Corpus Christi parishioners react with anger and sorrow

Those at the 11 a.m. Mass on June 30 were attending their first Sunday liturgy without their pastor, Rev. Edward Pratt, who was among six priests removed from ministry due to sexual abuse of minors.

"The invitation that Jesus Christ has for us today is to pick up our cross and follow Him," said Father Welch, who is leaving the parish for another assignment. "On this day in particular, we have been given a heavy cross to bear. But Jesus walks with us, giving us the strength we are searching for."

As people wiped tears from their eyes, Father Welch spoke of anger, grief, confusion and feeling "bejumbled" by the events that have hit the Albany Diocese.

"We are actually being hit with a 'double whammy' today," Father Welch later explained to The Evangelist. "This is my last weekend here, and a farewell celebration was originally scheduled for today. It has been postponed, indefinitely."

In addition, the parish had been scheduled to have a ground-breaking ceremony on June 28 for a new church building. That has also been put on hold.

"Everything happened all at once," he said. "People here are trying to recover from the shock."

Rev. L. Edward Deimeke, diocesan Administrative Advocate for Priests, was present, along with several counselors, to answer questions and provide information (see page 5). He assured parishioners that the situation with Father Pratt had occurred 30 years ago and that he had victimized no one from Corpus Christi.

Reactions

"My wife was in tears when we heard about Father Ed," said Tom. "Myself, I am just shocked. We know him on a more personal basis because we've worked so closely with him. He's been wonderful, and I just can't see him as having done such a thing."

"It's a major disappointment to me, the way the Church has handled it all," said his co-worker, Jack. "In all the years that have gone by, why has it taken [the bishops] so long to bring it to the surface? Why couldn't they have done this before, when these men first committed these crimes?"

'Disbelief'

Joan Haviland, chairperson of the parish's prayer and worship committee, said she feels angry that the bishops chose to wait so long to establish a policy on sexual abuse.

"I believe that we as the laity are being made to be a part of an unjust Church," she said. "The way I feel does not, in any way, negate my feelings for the victims; but the way Father Pratt has been removed is unfair. This happened a long time ago; and I am sure that, over time, he's done his penance. Our bishops have been unfair, and now I think they're running scared. My prayers are with Bishop Hubbard, and I'd say the majority of our parishioners are in support of him."

Patricia Forbes of the parish's building committee is heartbroken about Father Pratt's removal from ministry. "He has done so much for our parish," she commented.

Anger

"I am furious!" she commented. "We've been betrayed by our bishops. All our children have been put in jeopardy. These men have used our money for their cover-ups without our permission, and this is a betrayal."

As the parking lot emptied, Father Welch stood outside to say goodbye to friends.

"We've all had a range of emotions hit us today," he said, his eyes filling with tears. After a moment of silence, he said, in reference to the six priests removed from ministry: "These men are now 'wounded healers'."

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