BRIDGEPORT - Sunday, April 21, 2002, 3:00 p.m.

Citing a need to restore the trust of the Catholic community, the Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, today called for a new era of reform. He announced that, as a result of the ongoing review of personnel files of clergy in the Diocese of Bridgeport, two priests have had their authorization to function as a priest removed and have been removed from their ministry. A third priest has requested a leave of absence.

"The evil of the sexual abuse of minors call for a radically new approach," said Bishop Lori, "and the key to moving forward is reform. I pledge to you today a new beginning in the Diocese of Bridgeport. I want you to understand that I will do whatever is necessary to restore the trust of the faithful."

Bishop Lori outlined the four key elements of reform:

1. Outreach - "I cannot pretend to grasp the anguish of victims, parents, and others affected by the sexual abuse of minors," Bishop Lori said. "We must recognize that there can never be enough outreach to victims or those who may be confused or hurt."

2. Prevention and Protection - "We are very mindful that actions speak louder than words," Bishop Lori said, "and while we have a sound Sexual Misconduct Policy in place, it must be continually improved and implemented in a way to ensure constant vigilance."

3. Leadership - "In partnership with the new Sexual Misconduct Review Board of the Diocese of Bridgeport, we will respond swiftly, decisively, and fairly to every allegation of sexual misconduct," Bishop Lori said.

4. Support and Validation for the Priesthood - "We have not done a good enough job of shining a light on the many fine priests and the incredibly generous work they perform," Bishop Lori said. "I, along with my brother priests, are continually called to holiness and a higher standard. Care must be taken to ensure that innocent priests are treated swiftly and fairly by our review process, and that their good names are not maligned. We will maintain our trust in the priests who deserve to be trusted."

Bishop Lori announced the names of two priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport who have had their authorization to function as a priest removed and have been removed from their ministry. Per the requirements of the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese, each priest was sent for psychological evaluation and asked to undergo treatment. The priests who have been removed are:

• Father Stanley N. Koziol, Assistant Pastor of Saint Mark Parish in Stratford. Father Koziol has acknowledged sexual misconduct with a minor in the early 1960s. There have been no other allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor regarding Father Koziol. Ordained to the priesthood in 1958, Father Koziol, 69, has been assigned to Saint Mark Parish since 1994. He was removed from his assignment in early March, and his case was brought before the Sexual Misconduct Review Board of the Diocese.
  
  
• Father Vincent J. Veich, Co-Pastor of Saint Benedict/Our Lady of Montserrat Parish in Stamford. Father Veich has acknowledged incidents of sexual misconduct with a woman in the late 1970s who claims she was 17 at the time. There have been no other allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor regarding Father Veich. Ordained to the priesthood in 1971, Father Veich, 57, has been assigned to Saint Benedict/Our Lady of Montserrat Parish since 1990. He was removed from his assignment earlier this month and his case was brought before the Sexual Misconduct Review Board of the Diocese.

Monsignor Laurence R. Bronkiewicz, Chancellor of the Diocese of Bridgeport, was present at the 12:15 p.m. Mass today at Saint Mark Parish to make the announcement on Father Koziol. Father Frank C. McGrath, Director of Clergy Personnel for the Diocese of Bridgeport, was present at the 10:45 a.m. Mass today at Saint Benedict/Our Lady of Montserrat Parish to make the announcement on Father Veich.

At each parish, information was distributed on counseling and support services that are available through Catholic Family Services, a division of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. Follow-up informational meetings will be scheduled in each parish.

The review of personnel files of the active priests and deacons of the Diocese of Bridgeport, initiated by Bishop Lori in January, is now complete.

Also today, Bishop Lori announced that Monsignor Gregory M. Smith had tendered his resignation as Director of the Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Studies (REAPS) at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Monsignor Smith also requested a leave of absence, and his authorization to function as a priest has been removed.

Monsignor Smith, 60, was ordained to the priesthood in 1967. He has been Director of REAPS since 1990, and Priest in Residence at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Bridgeport since 1974.

In a letter to Bishop Lori, dated Saturday, April 20, 2002, Monsignor Smith wrote, "After careful prayer and consideration, I feel it best for everyone that I offer my resignation as Director of the Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart University to Dr. Anthony J. Cernera, President. I also request of you a leave of absence. I truly wish to apologize to those I harmed early in my ministry and I ask their forgiveness."

Finally today, in the interests of disclosure, Bishop Lori provided details on two inactive priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport, who had their authorization to function as a priest removed and were removed from their ministry in 1997.

The two inactive priests are:

• Father Joseph P. Moore, former Assistant Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Bethel from 1981-1983. From 1983 until 1997, Father Moore served outside of the Diocese of Bridgeport. A complaint of sexual misconduct in the 1970s was brought to the attention of the Diocese at the time and was brought again in January 1997. His authorization to function as a priest was immediately removed and he was removed from his ministry. He has not been returned to ministry. Father Moore was ordained to the priesthood in 1971.
  
