|
Press
Releases
March 2008
Members
of Greenwich parish receive summary of financial investigation
of former pastor; more than $400,000 in expenditures remain
unsupported
The
Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Bridgeport are invited
to join Bishop William E. Lori for Holy Week and Easter
observances in five parishes
Statement
of the Diocese of Bridgeport in response to the filing of
Bethany D'Erario v. St. John Roman Catholic Church, et.
al.
|
| Members
of Greenwich parish receive summary of financial investigation
of former pastor; more than $400,000 in expenditures remain
unsupported |
 GREENWICH,
Friday, March 7, 2008, 4:00 p.m. - The Audit Committee
of St. Michael the Archangel Parish today released
its summary of the findings from the financial procedures
review and investigation conducted by two public accounting
firms of the management of Parish finances by its former
Pastor, Fr. Michael Moynihan.
The Audit Committee summary (below)
and a letter from Bishop William E. Lori (below)
were mailed to both parishioners and parents of Greenwich
Catholic School students.
"We regret that, after more than a year of reviewing
financial records and discussing these records with Fr.
Moynihan and his counsel, as well as giving Fr. Moynihan
every opportunity to substantiate his claims that all
the expenditures were for legitimate Parish or School
purposes, we can only conclude that Fr. Moynihan has engaged
in a pattern of self-dealing, deceit, and submitting falsified
and misleading documents to the substantial detriment
of our Parish," say the members of the Audit Committee,
in their summary sent to parishioners and parents.
Lack of Documentation
According to the Audit Committee's summary, "of the approximately
$2,100,000 in expenditures from two off-the-books accounts
... [during the period between January 1, 2003, and July
31, 2006] ..., over $400,000 went to Fr. Moynihan's personal
credit cards, to or for the benefit of himself, and to
organizations, individuals, and vendors for which no third
party written documentation [contracts, invoices, correspondence,
and authenticated confirmations] has been provided to
corroborate the expenditures as appropriate for the Parish
or the School."
The financial procedures review of St. Michael Parish
began in July 2006. Shortly after this review had been
scheduled, the Diocese of Bridgeport was contacted concerning
an FBI inquiry into two off-the-books accounts at St.
Michael's. Despite Fr. Moynihan's denials of any off-the-books
account, the Diocese immediately identified one such account
that had been opened by Fr. Moynihan two weeks after the
conclusion of the 2004 Diocesan financial review of the
Parish.
While Fr. Moynihan continued to deny the existence of
any other off-the-books accounts, Diocesan officials discovered
the second off-the-books account in late December 2006.
Bishop Lori then demanded and received Fr. Moynihan's
resignation (for a detailed timeline of events, click
here).
Conclusions Reached
According to its summary to parishioners, the Audit
Committee is unanimously of the view that Fr. Moynihan
was treated fairly throughout this process and was given
more than ample time to justify his expenditures. After
reviewing both reports, the Audit Committee was unanimous
in concluding that Fr. Moynihan had:
- Made numerous misrepresentations during this process,
including repeatedly denying the existence of the off-the-books
accounts when asked by Diocesan officials and representatives
of the financial review firm;
- Engaged in inappropriate self-dealing with Parish
funds, including making large payments (often in round,
thousand dollar amounts) to his personal credit cards,
and payments to himself and to cash;
- Submitted falsified and misleading documents in an
effort to support his justification of expenditures,
which severely hindered the progress and completion
of the investigation. These documents included one bearing
the purported signature of a former judge who denies
that the signature on the document was his or that he
had seen the document before;
- Grossly mishandled Parish funds donated by Parishioners;
and
- Failed to share the results of the Diocese's February
2004 Financial and Operational Review of the Parish
with the former Parish Finance Council, or to implement
the financial recommendations as he promised to do following
the 2004 Review.
The Reports have been provided to the U.S. Attorney for
the District of Connecticut, as was requested when the
FBI alerted the Diocese in July 2006 to the off-the-books
accounts maintained by Fr. Moynihan.
Financial Progress
Over the past year, while the investigation of Fr. Moynihan
has proceeded, the Diocese has made great strides in implementing
a new system of enhanced financial procedures and controls
in all of its 87 parishes throughout Fairfield County.
Implementation of the "Six Key Elements," announced in
November 2006, has involved clergy and lay parishioners
in a unique collaboration that has generated national
attention and praise.
Among the achievements over the past 12 months are:
- All 87 parishes have undergone a financial procedure
review by an independent certified public accounting
firm or by Diocesan Parish Finance Services, depending
on the size of the parish. This will become an annual
occurrence.
- Following the review, a meeting of each Parish Corporation
was held, to share results and recommendations with
the pastor, Lay Members of the Parish Corporation, Parish
Finance Council members, and the Diocesan Director of
Parish Finance Services.
- A new Parish
Administration & Finance Manual has been published
and distributed to all clergy, Parish Business Managers,
Accountants, and Bookkeepers, and the lay members of
all 87 Parish Finance Councils. Training sessions have
been conducted on implementing the procedures and standards
in the new Manual.
