I agree that Fr. Hawkins should have followed the diocesan policy, which is (from my understanding) that if a priest is at a parish for more than two months the chancery must be notified and approve of the situation.
On the other hand, Hawkins did fulfill the requirements of the CIC for allowing a priest to celebrate Mass: "A priest is to be permitted to celebrate the Eucharist, even if he is not known to the rector of the church, provided either that he presents commendatory letters, not more than a year old, from his own Ordinary or Superior, or that it can be prudently judged that he is not debarred from celebrating" (§903). These requirements prevent the situation you suggest of an abuser sneaking around parishes and doing harm.
Dear gbcdoj,
No, I disagree. Fr. Hawkins permitted much more than the saying of Mass by Fr. Clay. From what I understand, Fr. Clay heard confessions (are they even valid??), and was involved with the general ministry of the parish.
The bishop is ultimately responsible for his see. Fr. Hawkins robbed his bishop, to whom he has sworn obedience, of the ability to oversee his own diocese.
Very gravely bad judgment. If my priest did that, I'd quit the parish in a heartbeat. I wouldn't be surprised if that happened in some cases in Fr. Hawkins' parish.
sitetest