  
• Monsignor Charles W. Stubbs, former Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Greenwich from 1991-1996. Monsignor Stubbs, now 63, retired as Pastor of Saint Mary's in November 1996. At the time, there were also questions of financial impropriety. In July 1997, Monsignor Stubbs was appointed Assistant Pastor of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown. A complaint of sexual misconduct in the 1980s was brought against Monsignor Stubbs in September 1997. His authorization to function as a priest was immediately removed and he was removed from his ministry. He has not been not returned to ministry. Monsignor Stubbs was ordained to the priesthood in 1963.

On Friday, Bishop Lori announced the members of the newly-established Sexual Misconduct Review Board of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The ten-member Board, which will convene on an as-needed basis, will oversee the diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy with three principal objectives:

• Adequacy of the Policy. The Board will examine how the existing Policy, established in 1991 and in accordance with all laws of the State of Connecticut, can be strengthened and improved.
  
  
• Implementation of the Policy. The Board will review how the Policy is implemented among all employees, volunteers, and clergy of the Diocese, in terms of education, compliance, and prevention.
  
  
• Review of Allegations of Misconduct. The Board will examine allegations of sexual misconduct, which are brought to the attention of the Diocese, to determine their credibility. The Board will advise Bishop Lori on the need for further investigation and the appropriate response.

The new Review Board has met four times over the past month and has examined the findings of the personnel file review, including the cases of Father Koziol and Father Veich. The Review Board concurred with Bishop Lori's decision on both priests to remove their authorization to function as a priest and remove them from their ministries.

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Bishop Lori's letter read at all Masses Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21, 2002

BRIDGEPORT- The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, issued this letter to the people of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

My dear sister and brothers in the Lord:

The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has invited the Cardinals of the Unites States, along with the President and Vice President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to the Vatican next week to discuss the current crisis in the American Church. We are all saddened by the revelations of sexual misconduct and the mishandling of cases. We are also saddened by the virulent attacks in the media on the Church, the clergy, and even the faithful Catholics in the pews.

This is a discouraging time for all of us. I understand that some Catholics feel that their trust has been shaken. But what I want you to understand is that I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to restore that trust. Despite our feelings of bewilderment and grief, we are driven to a new resolve to protect our children, respond compassionately to victims, and to do whatever humanly possible to ensure that sexual misconduct will never happen again.

I invite all of you to join me in prayer for the fruitful outcome of this gathering in Rome.

Here in the Diocese of Bridgeport, I have taken decisive steps to ensure that our Sexual Misconduct Policy, which we have had in place since 1991, is properly distributed, understood, and implemented. All members of the clergy, lay employees of the diocese, and volunteers in our parishes, schools, and other institutions must read and sign the policy. At the slightest suspicion of abuse, a report must be made to the proper supervisor. There can be no complacency nor discussion on this issue. Nor can there ever be enough pastoral outreach to victims or those who may be confused or hurt. This is not a matter of good public relations; it is the right thing to do.

As your new Bishop, with just 14 months on the job, I have decided to go beyond just having a good written Policy in place. Last January, I initiated a review of the personnel files of all priests and deacons in active ministry in the Diocese. I did so to ensure that every active priest or deacon is suitable for ministry. The file review of active priests is complete, and I will be announcing the results shortly. I can say this: at this time, to the best of my knowledge, there is no priest or deacon in active ministry in the Diocese of Bridgeport today who poses any threat of sexual misconduct with a child.

But I do not wish to act alone on a matter which affects us all. I need your help as mothers and father, employees and volunteers, Catholics and members of other faiths. The best prevention of this terrible abuse is increased awareness and vigilance.

On Friday, I announced the membership of our new Sexual Misconduct Review Board. These 10 men and women, all of whom are experts in their profession, are my partners in ensuring the objective and thorough implementation of our Policy. From law enforcement and prosecution to excellence in school administration, psychology, and victims' services, these members have pledged to review each case as it comes to light and offer the wisdom that comes from their experience and professionalism. I expect them to "look over my shoulder" to make sure that every allegation is handled properly, that appropiate outreach is made to a victim and his or her family, that the authorities are informed, and that our Policy is properly implemented. Nine of the 10 members are parents. They understand the problem. They love and protect their children and grandchildren. They expect the Church to do the same.

The biographies of each board member will be published in the new edition of the Fairfield County Catholic, which will arrive in your homes next weekend. They are available now on our diocesan website: Advisory Board.

During these past 14 months, I have been heartened by the warm welcome which all of you have given me in my visits to your parish. I know I can count on your assistance, advice, and prayers in the years ahead.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend William E. Lori
Bishop of Bridgeport

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Bishop William E. Lori announces members of the new Sexual Misconduct Review Board

BRIDGEPORT - Friday, April 19, 2002, 2:00 p.m.