- A new Internet-based Parish Accounting System now
links all 87 parishes with the Diocese. The system offers
real-time assistance and a new reporting mechanism to
generate quarterly and annual financial reports for
parishioners.
- A new, comprehensive Parish Chart of Accounts was
implemented to improve parish management reporting.
This enhancement assists pastors and their staffs to
better analyze their operating results on an ongoing
basis.
- A new Parish
Finance Program shows how clergy, religious, employees,
volunteers, and parishioners can communicate any concerns
they may have about parish finances.
For more information on the "Six Key Elements," click
here.
-30-
Letter
from Bishop William E. Lori, mailed to all members of
Saint Michael the Archangel Parish and parents of children
enrolled in Greenwich Catholic School
Dear Parishioners and School Parents,
The past year has been very difficult for you and for
me. We were all deeply saddened and disappointed by events
which led to the resignation of Father Moynihan in January
2007 and a recent news story which brought to the fore
serious questions of personal propriety. During this past
year, every effort was made to enable Father Moynihan
to keep his promise to justify numerous undocumented expenditures.
Sadly, as the attached report from the Parish Audit Committee
indicates, these efforts were met with repeated denials,
resistance, and obfuscation. Unfortunately, as you will
see, significant funds were grossly mishandled and misused.
The same pattern of behavior surfaced when Father Moynihan
was confronted with what appeared to be an improper personal
relationship: his steadfast denial of any impropriety
coupled with his failure to keep his promise to me to
terminate any association with the individual. This dual
breach of trust has given scandal: it has caused division
in the parish and community, threatened the faith of believers,
and impeded the mission of the Church. We stand in need
of healing.
While trust is sometimes broken in every walk of life,
it is especially sad and distressing in the priesthood.
After all, we priests are called to represent Christ not
only by Word and Sacrament but indeed by the witness of
our lives. This includes integrity, a relatively simple
lifestyle, and both the reality and appearance of chaste
celibacy. Yet because of Christ's love for His People,
the Church is much larger and sturdier than the failures
of any one individual. God's mercy helps us see the goodness
and integrity of the vast majority of priests and to seek
reconciliation within the parish community and with those
we believe have wronged us. The Lord's love also provides
the clearest light in which to view the utterly unremitting
efforts for more than a year of the Parish Audit Committee
as well as the Diocesan Chancellor and CFO to ensure you
would receive a fair and accurate report. I greatly appreciate
both their efforts and also their noble motives which
were directed to the goal of arriving at the truth.
After all, the decisions which must be reached with regard
to Father Moynihan's future cannot be based on rumor or
opinion, even if widespread, but on the truth, as nearly
as it can be ascertained. As St. Paul taught, our common
goal should be "to do the truth in charity" (Ephesians
4:15). On no other basis can justice be done and healing
charity be offered. On no other basis can we achieve healing
and reconciliation as individuals and as a parish family.
Regarding Father Moynihan's future, as previously indicated,
the copies of the reports from the accounting firms are
being turned over to the U.S. Attorney's Office and government
officials will determine what action, if any, is warranted
in response to his actions. I have removed Father Moynihan's
authorization to function publicly as a priest. I expect
him to honor his promise of restitution to the parish.
To that end, I expect that the Parish Audit Committee
will play a role. In the meantime, please pray for Father
Moynihan and his spiritual well-being. I know that feelings
are strong. Whatever our feelings, let us seek reconciliation
as the Lord taught us.
I urge you to read and study the report from the Parish
Audit Committee of the Parish Finance Council summarizing
the findings of the reports from the two public accounting
firms. One firm conducted the financial review and the
other conducted a forensic investigation. Registered parishioners
may review these reports upon request to the members of
the Parish Audit Committee. There will also be opportunities
for you to ask questions regarding this matter.
Finally, I would note that St. Michael's is served by
wonderful priests, beginning with your Pastor, Monsignor
J. Peter Cullen. He began his ministry among you in difficult
circumstances but he continues to show that he has your
best interests at heart. With the dedicated assistance
of the parish clergy and an extraordinary team of parish
lay leaders, he has accomplished many things. For example,
the membership of the Parish Council and the Finance Council
was greatly expanded. Monsignor works very closely with
those advisory bodies as also with the lay members of
the parish corporation and the School Board of Greenwich
Catholic School. A few nights ago I met with the combined
Parish Finance Council and Parish Council; I was very
impressed by their expertise, wisdom, and deep love for
St. Michael's Parish and the Church. In addition, Monsignor
Cullen also hired an experienced parish business manager;
parish finance and management decisions are being handled
properly. He has also greatly strengthened the parish
RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- the means the Church provides for those adults who wish
to become Catholics. He revitalized the Men's Association
and continues to support the Women's Association, launched
a new youth group, continues to give renewed attention
to the Religious Education Program, and much more. Building
on the team of lay leaders already serving St. Michael's
with great effectiveness, Monsignor is seeking to expand
lay involvement in the parish and warmly welcomes your
help. Together with Monsignor Cullen, you are served by
Fathers Connolly, Cutler, and Bejan as well as a full
time priest-chaplain at the school and several visiting
priests. In fact, St. Michael's may be served by more
priests per parishioner than almost any other parish in
the United States! Please offer these good priests your
support as well as your time and talent as with my full
support they seek to bring about healing and renewal in
your parish and in the community at large.
