Diocesan statement on arrest of pastor

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard placed Rev. Raymond Ethier, pastor of St. John Vianney parish in Claverack, on administrative leave from ministry last week after news reports said he had been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography on his computer.

He will not be permitted to function as a priest, perform sacraments or wear clerical garb.

The Diocese, which learned of the arrest on May 29, was not aware of any investigation of him prior to the arrest, said a statement from the Chancery. Nor had the Diocese received any prior complaints involving Father Ethier.

Cooperation

"The allegations against Father Ethier are very serious and very troubling," said the Chancery statement. "The Diocese will await the final decision of a court as to their validity."

It added that "a determination as to Father Ethier's status as a priest will be made once the judicial process has concluded."

Bishop Hubbard said the Diocese had pledged its "full cooperation to authorities investigating these allegations."

Support for parish

In the meantime, said the statement, "the Diocese will work closely with leaders of St. John Vianney parish to ensure there is appropriate pastoral support and coverage for Masses and other sacramental needs."

"We pray for Father Ethier, and for his family, friends and parishioners," said Bishop Hubbard. "His parishioners especially will need our support at this difficult time. We will stand by them and assist them in any way we can."

Father Ethier, who was ordained in 1985, has served as pastor of two recently combined parishes (Sacred Heart in Philmont and Holy Cross in West Taghkanic) that are now known as St. John Vianney.

He formerly served at St. Mary's, Oneonta; Corpus Christi, Round Lake; and Our Lady of Victory, Troy.

(6/7/07)