The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, has announced the members of the newly-established Sexual Misconduct Review Board of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The 11-member Board, which will convene on an as-needed basis, will oversee the implementation of the diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy, and has met four times over the past month.

"This Board is playing an integral and active role in ensuring that the protection of children remains of the greatest importance to the Diocese of Bridgeport and its mission," says Bishop Lori. "They are 'looking over my shoulder' and assisting me in my commitment to act swiftly, decisively, and fairly to allegations of sexual misconduct. Every allegation will be considered by this independent Board with a pledge that my decision will be straightforward based on the wisdom of the Board and the merits of the case."

"While we have a sound Policy in place," Bishop Lori continues, "this Board will be critical to continually improve the Policy and its implementation to ensure constant vigilance and appropriate outreach to victims. The Board members bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and professionalism to their responsibility, and I am grateful for their assistance."

The Review Board has three principal objectives:

1. Adequacy of the Policy. The Board will examine how the existing Policy, established in 1991 and in accordance with all laws of the State of Connecticut, can be strengthened and improved.

2. Implementation of the Policy. The Board will review how the Policy is implemented among all employees, volunteers, and clergy of the Diocese, in terms of education, compliance, and prevention.

3. Review of Allegations of Misconduct. The Board will examine allegations of sexual misconduct, which are brought to the attention of the Diocese to make sure they are handled properly. The Board will advise Bishop Lori on the need for further investigation and the appropriate response.

In its meetings, the Review Board has examined the findings of the personnel file review, initiated by Bishop Lori last January. The file review is nearly complete, and the findings will be announced shortly.

The members of the Sexual Misconduct Review Board of the Diocese of Bridgeport are:

• DONALD A. BROWNE, Esq. From 1973 until 1997, Mr. Browne served as State's Attorney, the chief criminal prosecuting attorney, for the Judicial District of Fairfield. A graduate of the University of Connecticut and New York University, he has participated in all aspects of criminal prosecution, particularly criminal trials and appellate proceedings, in both state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Browne is the former Chairman of the Connecticut Council of State's Attorneys, and taught Trial Practice as Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Bridgeport/ Quinnipiac College Law School. A husband and father of four children, Mr. Browne lives in Trumbull.
  
  
• REVEREND MICHAEL JUDE FAY. Father Fay, a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport, was ordained in 1978 and has served in parishes in Newtown, New Canaan, and Greenwich. Father Fay has been Pastor of Saint John Parish in Darien since 1991. He holds a degree in Psychotherapy from Manhattan College.
  
  
• THOMAS G. FLYNN, M.D. Dr. Flynn practiced pediatric medicine for 31 years before his retirement in 1994. A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, he is currently Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Flynn is Pediatric Consultant to Americares and a member of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Medical Mission Board, the Crudem Foundation of Haiti, and Shepherds, Inc., a mentoring program for inner-city high school students. A husband and father of nine children, Dr. Flynn lives in New Canaan.
  
  
• JOHN C. FORD. For 33 years, Mr. Ford served as Claims Manager for the Travelers Insurance Company, overseeing field investigation, case management, litigation, and compensation. In 1985, he began an eight-year term as Administrator of the Commission on Victim Services for the State of Connecticut, providing advocate services to victims of crime and their families and managing crime victim compensation claims. A husband and father of 13 children, Mr. Ford lives in Fairfield.
  
  
• CLAIRE M. HINES. Mrs. Hines has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the public school system. Since 1989, she has served as Principal of Farmingville Elementary School in Ridgefield. A wife and mother of three children, Mrs. Hines lives in Brookfield.
  
  
• PHILIP A. LACOVARA, Esq. Mr. Lacovara is Senior Partner in the law firm of Mayer, Brown, Rowe, & Law in New York City. Former President of the District of Columbia Bar and Chairman of the American Bar Association Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities, Mr. Lacovara was Counsel to the Watergate Special Prosecutors and Special Counsel to the New York City Police Commissioner. He also served as Deputy Solicitor General of the United States. A husband and father of seven children, Mr. Lacovara lives in New Canaan.
  
  
• JAMES T. LARKIN. Mr. Larkin is President of Global Strategy Advisors in Greenwich. In 1993, he retired as Vice-Chairman of American Express International, Inc., after 23 years of service. He is a former Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Larkin has served as a Facilitator of the International Theological Dialogue between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. A husband and father of two children, Mr. Larkin lives in Greenwich.
  
  
• LIANE M. PIOLI, Ph.D. Dr. Pioli is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Fairfield, with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood disorders. A graduate of Saint John's University, she serves on the State of Connecticut Panel of Examiners to perform disability, psychological, and learning disability examination for the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. A wife and mother of three children, Dr. Pioli lives in Easton.
  