With all my heart, I thank you for your patience throughout
this long ordeal, for I know it has been an extremely
trying time for you and the whole parish/school community.
Not a day has passed during this past year without my
praying earnestly for you and your parish and school,
as well as all those impacted by this difficult situation.
I ask you to pray for me, for Monsignor Cullen, and for
all priests, including Father Moynihan. May the Lord unite
us in His love so that we may focus more clearly and ardently
on the mission He has entrusted to His Church.
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of
Bridgeport
Summary
of the Audit Committee of the Parish Finance Council of
Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, mailed to all parishioners
and to parents of children enrolled in Greenwich Catholic
School
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Dear Parishioners:
As members of the Audit Committee of the Finance Council
of St. Michael the Archangel Parish (the "Parish" or "St.
Michael") we write to inform you that two accounting firms
-- one that performed a review of financial procedures
at St. Michael Parish including the transactions in the
two "off-the-books" accounts maintained by Fr. Michael
Moynihan in the name of the Parish (the "Financial Review
Firm") and one that performed a forensic investigation
regarding certain expenditures from those off-the-books
accounts (the "Forensic Investigation Firm") -- have issued
their long-awaited reports ("The Reports") concerning
their reviews of our Parish's finances for the period
January 1, 2003 to July 31, 2006.
Throughout this process we have kept the Parish Finance
Council and Parish Pastoral Council updated as to the
progress of the review, and we have briefed them on the
findings of The Reports.
Before discussing the findings of The Reports,
we feel it is important that you know the following:
- Greenwich Catholic School (the "School") accounts
were not involved in this review and there was no indication
of misuse of School funds. The School was last audited
in 2005 and has had an experienced business manager
for 20 years.
- St. Michael now has an experienced business manager
and an outside accountant. With Msgr. J. Peter Cullen,
the Parish Finance Council has overseen the implementation
of the prescribed Diocesan financial controls and procedures,
including those addressing the weekly offertory.
- The fact that Fr. Moynihan has been leasing an apartment
in Manhattan for many years was not taken into consideration
in performing the financial review or forensic investigation
as Fr. Moynihan did not disclose, nor were the Parish
Audit Committee or Diocese otherwise aware, of its existence
until the review was completed.
The financial review of St. Michael began in July 2006.
During the course of the financial review, Fr. Moynihan,
personally and through his legal counsel, provided numerous
submissions in an attempt to substantiate questionable
expenditures and withdrawals of money from the two off-the-books
accounts. These off-the-books accounts had been hidden
from the former Parish Finance Council and the Diocese.
We regret that, after more than a year of reviewing financial
records and discussing these records with Fr. Moynihan
and his counsel, as well as giving Fr. Moynihan every
opportunity to substantiate his claims that all the expenditures
were for legitimate Parish or School purposes, we can
only conclude that Fr. Moynihan has engaged in a pattern
of self-dealing, deceit, and submitting falsified and
misleading documents to the substantial detriment of our
Parish.
Of the approximately $2,100,000 in expenditures from
the two off-the-books accounts during the above-noted
period, over $400,000 went to Fr. Moynihan's personal
credit cards, to or for the benefit of himself, and to
organizations, individuals and vendors for which no third
party written documentation (contracts, invoices, correspondence
and authenticated confirmations) has been provided to
corroborate the expenditures as appropriate for the Parish
or the School ("corroborating documentation").
Of the remaining expenditures approximating $1,700,000
from the two off-the-books accounts, corroborating documentation
was received for approximately $900,000. Fr. Moynihan
was given the benefit of the doubt for an additional approximately
$800,000 in disbursements either because the expenditures
were made to the same parties for which corroborating
documentation had been received for other expenditures
or because they were payments to individuals or vendors
known generally by Parish representatives to have provided
goods or services to the Parish or School at some point.
These amounts included payments for both the Parish and
the School and were for construction and related professional
services, equipment, liturgical art, catering and other
services and compensation for employees. We offer no opinion
as to the reasonableness of the amounts paid.
We have concluded that Fr. Moynihan grossly mismanaged
Parish funds, and diverted Parishioner contributions into
two off-the-books accounts. Further, his claims that funds
paid to him from these accounts were to reimburse him
for purported out-of-pocket expenses related to the Parish
and the School were not corroborated.
