Posted on 06/25/2002 1:12:58 PM PDT by Behind Liberal Lines
SENECA FALLS (NY)- The Rev. David Gramkee stood before his parishioners at the 12:15 p.m. Mass yesterday at St. Patrick's Church, surrounded by life-long members of the church, families, and teary-eyed teens as he said what could be his final Mass there.
Dwarfed by the vaulting roof and enormous cross behind the altar, Gramkee's voice echoed through the chamber as he retold one of his favorite tales.
It was from Cecil B. DeMille, who watched a beetle break its shell and become a dragonfly.
"A water beetle landed there, right on the edge of the canoe. I don't know the name of it, but you know what I'm talking about ... the edge of the canoe. The beetle had a fit of spasm and broke its shell. As the sun dried it, a dragonfly flew away," Gramkee said.
He went on to ask, ''If God can do this for the lowly water beetle, think what he can do for you and me.''
More than 20 years ago, Gramkee, now 62, was named in allegations of clerical misconduct in connection with a relationship with a young woman, and, as a result of "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,'' adopted earlier this month by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, he may not be able to continue his active ministry.
The incident was before Gramkee came to Seneca Falls 10 years ago. No additional details were available this morning.
"Only Father Gramkee could try and make us feel better in his time of sorrow. It's so typical of him," said Debbie Jones, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Pat's for more than 25 years.
Jones said she was at three graduation parties over the weekend, and saw more than 300 people. "He has 100-percent support. Not one person has kicked him while he was down," Jones said.
"This is vastly different than anything in Boston," said Sally True, Gramkee's attorney, of the Ithaca law firm True, Walsh and Miller, referring to the charges of child sexual abuse and molestation that have been filed against several priests in the Boston area, where residents have said Cardinal Bernard Law moved priests to other parishes after being informed that they abused children in one parish, without telling the new congregation of the incidents.
In a written statement distributed after the 11:15 a.m. Mass Sunday, Gramkee talked about a resurfacing of the allegations, and that he was under the impression this had all been forgotten.
The letter read (in part): "In 1993, I went thru a counseling process the result of which was that I thought this was all cleared up and there were no restrictions placed on the scope of my ministry. Then came the revelations of 2002 and a renewed emphasis on the 22-year old allegations."
It is believed that an agreement is being worked out with the Diocese of Rochester under which Gramkee will take a voluntary leave of absence for one year.
Representatives of the diocese did not return calls seeking comments yesterday or this morning.
"This is different, but it's a case of 'zero tolerance' hitting home," True said, referring to the strict policy adopted after the pedophilia revelations surfaced.
St. Pat's might have been one-third full, but the last communion that Gramkee distributed yesterday afternoon took longer than usual. Many seemed to want to savor the moment; to make it last a little longer. During the sign of peace, two youths went up and hugged Gramkee as tears spilled over their cheeks.
"Father Gramkee is a wonderful person and he has done a lot of wonderful things for this community. He will be missed," said Noreen Perine, who said she has been going to St. Patrick's Church all her life.
The main aisle of the church was filled with well-wishers until close to 1:30 p.m., nearly half an hour after Mass had ended.
"What do you say? He's a wonderful person. I don't know what happened to forgiveness. He's human," said Marie Behuniak, the fifth-grade teacher, who has also been on staff for more than 25 years.
The course of action will be finalized within the next few days, with paperwork to be signed and discussed.
Gramkee is president of the United Way, a member of the Board for Seneca County's Habitat for Humanity, and has organized three or four canned good drives each year for those in need. He has also organized fund raisers for Nicaraguan people who need food and clothing, and collected school supplies for students in need.
"I think he deserves to complete his career with respect and dignity. We are taught as Christians to not judge. We only have one person to answer to, no matter what your career is. It won't be the same," said Susan Burgess, who is a member of the church and whose daughter just finished first grade at St. Pat's School.
"He's the reason we transferred to St. Pat's," said Kimberly Goff, who said she used to attend the First United Methodist Church in Seneca Falls.
"He baptized my children. We all learn to forgive, and I think that's what should happen," Goff added.
"I'm the perpetual optimist," Gramkee told the congregation yesterday. "I'm still a priest until this afternoon. It might feel like a gloomy day, but it's beautiful."
In the letter distributed Sunday, he used the Gospel to illustrate his feelings. He wrote about Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemene facing his own death.
"Jesus prayed that His Father would let this chalice pass. "Not my Will, but thy Will be done." I would just as soon God let this pass me by... not drink of this chalice," the letter read, "but it is not my choice to make. 'Thy will be done.'"
Jesus was also innocent, apparently the priest isn't.
Seneca Falls priest removed after abuse charges resurface
Gramkee's first appointment was in Ithaca
Gee, I can't start a thread on anything without it turning into an "Ithaca is the City of Evil" thread.
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