  
• JOHN P. ROGOWSKI, M.D. Dr. Rogowski is a practicing Psychiatrist. A graduate of Georgetown University Medical School, he is the attending Psychiatrist at Saint Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport; associate attending Psychiatrist at Hall-Brooke Hospital in Westport; and Chief of Psychiatric Services at Saint Joseph's Manor in Trumbull. A husband and father of two children, Dr. Rogowski lives in Fairfield.
  
  
• NANCY SIROIS. Mrs. Sirois recently retired as a Detective in the Stratford Police Department after 28 years. The majority of her work was spent investigating the sexual assault and molestation of children. A volunteer with the Rape Crisis Service in Bridgeport, Mrs. Sirois is a member of the Multidiscipline Investigative Team of Eastern Fairfield County, which is charged to review all cases of sexual and physical assault with children. A wife and mother of two children, Mrs. Sirois lives in Stratford.
  
  
• LEAH K. LEBEC, Ph.D. Dr. Lebec is a writer and children's advocate. She is the author of several books and articles, published in this country and abroad, on developmental disabilities and their effective treatments. A member of the Order of Malta, Dr. Lebec has served on several boards that advocate on behalf of disadvantaged, disabled, and handicapped children. A wife and mother of three children, Dr. Lebec lives in Greenwich.

Bishop Lori is in the process of adding more members to the Review Board. Their names will be announced in due course.

Assisting the Sexual Misconduct Review Board in the review of cases are three officials of the Diocese of Bridgeport: Reverend Monsignor Laurence R. Bronkiewicz, Chancellor; Reverend Monsignor Jerald A. Doyle, Judicial Vicar; and Michael T. Dolan, Esq., Diocesan General Counsel.

Bishop Lori will hold a press conference on Sunday, April 21, at 3:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center in Bridgeport. He will speak on the new Review Board and on the progress of the file review.

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Friday, April 12, 2002, 11:00 a.m.

BRIDGEPORT - The claim that Cardinal Edward M. Egan, when he was Bishop of Bridgeport, knew and failed to report to civil authorities the 1989 impregnation of a minor by former Father Joseph DeShan is false. It is also false for the Hartford Courant to claim that Msgr. William Scheyd, formerly the Rector of Saint Augustine Cathedral, fired the minor because she was pregnant.

The Diocese of Bridgeport knew that DeShan had fathered a child only when he petitioned for laicization in 1994. DeShan testified that he had had "a monogamous relationship with a woman" -- not a minor. Contained in the record is speculation on the part of his psychologist that the woman in question may have been 16 -- which was then and remains the age of consent under Connecticut law. Thus, contrary to the report in the Hartford Courant, there would have been no crime to report. Furthermore, DeShan never informed then-Bishop Egan that he had had sexual relations with a minor. Nor did the woman or her family so inform Cardinal Egan or the Diocese.

Msgr. Scheyd did not ask the woman to stop working at the rectory, even though he was unsatisfied with her job performance. Certainly, he did not fire her because she was pregnant. Msgr. Scheyd was unaware of the relationship between DeShan and the woman.

The media failed to give either the Diocese of Bridgeport or Cardinal Egan sufficient notice to respond appropriately. Neither was informed until the story was about to go to press. The story irresponsibly ascribes knowledge and motives to Cardinal Egan and the Diocese that are false.

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Wednesday, March 13, 2002

BRIDGEPORT - The Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese of Bridgeport was published in January 1991 and was distributed to Diocesan employees as well as priests and deacons. All employees and clergy are required to read and sign the policy, which concurs with all state and federal laws and is designed to prevent sexual harassment and abuse. The Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy was revised in March 2001 and implemented with renewed emphasis by Bishop William E. Lori after his Installation as the Fourth Bishop of Bridgeport on March 19, 2001.

To view the Diocese of Bridgeport's Sexual Misconduct Policy, click here.

The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, has issued the following statement:

The 285 priests and 86 deacons in active ministry in the Diocese of Bridgeport are my brothers and close co-workers in accomplishing the Lord's work throughout Fairfield County. Day in and day out, they labor as good, faithful, and holy priests and deacons who are committed to their sacred mission to bring the Good News to the people. They deserve our support and gratitude. We pray for one another daily, and reach out to one another in times of illness, crisis, or discouragement.

At the same time, I, like my brother priests and deacons, remain deeply troubled by the specter of the sexual abuse of minors - a tragic problem confronting our society and indeed the Catholic Church. Of deepest concern are those who are the victims of abhorrent behaviors that cause so much harm and suffering in their lives. Perpetrators of the sexual abuse of minors are found in every segment of society, most often in the family setting. But it is particularly disturbing when perpetrators are members of the clergy or others who are entrusted with special roles of service to the young. I cannot stress too much that sexual abuse is completely contrary to the identity, life and mission of a priest, deacon, or anyone else employed by or volunteering in the Diocese of Bridgeport or in the Church at large.