The completion of the review was hindered and the issuance
of The Reports delayed by: a pervasive lack of
adequate documentation, Fr. Moynihan's repeated denials
of the existence of a second off-the-books account, his
refusal to provide complete access to personal bank records,
his misrepresentation that he had only one personal checking
account, his submission of false and misleading documentation,
and his changing and conflicting explanations for various
expenditures.
The disbursements from the off-the-books accounts included
payments to Fr. Moynihan's personal credit cards, payments
to and for the benefit of himself, and payments to cash.
Fr. Moynihan maintained that checks from the off-the-books
accounts to his personal credit cards in excess of purported
Parish or School-related credit charges, and payments
to himself, were in lieu of reimbursing him for alleged
Parish and School -- related out-of-pocket expenses he
paid for with his own personal funds.
To evaluate the letters and explanations Fr. Moynihan
provided for these and certain other expenditures from
the off-the-books accounts, the Forensic Investigation
Firm was engaged in September 2007. The Forensic Investigation
Firm performed forensic procedures in examining the letters
provided by Fr. Moynihan that purported to substantiate
his claims concerning the payments to his credit cards,
himself and cash. The Forensic Investigation Firm was
also engaged to consider the changing and conflicting
explanations proffered by Fr. Moynihan for other certain
disbursements from both off-the-books accounts.
The review of the purported substantiating letters and
explanations submitted by Fr. Moynihan identified numerous
discrepancies that ranged from false statements to contradictory
explanations that lacked necessary corroborating evidence.
In lieu of corroborating documentation, Fr. Moynihan instead
provided misleading and inaccurate purported substantiating
letters. Furthermore, the Forensic Investigation Firm
did not find evidence in Fr. Moynihan's personal checking
accounts that corroborated his position that excess payments
to his personal credit cards were indirect reimbursement
for expenditures of his personal funds.
After reviewing The Reports, along with the
supporting documentation, we are unanimously of the view
that Fr. Moynihan was treated fairly throughout this process
and was given more than ample time to justify his expenditures.
As this process concludes, we have also unanimously concluded
that Fr. Moynihan engaged in a pattern of self-dealing,
deceit and submitting falsified and misleading documentation
by:
- Making numerous misrepresentations during this process,
including repeatedly denying the existence of the off-the-books
accounts when asked by Diocesan officials and representatives
of the Financial Review Firm;
- Engaging in inappropriate self-dealing with Parish
funds, including making large payments (often in round
, thousand dollar amounts) to his personal credit cards,
and payments to himself and to cash;
- Submitting falsified and misleading documents in an
effort to support his justification of expenditures
(including a document bearing the purported signature
of a former judge who denies that the signature on the
document was his or that he had seen the document before);
- Grossly mishandling Parish funds donated by Parishioners;
and
- Failing to share the results of the Diocese's February
2004 Financial and Operational Review of the Parish
("2004 Review") with the former Parish Finance Council
or to implement the financial recommendations as he
promised to do following the 2004 Review.
Our conclusions are discussed in more detail in our Summary
of the Reports attached to our letter.
As The Reports indicate, and this letter reflects,
various questions remain unanswered and considerable additional
inquiry could be undertaken. Given the substantial undertaking
necessary to attempt to answer all questions (along with
the cost and uncertainty of being able to secure all necessary
documentation) and that:
- neither the accounting firms, the Diocese nor the
Parish have subpoena power with which to compel the
needed personal and other documentation;
- Fr. Moynihan is no longer associated with our Parish;
- the new and expanded Parish Finance Council is actively
assisting Parish Msgr. Cullen in overseeing Parish finances
and the implementation of the recommendations from the
2004 Review along with the new policies and procedures
set forth in the Diocese's revised Parish Administration
& Finance Manual;
- the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut
will be provided copies of The Reports as it requested
when the FBI first alerted the Diocese to the off-the-books
accounts maintained by Fr. Moynihan and the review first
began;
we have asked that The Reports be issued now
as opposed to conducting further inquiry. While copies
of The Reports will be provided to the United
States Attorney, the Government will make its own determination
whether to conduct its own investigation into these matters.
We are available, on request, to discuss this process
and to review The Reports with any Parishioner registered
with the Parish as of the date of this letter.
Very truly yours,
Members of the Audit Committee of St. Michael
the Archangel Parish:
Joseph Quinn
Timothy J. Joyce
Thomas S. Shilen, Jr.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
OF ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL
SUMMARY OF REPORTS
BACKGROUND
The first report, prepared by the Financial Review Firm,
summarizes the account activity and associated findings
regarding the two off-the-books accounts in the name of
the Parish maintained by Fr. Moynihan. These findings
were reviewed with Fr. Moynihan and his counsel in early
August 2007. Fr. Moynihan then represented, as he had
previously, that all the expenditures (other than two
minor ones he had previously reimbursed), of approximately
$2,100,000 in total, were appropriate expenditures for
the benefit of the Parish or the School. Shortly thereafter,
Fr. Moynihan began to provide additional documentation,
including letters, purportedly to support his claims regarding
over $400,000 in expenditures that lacked corroborating
documentation. In addition to the submissions provided
since the review began in July 2006, additional submissions
were provided by Fr. Moynihan from August 2007 through
January 2008.
