Posted on 04/28/2011 3:33:02 AM PDT by Gamecock
WATERBURY — The Rev. Kevin Gray, a Roman Catholic priest described by many as a pillar of the community, accepted a plea deal Wednesday in Waterbury Superior Court that will call for him to serve three years in prison.
But Gray, who authorities say stole more than $1 million from parish accounts to fund expensive dinners and male escorts, won't have to pay a dime back to the church because the Archdiocese of Hartford isn't asking for restitution, a prosecutor said Wednesday.
A plea of no contest was entered on Gray's behalf, which means Gray didn't admit guilt, but a conviction for first-degree larceny was entered on his record. The plea also allows Gray to deny the charge if there is a civil suit.
Gray's arrest in July made headlines across the country and shocked the parish community of Sacred Heart-Sagrado Corazon, which relied on their priest for guidance.
most of these cases get off, like the Episcopalian lady who stole half a million and was “forgiven” by her bishop, or the brother of the head of Acorn who stole almost a million and had a rich guy pay it back so they could cover it up.
Breaks my heart to hear of stories like this. I suppose they drive home the point that all men are sinners thus then the importance of the sacrament of confession that Jesus gave us.
Also the acts of forgiveness and mercy that are vital to our spiritual health. btw this Sunday is the official ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’ if you don’t know what that is Google it and make it happen...
...your soul is forever.
We are also taught in Scripture that those called to Shepherd God’s flock are held to a higher standard.
I believe God knew this was going to happen, even before He created this man...must just be part of His plan.
A forum such as this is not the place to air the dirty laundry of the Catholic Church, but it is way past time for Church’s to meet with lay people and have a serious discussion of what is going on in Church. It’s time we met with people in higher office and asked them the hard question of Why this is continuing to go on.
It’s time our Faith asnwered some serious questions.
This cannot be allowed to continue.
“We are also taught in Scripture that those called to Shepherd God’s flock are held to a higher standard.”
I don’t know that verse for sure but would agree with that until told otherwise.
Padre Pio or maybe one of the other writings of the saints revealed that there were a lot of priests in hell.
As Catholics we’re told to turn the other cheek. That includes forgiveness too. We may think of that priest as a hypocritical rat bastard but we’re expected to forgive and put it past us. He will serve 3 years in prison, perhaps he’ll have a Chuck Colson’s epiphany on the one true faith started by Jesus.
I suppose it’s only natural to demand a more immediate and permanent justice but the great thinkers of the church have spoken.
It’s not easy to be a ‘good’ Catholic, Jesus knows that, but that’s the way it is.
Not that I’m any subject matter expert but that’s my impression from my years of Sunday sermon exposure starting with the Baltimore Catechism of the 50’s. Apologies for babbling on.
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