Let me reiterate my sincere apologies, indeed my remorse, to all who have been affected by such reprehensible behavior. Permit me also to indicate the response of the Diocese of Bridgeport to the tragedy of the sexual abuse of minors:

1) Since 1991, the Diocese of Bridgeport has had a comprehensive policy on the sexual abuse of minors. It was developed with the help of qualified individuals and was updated as late as last year. It is fully compliant with the laws of the State of Connecticut. Its purposes are twofold:

i) To prevent, as far as possible, the sexual abuse of minors and sexual harassment in the workplace;
ii) When credible allegations are received, to set in motion a swift and comprehensive response which reaches out to possible victims with counseling and assistance; which cooperates fully with the requirements of the law; which relieves the alleged perpetrator(s) of their duties; and which provides evaluation and treatment for the alleged perpetrator(s) from among the clergy.

2) This policy has been distributed and explained to the clergy and to diocesan employees. They are required to indicate their compliance with this policy. I am committed to its vigorous implementation.

3) Note that the policy requires clergy and diocesan employees to report incidents or even suspicions of the sexual abuse of minors to their immediate superiors who, in turn, are mandated to inform at once the Chancellor, Monsignor Laurence Bronkiewicz. As soon as such a report is received, the response called for in the policy begins. The policy also reminds mandated reporters of their obligation to report allegations of sexual abuse under state law.

4) The Diocese of Bridgeport has cooperated with civil authorities in the past and will do so in the future. Care is taken to preserve the good reputation of clergy, employees, and volunteers who may be subjected to unfounded accusations. At the same time, the Diocese is fully committed to complete adherence to the reporting requirements established in Connecticut law.

5) Over the past several months, the Diocese has been reviewing its implementation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy. The review is ongoing and includes both priests and deacons. At this point, I can say that, to the best of my knowledge, there are no priests or deacons of the Diocese of Bridgeport in active ministry who pose any threat of committing sexual misconduct with a minor.

6) I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that I intend to create an Advisory Board for the Diocese of Bridgeport to assist me in the vigorous implementation of the Diocese of Bridgeport's Policy on Sexual Misconduct. Although still in the planning phase, I intend the Board to consist of a panel of experienced and qualified people - including psychologists, physicians, legal experts, and others - to help, on a case-by-case basis, in reviewing and investigating allegations of child sexual abuse; in responding to those allegations that are credible; and in helping the victims of that abuse. Similar Boards have been created in other dioceses throughout the county and have proven extremely helpful in assessing and responding to these issues.

The intense focus on the sexual abuse of minors should prompt each one of us to a much deeper and more faithful discipleship to Jesus Christ. Far from weakening our Faith, this terrible problem demonstrates our need to rely on the Lord's wisdom, forgiveness, and strength in rejecting attitudes and behaviors utterly contrary both to the Gospel and to authentic human dignity. Good policies, just laws, and sound professional assistance are all indispensable. Ultimately, however, what is required of us all is a profound, grace-driven conversion of mind and heart. As your Pastor, I commit the Diocese of Bridgeport to that path of conversion.

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VATICAN CITY -(Editor’s note: On April 23, Pope John Paul II opened the extarordinary gathering of U.S. Cardinals at the Vatican to discuss the scandal of sexual abuse with the following address.)

I am confident that your discussions here will bear much fruit for the good of the Catholic people of the U.S. You have come to the house of the Successor of Peter, whose task it is to confirm his brother bishops in faith and love, and to unite them around Christ in the service of God’s people. The door of this house is always open to you. All the more so when your communities are in distress.

Like you, I, too, have been deeply grieved by the fact that priests and religious, whose vocation it is to help people live holy lives in the sight of God, have themselves caused such suffering and scandal to the young. Because of the great harm done by some priests and religious, the Church herself is viewed with distrust, and many are offended at the way in which the Church’s leaders are perceived to have acted in this matter. The abuse which has caused this crisis is by every standard wrong and rightly considered a crime by society; it is also an appalling sin in the eyes of God. To the victims and their families, wherever they may be, I express my profound sense of solidarity and concern.

Power of Conversion
It is true that a generalized lack of knowledge of the nature of the problem and also at times the advice of clinical experts led bishops to make decisions which subsequent events showed to be wrong. You are now working to establish more reliable criteria to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated. At the same time, even while recognizing how indispensable these criteria are, we cannot forget the power of Christian conversion, that radical decision to turn away from sin and back to God, which reaches to the depths of a person’s soul and can work extraordinary change.

Neither should we forget the immense spiritual, human, and social good that the vast majori-ty of priests and religious in the United States have done and are still doing. The Catholic Church in your country has always promoted human and Christian values with great vigor and generosity, in a way that has helped to consolidate all that is noble in the American people.