It became evident that the submissions, coupled with
the changing and conflicting explanations provided by
Fr. Moynihan, warranted deeper scrutiny. The Forensic
Investigation Firm was engaged in September 2007 to perform
forensic procedures and to analyze the various explanations
and submissions provided by Fr. Moynihan in his effort
to support expenditures from the off-the-books accounts
that he characterized as legitimate Parish or School expenses.
CONCLUSIONS
The Reports demonstrate that Fr. Moynihan
made numerous misrepresentations regarding the off-the-books
accounts and related expenditures and engaged in a pattern
of deception throughout the review process:
- Shortly after the financial review of St. Michael
was scheduled, in July 2006, the FBI called inquiring
about the two off-the-books accounts. Fr. Moynihan denied
the existence of any off-the-books accounts when questioned
by Diocesan officials following that call. After Diocesan
officials identified the off-the-books account at Greenwich
Bank & Trust ("GB&T"), which was opened two weeks after
the 2004 Review, Fr. Moynihan denied to the Financial
Review Firm and to Diocesan officials the existence
of any other off-the-books accounts and even certified,
in writing on August 17, 2006, that there was only one
Parish operating account. "
- In late December 2006, Diocesan officials identified
another unrecorded account: this one maintained at Bank
of America ("BOA").
- The BOA account was opened in 1972, before Fr. Moynihan's
arrival at the Parish. It appears that Fr. Moynihan
had the BOA account removed from the Parish's general
ledger in approximately 2002 following Bishop Lori's
directive that each parish maintain only one operating
account. Significantly, Fr. Moynihan continued to utilize
the BOA account on a regular basis until July 2006 and
actually conducted transactions therein within days
of denying the existence of such an account when questioned
by Diocesan officials.
- Once the accounts were identified by Diocesan officials,
Fr. Moynihan provided conflicting and inaccurate explanations
for their existence. At one point, Fr. Moynihan claimed
that the GB&T account was established for the purpose
of receiving restricted funds, but funds deposited into
that account do not appear to have been contributed
solely for specific purposes or projects. He also indicated
that the GB&T account began with a project to enhance
the School and Parish property and was a means of funding
the equestrian program without inflating the School's
costs. However, the initial GB&T disbursements were
to Fr. Moynihan's personal credit cards, to himself
or for the benefit of himself, for restaurant expenditures,
and to various individuals unrelated to the equestrian
center.
- Fr. Moynihan also claimed that he had not disclosed
the existence of the GB&T account to prevent the Diocese
from using such funds to settle abuse claims. Yet, in
fact, the global settlements for abuse occurred in January
2001 and October 2003, well before Fr. Moynihan opened
the GB&T account in 2004. And, as well known among the
clergy and publicized by the Diocese, funds for abuse
settlements came solely from insurance and the sale
of Diocesan real estate.
The Reports demonstrate that Fr. Moynihan
engaged in inappropriate self-dealing with Parish funds,
including making large payments (often in round, thousand
dollar amounts) to his personal credit cards, issuing
checks to himself and to cash, and co-mingling Parish
and personal funds as summarized below:
Over $400,000 in payments from the two off-the-books
accounts went to Fr. Moynihan's personal credit cards,
to or for the benefit of himself, to cash and to organizations,
individuals and vendors for which no corroborating documentation
has been provided.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
- Payments of approximately $284,000 were made directly
to Fr. Moynihan's personal credit cards: approximately
$153,000 from the GB&T and $131,000 from the BOA accounts.
- When the first off-the-books account (GB&T account)
was discovered in July 2006, Fr. Moynihan noted on his
personal credit card statements what items he claimed
were legitimate Parish or School expenses. These items
totaled approximately $116,000. Of the $116,000 in charges,
corroborating documentation was provided for approximately
$3,000 and $33,000 of charges were to vendors who were
known generally to have provided services to the Parish
or School from time to time. For the remaining $80,000
in charges, there was neither corroborating documentation
provided nor were the charges from known Parish or School
vendors.
- When Fr. Moynihan initially provided his explanations
for the alleged Parish and School-related credit card
payments from the GB&T account, the second off-the-books-account
(BOA account) had not yet been found. After that account
was discovered in late December 2006, and the additional
$131,000 in payments to his personal credit cards from
this account were identified, Fr. Moynihan needed to
provide explanations for this $131,000 in personal credit
card payments from the BOA account as well as the remaining
$37,000 in "excess" payments ($153,000 less $116,000
claimed charges) from his GB&T account, for a total
of $168,000 in "excess" credit card payments.
- In various letter submissions, Fr. Moynihan provided
multiple explanations for these excess payments. Most
of these explanations were generic in nature and lacked
corroborating documentation.
