If your priest is innocent, I hope he's quickly cleared. Catholics must channel their outrage and resist the temptation to witch-hunt. Of course, I'm personally familiar with cases in which notorious perverts were defended by various parishioners, even in the face of damning evidence, so I hope your loyalties are well-placed.
When the media began covering sexual abuse among priests, I cautioned on this very forum that it would not take very much for this thing to somehow affect innocent priests. This is one such priest. He is being tainted by the scandals.
He is the type of priest who a hundred years ago, a bishop would have counted on to develop parishes in the middle of nowhere. And he would've accepted the job joyfully. I can't tell you how devastating this is for him and our parish. His face is being dragged though the mud. And the liberals are clicking their collective heels over it.
If this priest was not the man I know him to be, if he were guilty of abuse, the entire parish would have run him out on his ear. We wouldn't have waited for a lay woman in the chancery to make the final decision.
My dear parish family, Many of you have read the press reports about the decision of our Diocesan officials to remove Fr. Ephrain Ortega as pastor of St. James Church because he had not properly implemented the Safe Environment program required by our diocese.Judging from the above, it sounds like this priest has the proper Catholic attitude towards obedience. Of course, I know nothing of this situation other than what's been written here, so I have no opinion on the subject, but I trust all will work out for the best.On March 19, our parish was visited by the independent agency that is auditing each parish to evaluate their compliance with this program.
Last Tuesday I was asked to meet with Bishop Grahmann, Bishop Galante, and Mary Edlund at the Chancery Office. During this meeting they told me that our school received very good marks for their compliance, but that the people who work in the church office and others who work in the CCD program and Youth Ministry and as parish volunteers had not had the proper background checks, so we had not followed the requirements. I accepted their assessment as accurate and take full responsibility for this fact.
At that time they told me that I would have to be moved from St. Thomas Aquinas because our parish was not in compliance with the Safe Environment policies. As our discussion continued, Bishop Grahmann stated that our parish had 30 days to be in full compliance, and at that time an audit would be conducted again. At that time, it was my understanding that if our audit was acceptable, I would not be moved.
On Friday, I was called to a meeting with Bishop Galante and Mary Edlund, and told that after more checking of facts, I was to be moved after all. On May 3, I will be appointed Pastor of St. Michael Church in McKinney, Texas.
This is not my decision, nor is it my choice. But, on the day I was ordained, I promised obedience to our bishop, to accept whatever assignment I am given and fulfill it to the best of my ability. I have done this for 26 years, and intend to continue doing so.
Today’s gospel reminds us that we cannot always see the face of Jesus as we walk down the road. But he is always there. I trust that he will continue to bless and guide the wonderful people of this parish, and pray that he will give me the strength to continue loving and serving him for many years to come.
Thank you for your care and support. As this Mass continues, may our special prayer be that we will keep the example of Jesus before our eyes, “Father, not my will, but your will be done.”
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