A great work of art may be blemished, but its beauty remains; this is a truth which any intellectually honest critic will recognize. To the Catholic com-munities in the United States, to their pastors and members, to the men and women religious, to teachers in Catholic universities and schools, to American missionaries in all parts of the world, go the wholehearted thanks of the entire Catholic Church and the personal thanks of the Bishop of Rome.

Grave Crisis
The abuse of the young is a grave symptom of a crisis affecting not only the Church but society as a whole. It is a deep-seated crisis of sexual morality, even of human relationships, and its prime victims are the family and the young. In addressing the problem of abuse with clarity and determi-nation, the Church will help society to understand and deal with the crisis in its midst.

It must be absolutely clear to the Catholic faithful, and to the wider community, that bishops and superiors are concerned, above all else, with the spiritual good of souls. People need to know that there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young. They must know that bishops and priests are totally committed to the fullness of Catholic truth on matters of sexual morality, a truth as essential to the renewal of the priesthood and the episcopate as it is to the renewal of marriage and family life.

We must be confident that this time of trial will bring a purification of the entire Catholic community, a purification that is urgently needed if the Church is to preach more effectively the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all its liberating force. Now you must ensure that where sin increased, grace will all the more abound (Romans 5:20). So much pain, so much sorrow must lead to a holier priesthood, a holier episcopate, and a holier Church.

Courage, Harmony, Purpose
God alone is the source of holiness, and it is to Him above all that we must turn for forgiveness, for healing, and for the grace to meet this challenge with uncompromising courage and harmony of purpose. Like the good shepherd of last Sunday’s Gospel, pastors must go among their priests and people as men who inspire deep trust and lead them to restful waters (Psalms 22:2).

I beg the Lord to give the bishops of the United States the strength to build their response to the present crisis upon the solid foundations of faith and upon genuine pastoral charity for the victims, as well as for the priests and the entire Catholic community in your country. And I ask Catholics to stay close to their priests and bishops, and to support them with their prayers at this difficult time. “People need to know that there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young.”

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BRIDGEPORT, Monday, April 29, 2002, 12 p.m.

The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, announced today that a priest has submitted his resignation as Pastor and, accordingly, has had his authorization to function as a priest withdrawn.

The priest, who resigned on Saturday, April 27, is:

• Father William D. Donovan, Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Fairfield. Father Donovan, who has been convicted three times for driving while under the influence of alcohol, appeared in court this morning and was sentenced to a mandatory 150 days as a subsequent D.U.I. offender. Acknowledging the abuse of alcohol as a contributing factor, Father Donovan has also admitted a sexual relationship with a young man. Whether the man was a minor at the time of the misconduct is unclear. Ordained to the priesthood in 1961, Father Donovan, 66, has been assigned to Holy Family Parish since 1989.

In line with the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Father Donovan is also required to be sent for psychiatric evaluation and treatment, which will take place after he completes his sentence.

Bishop Lori was present at the 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass yesterday at Holy Family Parish to make the announcement on Father Donovan. Information was distributed on counseling and support services that are available through Catholic Family Services, a division of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. Follow-up informational meetings will be scheduled at the parish.

Effective immediately, Father Eugene R. Szantyr, Assistant Pastor of Holy Family Parish, will act as temporary administrator of the parish until a new Pastor is appointed.

The allegation of sexual misconduct was brought to the attention of the Diocese of Bridgeport on Thursday afternoon, April 25, when Monsignor Laurence R. Bronkiewicz, Chancellor, and Michael T. Dolan, Diocesan General Counsel, met with the victim and his stepfather. On Friday morning, April 26, Mr. Dolan informed Mr. Neil Kelly, Assistant State's Attorney of the Fairfield Judicial District, of the allegation of sexual misconduct involving Father Donovan.

With the help of the Sexual Misconduct Review Board, the Diocese of Bridgeport is currently investigating a small number of new complaints. Each complaint involves alleged misconduct which took place in the 1980s or earlier. Based upon conversations which the Diocese of Bridgeport has had with the State's Attorney's Office, complaints for which a report is expected will be submitted to the State's Attorney.

"It is our hope that a new spirit of openness and vigilance may help victims of sexual misconduct and their families find the courage to come forward," said Bishop Lori. "We remain committed to meeting with any victim and to dealing with all allegations, in tandem with the Review Board, swiftly, decisively, and fairly."

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Father William D. Donovan

Born: 1935, Seymour, CT
Ordained: 1961, Bridgeport

Assignments:

Priest in Residence
1961-1966, Saint John Parish, Darien
1966-1973, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich

Assistant Pastor
1973-1982, Saint Thomas More Parish, Darien
1982-1983, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown
1983-1989, Saint Leo Parish, Stamford

Pastor
1989-2002, Holy Family Parish, Fairfield

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BRIDGEPORT - Monday, April 29, 2002, 8:30 p.m.