- Fr. Moynihan also claimed that some of the off-the-books
payments to his personal credit cards in excess of what
he claimed were Parish or School related credit card
charges were indirect reimbursement for payments
he claimed he made with personal funds for Parish or
School expenses. Specifically, he maintained that $93,000
of these excess payments were indirect reimbursements
for various items including stipends for other priests,
work on Parish and School properties by four individuals,
janitor work for the Parish and School by multiple individuals,
furniture for his bedroom at the rectory, and contributions
to religious orders.
- While Fr. Moynihan provided some documentation to
demonstrate that certain parties received funds, no
corroborating documentation was provided to support
his assertion that these amounts had been paid from
his personal funds. The Reports show that his personal
bank activity does not support his claims that he made
any of the approximately $93,000 in payments from his
personal funds.
- Of the $168,000 in excess credit card payments, the
Forensic Investigation Firm found none were adequately
corroborated or explained by Fr. Moynihan.
PAYMENTS TO CASH, SELF,
OTHERS/VENDORS
- Approximately $88,000 in checks was paid to "cash"
or to "Fr. Michael Moynihan". Fr. Moynihan provided
the same explanation for most of these payments as he
had for his credit card payments: that these checks
were reimbursement for Parish or School related expenditures
that he claimed he had paid with personal funds. Of
this amount, approximately $61,000 was not adequately
supported or explained by Fr. Moynihan. While Fr. Moynihan
submitted some documentation to support that certain
parties received funds, again no corroborating documentation
was provided to support his claim that these payments
were from his personal funds.
- Another approximately $4,600 in payments were for
his personal benefit.
- Over $102,000 in payments from the off-the-books accounts
were to individuals or vendors where the Parish or School
benefit or purpose has not been substantiated including
to a livery service, to restaurants and for travel expenses.
No corroborating documentation was provided for these
payments.
Fr. Moynihan submitted misleading explanations
and falsified and misleading documentation in an effort
to justify expenditures from the off-the-books accounts.
A few examples:
- Among the expenditures, approximately $11,000 was
paid to a tax-exempt, non-religious organization of
which Fr. Moynihan is a member. Initially, Fr. Moynihan
explained that these payments were for scholarships.
- In support of this claim, Fr. Moynihan submitted a
document purportedly signed by a former judge who serves
on the organization's Scholarship Committee. When interviewed
by the Forensic Investigation Firm, the former judge
denied that the signature on the document was his or
that he had seen the document before. In addition, the
former judge told the Forensic Investigation Firm that
he had not authorized anyone to sign the document on
his behalf.
- The Forensic Investigation Firm then sought Fr. Moynihan's
membership records. Once the Forensic Investigation
Firm obtained the records and determined that the majority
of these payments were not for scholarships but for
Fr. Moynihan's organizational dues and food and beverage
charges, Fr. Moynihan acknowledged that his prior explanation
was "inaccurate." He then claimed that these charges
were related to Parish and School fundraising activities,
for Pre-Cana instruction dinners, and for meals at the
organization's Scholarship Committee meetings.
- Another example: To justify a $1,000 payment to himself
that he represented was reimbursement for a scholarship
payment he had made from personal funds, Fr. Moynihan
submitted a letter from a school parent confirming that
her child had received a $1,000 scholarship for the
School. Upon further review, the Forensic Investigation
Firm learned that the child had received a $1,000 scholarship
but the source of those funds was the Home School Association,
not Fr. Moynihan's personal funds.
- Another example: Fr. Moynihan claimed that $6,000
in "excess payments to his personal credit cards" was
indirect reimbursement for personal funds he donated
to a religious order. That order confirmed that
while contributions had been received from the Parish
years ago, no contributions were received from Fr. Moynihan
or the Parish in the years in question.
- Another example: One of the many payments to his personal
credit cards, this one for $5,000, from the BOA account,
was explained as a "rectory/Church" expense by Fr. Moynihan.
This was coincident however with a $5,000 charge on
that credit card for a large personal item.
SOURCE OF PERSONAL FUNDS
- Despite his representation that he had only one personal
checking account, in fact Fr. Moynihan maintained at
least two. Complete records, including deposit information,
were not provided for the second personal checking account
so the source of funds into that account cannot be ascertained.
Records of disbursements from that account are incomplete
and the copies are illegible in many cases and were
not provided directly from the bank.
- The Forensic Investigation Firm did not identify sufficient
evidence to support Fr. Moynihan's claims that he had
sufficient personal funds from his salary, stipends
and gifts to make out-of-pocket payments on behalf of
the Parish or School.
- Fr. Moynihan claimed that one source of his personal
funds was gifts from a trust for an elderly sick aunt
and uncle (recently deceased) for which he served as
trustee. In an attempt to corroborate Fr. Moynihan's
claims regarding gifts from the family trust and family
members associated with the trust, the Forensic Investigation
Firm interviewed one beneficiary of the trust (representing
himself and three other beneficiaries) and his counsel.
