal and a sincere desire for justice. I can only imagine the deep hurt and betrayal that you must feel. I understand that this past Tuesday evening, you had a very productive sharing and listening session following the Stations of the Cross. I am grateful to all those parishioners, young and old, who took the time to address this situation in a prayerful, respectful and faith-filled manner, along with our diocesan staff who helped lead the sharing.
Most especially, my thoughts, prayers and empathy go out to anyone who may have been victimized. We know that the trauma runs deep and long not only for the victims but for their family and loved ones as well. We stand ready to assist them.
Though, most certainly, significantly different from the victims who have recently come forward, I know that many people feel victimized by what we have heard this past week. Certainly, you the parishioners and faithful of the Diocese, who have placed your love and trust in your priest, feel victimized. However, confusion also reigns among our faithful priests, our diocesan and parish staffs, even our seminarians. How do we make sense of all this?
Earlier this week, I spoke with a group of our priests who were on retreat at the Center for Ministry. You could feel the heaviness in the air, just as you feel it in this church today. Though unfair and undeserved, when a brother priest is involved in such alleged behavior, all priests walk in the shadow of suspicion and mistrust. I beg you not to fall into the temptation of passing judgment on them all. They are good, faithful, dedicated priests, though imperfect like all people, striving to serve the Lord in serving you.
As for me, I must demonstrate a shepherd’s concern and protection for you, the flock entrusted to my care, while, at the same time, caring for Father Bob as a son and brother. I will need your prayers to remain faithful to this task.
At the beginning of our diocesan restructuring process over six years ago, I began a custom of leading a Holy Hour every month in a different church. While I only intended it to be for one year, I maintained the practice which is now in its seventh year. We choose the designated parishes a year in advance. As providence would have it, my next Holy Hour was scheduled a year ago for here at St. Agnes church in less than two weeks, on Thursday March 15th at 7:00 P.M. Perhaps in His vision of the future, the Lord knew we would need this time of prayer together. I encourage as many of you as possible to join me in prayer that evening.
The Lenten journey of your parish, and the Diocese as a whole, will continue for many months ahead. Though our trust is shaken, our Faith must remain strong. St. John reminds us that we are all sinners and, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But, Jesus Christ is the Head of this Church. Time and time again, through the Old and New Testaments, God teaches us that He is always with us, especially through the painful, difficult moments of life. Time and time again we hear the Lord saying “I will see you through.” And, although we may be mistrustful of those who live and serve in the Church, we must never lose trust in the Lord or His Church.
My dear brothers and sisters, you have my heart and my love. I weep with you and for you. I pledge my prayers and support during this painful time. Nevertheless, deep in my heart, I know that God is with us and our Lord, whose love is unconditional and everlasting, will see us through. God Love You.