Following the ousting of former Merced pastor, Jean Michael Lastiri of St. Patrick's Church, for posting on the internet alleged solicitations for homosexual sex in various parts of the world, parishioners are asking the question: who has been paying for his travel expenditures? The search for the answer to that question led to further questions about parish finances and the lack of parish financial accountability. In the June 11 St. Patrick's bulletin, Father Lastiri stated, "we want to be as transparent as possible.... We are at YOUR service, as stewards of your money and resources." But is St. Patrick's as...