In these interviews, according to the Forensic Investigation
Firm, the beneficiary and his counsel challenged Fr.
Moynihan's administration of the trust and the propriety
of his actions as trustee including his use of $58,000
in trust funds to purchase a boat, and other payments
from the trust for Fr. Moynihan's benefit and to organizations
associated with Fr. Moynihan (including St. Michael's).
According to the beneficiary and his counsel, Fr. Moynihan
refused to provide the beneficiaries with an accounting
of the trust assets.
- Fr. Moynihan acknowledged he had access throughout
his tenure at the Parish to the weekly cash offertory
until it was counted on Monday mornings. According to
the Forensic Investigation Firm, certain large deposits
were made in even dollar amounts into Fr. Moynihan's
personal bank accounts on Mondays and Tuesdays. (Subsequent
to Fr. Moynihan's resignation as Pastor, the Parish
has instituted tighter controls over offertory in compliance
with Diocesan procedures.)
The Reports cite numerous
instances that demonstrate Fr. Moynihan's gross mishandling
of Parish funds, including:
- As a result of inadequate documentation associated
with contributions from donors deposited into the off-the-books
accounts, it cannot be confirmed whether there were
any restrictions associated with such funds and whether
such contributions were expended for their intended
purposes.
- Significant sums were disbursed to a college from
Parish funds. While Fr. Moynihan claimed that he received
corresponding contributions specifically intended for
these disbursements, he has not provided sufficient
corroborating documentation to support his claims. Accordingly,
we are unable to confirm whether Fr. Moynihan raised
all such funds or instead used Parish funds for such
purposes.
Fr. Moynihan violated established Diocesan policy
by: maintaining off-the-books accounts, failing to maintain
adequate records, failing to share the results of the
2004 Review with the former Parish Finance Council, and
failing to implement the recommendations from the 2004
Review which included:
- Hiring a competent Parish accountant.
- All payments should be supported by invoices.
- Checks should never be payable to cash.
- Budgets should be prepared and entered into the accounting
system.
- Annual financial reports should be made to the Parish
on a timely basis.
- Proper employee documentation and filings should be
maintained in personnel files.
Finally, we confirm that, beginning in March, 2007, a
reconstituted Parish Finance Council has been assisting
Msgr. Cullen in implementing the recommendations from
the 2004 Report as well as the new policies and procedures
set forth in the Diocese's revised Parish Administration
& Finance Manual.
|
| The
Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Bridgeport are invited
to join Bishop William E. Lori for Holy Week and Easter observances
in five parishes |
BRIDGEPORT - Palm Sunday, March 16,
the last Sunday of Lent, heralds the start of Holy Week,
the most solemn period of the Church calendar, leading
to the observances marking the Passion, Death, and Resurrection
of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Members of the family of
faith in Fairfield County are invited to join Bishop William
E. Lori for all Holy Week observances.
Accredited members of the media are also welcome.
Palm Sunday Vigil,
Saturday, March 15
Mass,
5:30 p.m.
Saint Aloysius Parish
21 Cherry Street, New Canaan. Tel. 966-0020
Palm Sunday, March 16
Mass in
English, 10:00 a.m.
Saint Augustine Cathedral
359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Tel. 368-6777
Bishop Lori will open Holy Week with two Palm Sunday
Masses.
Palm Sunday recalls the triumphal procession of Our Lord
into Jerusalem, as citizens waved palm branches in welcome.
The Mass includes the blessing of the palms, which reminds
the faithful that we are to welcome Christ into our lives
and bear witness to His presence. The Gospel reading is
the recitation of the Passion, setting up the events of
the week ahead: the Last Supper, Jesus’ betrayal, scourging,
crucifixion, and death (Mark 14:1-15:47).
POPE BENEDICT XVI carries an elaborate braid of palms
during Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican. (AP PHOTO/PIER
PAOLO CITO)
Chrism Mass, Wednesday, March
19
Mass,
3:00 p.m.
Saint Augustine Cathedral
359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Tel. 368-6777
Most of the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Bridgeport
will join Bishop Lori for the annual Chrism Mass, which
also happens to fall this year on the seventh anniversary
of Bishop Lori's installation as the Fourth Bishop of
Bridgeport. Members of the faithful are invited to attend
the beautiful Chrism Mass ceremony, when Bishop Lori will
bless the three holy oils to be used during the the oil
of the catechumens, for an anointing at Baptism; the oil
of the sick; and chrism, a mixture of olive oil and balm
used for liturgical anointing – for Baptism, Confirmation,
and Holy Orders. The gathering of the clergy from all
over the diocese is a visible reminder of their unity
of purpose as they strive to serve the family of faith.
In a similar way, the oils, blessed at the Mass, are carried
to every parish for use during the upcoming year. Each
event, whether it is a parish Confirmation ceremony or
a quiet bedside anointing, is connected by these oils
to the life of faith of the entire diocese.