Fulfilling his pledge to respond swiftly, decisively, and fairly to all allegations of sexual misconduct, the Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, announced this evening that a priest has resigned and, accordingly, has had his authorization to function as a priest withdrawn. The action was taken following interviews with two men who claimed to have been abused by this priest in the late 1970s and the early 1980s.

The priest who has been removed is:

• Father Alfred J. Bietighofer, Assistant Pastor of Saint Andrew Parish in Bridgeport. Ordained to the priesthood in 1965, Father Bietighofer, 64, has been assigned to Saint Andrew Parish since October 2001.

These allegations of sexual misconduct were unknown to the Diocese of Bridgeport until yesterday, when they were published in a local newspaper. This morning, the Diocese reached out to the complainants’ attorney, Jason Tremont, to request a meeting as soon as possible. Two of the complainants met with Bishop Lori at 5:30 p.m. today.

Following the meeting, Bishop Lori met with Father Bietighofer to discuss the allegations. During that meeting, Father Bietighofer voluntarily withdrew from his parish assignment and Bishop Lori removed his authorization to function as a priest.

“To facilitate reconciliation and healing, the Diocese of Bridgeport stands ready to meet with anyone who believes he or she has been a victim of sexual abuse,” Bishop Lori says. “We also pledge to respond swiftly, decisively, and fairly to all allegations. In the case of Father Bietighofer, the allegations from the two gentlemen were credible enough to warrant immediate action, in line with our Policy. We will bring the specific details of the case before the Sexual Misconduct Review Board at its next meeting.”

In line with the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Father Bietighofer will be sent for psychiatric evaluation. Information will be distributed at Saint Andrew Parish on counseling and support services that are available through Catholic Family Services, a division of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. Follow-up informational meetings will be scheduled at the parish.

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Father Alfred J. Bietighofer

Born: 1938, New York, NY
Ordained: 1965, Bridgeport

Assignments:

Priest in Residence 1966-1968 Saint George Parish, Bridgeport

Parish Administrator 1968-1974 Saint Anthony Parish, Bridgeport

Assistant Pastor 1974-1975 Saint John Vianney Parish, Chiclayo, Peru
Assistant Pastor 1975-1976 Saint Patrick Parish, Bridgeport

Pastor 1976-1982 Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bridgeport

Chaplain 1982-1984 Saint Joseph Medical Center, Stamford

Pastor 1984-1986 Saint Joseph Parish, South Norwalk

Assistant Pastor 1986-1987 Saint John Vianney Parish, Chiclayo, Peru
Assistant Pastor 1987-1988 Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford

Pastor 1988-1998 Saint Mary Parish, Norwalk
Pastor 1998-1999 Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport

Assistant Pastor 1999-2001 Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston
Assistant Pastor 2001-2002 Saint Andrew Parish, Bridgeport

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BRIDGEPORT, Friday, May 3, 2002, 8:30 a.m.

In recognition of his role as an emerging leader on the issue of sexual misconduct, Bishop William E. Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport has been appointed to the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Bishop Lori was appointed by the Committee's Chairman, Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

The USCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse will set the agenda of the June 13-15 meeting of U.S. Catholic Bishops in Dallas, TX. The bishops will discuss recommendations for a comprehensive response on the national level for handling cases of clergy sexual misconduct.

Bishop Lori's appointment is part of a planned enlargement and reconstitution of the Ad Hoc Committee, which was founded in March 1993 to gather information on how dioceses across the country were dealing with the problem of sexual abuse, and to offer recommendations on enhancing the Church's response.

"I am honored and privileged to be asked to serve on the U.S. Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse," says Bishop Lori. "The protection of children is of utmost concern to me and my brother bishops. We feel a great sense of urgency on this matter. We head into the June meeting with a strong sense of commitment, and hope to emerge with a national policy which will reach out to victims, set guidelines for response, and help people to restore their trust in the Church."

The USCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse is mandated to:

• Explore ways to assist dioceses to deal effectively with priests who sexually abuse minors and others;
• Examine what the USCCB can do pastorally nationwide to assist in the healing of victims and their families;
• Address the issue of morale of bishops and priests burdened with the terrible offenses of a few;
• Assist bishops in screening candidates for priestly ministry;
• Recommend steps to safeguard against sexual abuse of minors by employees or volunteers of the Church;
• Address the national problem of sexual abuse of children, coming from many directions, especially from within families.

For more information on the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse and the policy and efforts of the Catholic Church to combat sexual abuse, visit www.usccb.org/comm/restoretrust.htm.

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BRIDEPORT - Friday, May 3, 2002, 1:00 p.m.

In a spirit of outreach and compassion to victims of sexual misconduct and the wider parish and school communities, the Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, announced today the creation of an emergency response team to oversee the swift distribution of counseling services and care.

