Catholics grieve in wake of removals

The same combination of high temperatures and high emotions occurred at other parishes in the Albany Diocese last weekend, most especially at Corpus Christi in Round Lake and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Schenectady.

On Friday, June 28, six priests were removed from ministry forever for sexual misconduct with minors that had occurred 15 to 30 years previously. The six included three current pastors: Rev. James Rosch from St. Joseph's, Rev. Edward Pratt from Corpus Christi and Rev. Joseph Mancuso from Mount Carmel.

After Masses in Fort Edward, as well as in other parishes where the dismissed priests had been stationed over the years, clergy and counselors met with Catholics to hear their concerns, share their emotions and answer their questions (see page 3).

Bishop's appearance

One reason Bishop Hubbard chose to come to Fort Edward was that two of its pastors had been removed from ministry: Father Rosch and his predecessor, Rev. Edward Leroux.

"I ache for Father Jim and Father Leroux," the Bishop said in his homily, "knowing that the priesthood they loved so much and which is such an integral part of their identity is no longer a ministry they can exercise publicly in our Church."

The Bishop spoke those words only after first saying: "My heart grieves for the victims of their behavior and for this faith community which is now rocked by the announcement of their past misdeeds."

Bishop's words

He told the parishioners that "I wish I could rectify the harm that has been done....No such facile or quick-fix solution is possible. Rather, we must rely on our God of healing...to sustain us."

With God's help, he concluded, "we can triumph over the forces of sin and evil, and experience more fully the love, peace and happiness which Jesus has won for us for His own passion, death and resurrection."

'I am confused'

Carole Saladin, sitting on the other side of the church, said, "I am confused. Something should have been done long ago; it seems unfair now to the congregation and the pastor to remove him 20 years later. The intervening years should count. I'm not saying not to remove him, but it seems severe at this point. What's going to happen to our church? I want to know we'll go on."

Bishop Hubbard revealed to the St. Joseph parishioners that they already have a new pastor, Rev. Joseph Dworak, to help them begin the process of healing (see page 5 for other new pastors).

Missing their pastor

Mary Ann LaRoe said that Bishop Hubbard's presence was "very appropriate and very nice. It's a shame [the removal] had to happen."

Rosemarie MacDuff noted, "I never thought it would be him. I couldn't believe it. I loved him dearly. I could go to him about anything. I hope Father Jim knows we're thinking of him."

Views after meeting

As she departed the meeting, Catherine Nichols said, "I feel saddened. It was a surprise to see the Bishop and kind of him to come. He looks terrible; he's worried. The pastor was really well loved, and the people are hurting. But the Church survives."

(07-04-02) [[In-content Ad]]