Finally, the Chrism Mass is a celebration of the priesthood,
when the gathered priests recommit themselves to their
ministry by reciting the promises made at their ordination,
when they received the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Holy Thursday,
March 20
Mass of
the Lord's Supper, 7 p.m.,
Saint
Augustine Cathedral
359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Tel. 368-6777
Bishop Lori will celebrate the Mass which marks the beginning
of the Easter Triduum, which reaches its high point in
the Easter Vigil on Saturday night.
CAPTION: IN IMITATION OF JESUS, Bishop Lori washes
feet during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.
(Photo of John Glover)
The Holy Thursday Mass recalls the Last Supper and the
establishment of the priesthood and the Eucharist, in
Jesus’ command to “Do this in memory of me.” The washing
of the feet is the centerpiece of the celebration. Bishop
Lori, following the example of Jesus, will wash the feet
of 12 parishioners. The ceremony is a reminder that the
priesthood is a call to service. Holy Thursday is the
last Mass until the Easter Vigil.
In a profound gesture anticipating Our Lord’s Passion,
the altar is stripped of all coverings and the Blessed
Sacrament is removed from the tabernacle and carried to
a side altar, where it will remain in repose until Easter.
Good Friday, March 21
Outdoor
Stations of the Cross and Procession, 10:00 a.m.
Saint
Benedict/Our Lady of Montserrat Parish
1 Saint Benedict Circle, Stamford. Tel. 327-7250
The Passion
of Our Lord, 3:00 p.m.
Saint
Augustine Cathedral
359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Tel. 368-6777
Procession,
8:00 p.m.
Saint Charles Borromeo Parish
391 Ogden Street, Bridgeport. Tel. 333-2147
On Good Friday, there is no Mass. Instead, Bishop Lori
will open the day at 10:00 a.m. in Stamford with an outdoor
procession, leading the parish clergy and lay faithful
through the Stations of the Cross.
At 3:00 p.m., traditionally observed as the hour Jesus
Christ died on the Cross, Bishop Lori will lead the congregation
of Saint Augustine’s in the Solemn Pontifical Liturgy
of the Passion of the Lord, assisted by the Cathedral’s
parish priests. The Good Friday liturgy consists of the
Liturgy of the Word, with the reading of the Passion (John
18:1-19:42), the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion
(which was consecrated at Mass the previous evening).
In the evening, at 8 p.m, after the Passion service at
Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport, Bishop Lori
will join a procession carrying the body of the crucified
Jesus, accompanied through the streets by a statue of
Our Lady of Sorrows.
Faithful are reminded that Good Friday is a day of
fast and abstinence for all those in good health between
the ages of 14 and 59. No meat is to be eaten, and one
full meal and two smaller meals are allowed.
Holy Saturday:
The Easter Vigil, March 22
Mass,
8:00 p.m.
Saint
Augustine Cathedral
359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Tel. 368-6777
Bishop Lori will celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass at Saint
Augustine Cathedral at 8 p.m., with the lighting of the
“new fire” in the vestibule of the church. The fire and
the lighting of the Easter Candle symbolize the Light
of the Resurrection, as does the singing of the Exsultet
hymn (“May the Morning Star which never sets find this
flame still burning: Christ, that Morning Star, who came
back from the dead, and shed His peaceful light on all
mankind”).
During the Easter Vigil Mass at most of the 87 parishes
in the Diocese of Bridgeport, new Catholics will be welcomed
into the Church, prepared to receive the Sacraments through
the Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.). Catechumens,
who are unbaptized, will receive the Sacrament of Baptism,
along with First Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates,
who are already baptized Christians, will be brought into
full communion with the Church by receiving First Eucharist
and/or Confirmation.
NEW FIRE – Msgr. Aniceto Villamide, pastor of Saint
Peter Parish in Bridgeport, lights the Easter candle to
open the Easter Vigil celebration. (PHOTO BY JOHN GLOVER)
Easter Sunday, March 23
Mass,
10:30 a.m.
Saint
Pius X Parish
834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Tel. 255-6134
On Easter Sunday, Catholics rejoice in the Resurrection
of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World.
-30-
|
| Statement
of the Diocese of Bridgeport in response to the filing of
Bethany D'Erario v. St. John Roman Catholic Church, et.
al. |
 BRIDGEPORT,
Sunday, March 30, 2008, 12:30 p.m. - In response to
the filing of Bethany D'Erario v. St. John's Roman
Catholic Church, et. al., the Diocese of Bridgeport
has issued the following statement:
"The complaint, Bethany D'Erario v. St. John's
Roman Catholic Church, et. al., is without merit.
Bethany D'Erario first threatened to sue St. John's Roman
Catholic Church and the Diocese of Bridgeport in January
of this year, approximately 17 months after she had voluntarily
resigned from her position as the business manager and
bookkeeper of St. John's Parish. We reviewed the complaint
| |