In the event of a crisis, the eight-member Catholic Charities Emergency Response Team will respond quickly to reach out to the needs of the victim and the victim's family, and the impacted parish or school community. Consisting of professionals in the fields of behavioral health, counseling, and crisis management, the team will coordinate the offer of counseling services to victims and their families, and organize an assembly of parishioners, Catholic school parents, and other parties to share information on available resources.

"Our response to victims of sexual misconduct must be compassionate, thorough, and swift," says Bishop Lori. "The creation of this team, drawing on the outstanding experience and resources of Catholic Charities, goes beyond our existing Sexual Misconduct Policy. It will play an integral role as the healing process begins, both directly in terms of the victim, and indirectly in terms of the wider community."

"We hope to connect the greatest needs with the best resources for healing," explains Michael Tintrup, Team Leader. "Our Team members are professionals experienced in the administration of counseling and in the assessment of needs and priorities. Our ultimate goals are the alleviation of pain and post-traumatic stress, and the commencement of the healing and recovery processes."

The first priority of the new Catholic Charities Emergency Response Team is to address the needs of victims and communities in the Diocese of Bridgeport whom have been affected during the past month by announcements of clergy resignations.

The members of the Catholic Charities Emergency Response Team are:

• REVEREND LAWRENCE J. CARROLL, Pastor of Saint Pius X Parish in Fairfield. Ordained in 1981, Father Carroll is a former teacher and spiritual director at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. He was Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Brookfield for four years before his appointment to Saint Pius X Parish earlier this year.
  
  
• SUSAN EMERSON, L.C.S.W., Clinician II, Catholic Family Services of Danbury. Ms. Emerson has six years' clinical and managerial experience in the delivery of counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. A member of the Catholic Family Services' Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, she has worked for Catholic Charities since 1997.
  
  
• ARMAND R. FABBRI, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport since 1994. Mr. Fabbri oversees 12,000 students and 750 teachers in 33 Catholic elementary schools, five high schools, and one special education school in Fairfield County. With more than 40 years' experience in Catholic education, Mr. Fabbri is a former teacher, administrator, and principal at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield.
  
  
• MARIE KEOGH, Emergency Services Coordinator for Catholic Charities. Ms. Keogh designs and implements trauma response services, including the ongoing response to the families of victims of the September 11 disaster. She has 14 years' experience providing stress management services.
  
  
• LINDA MICHAUD, L.C.S.W., Clinician II, Catholic Family Services of Bridgeport. Ms. Michaud has 23 years' experience providing clinical counseling services to individuals, couples, and families, with extensive experience working with victims of sexual abuse. She has worked for Catholic Charities since 1981.
  
  
• MICHAEL TINTRUP, A.C.S.W., L.C.S.W., Team Leader, Director of Catholic Family Services, and Administrator of Behavioral Health Programs. Mr. Tintrup, a member of Catholic Charities since 1983, has 28 years' experience in the social services arena.
  
  
• PETER TOLK, L.C.S.W., Clinician II, Catholic Family Services of Bridgeport. Mr. Tolk has seven years' experience providing clinical counseling services to individuals, couples, and families, specializing in child treatment services. He has worked for Catholic Charities since 1997.
  
  
• SUSAN TOMANIO, L.C.S.W., Clinical Supervisor, Catholic Family Services of Stamford. Ms. Tomanio has six years of clinical and managerial experience in the delivery of counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. A member of the Catholic Family Services' Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, she has worked for Catholic Charities since 1999.

Bishop Lori has also announced that a specialist will be hired in the near future to coordinate oversight and pastoral care to the inactive priests of the Diocese who have had their authorization to function as priests removed.

For more information on Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, visit www.ccfc-ct.org.

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BRIDGEPORT, Monday, May 20, 2002, 10:30 a.m.

The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, presided at the Mass of Christian Burial for Father Alfred Bietighofer at Saint Mary Parish in Norwalk. Father Gustavo Falla, Chaplain of Sacred Heart University and resident priest at Saint Mary Parish, delivered the homily to the nearly 750 people present. One hundred priests from around the diocese were also present at the funeral.

Father Gustavo Falla's homily is as follows:

I wish I could remember exactly when it was that Fr. Al asked me to do the homily for his Mass of Christian burial. Two or three years ago, as he duly responded to the diocesan request to put his funeral plans on file, as every priest is expected to do, Fr. Al told me that he would appreciate something humorous and brief, nothing too somber or sad. My response to that was that I wasn't always good at long range planning. We laughed together as we often did.

And so I find myself here today, much sooner than any of us could have ever imagined, to speak to you.

The first time I met Fr. Al was in the summer of 1993. Having been accepted into the Saint John Fisher program in Trumbull after coming from Colombia, in South America, I was in need of belonging to a parish within the Bridgeport diocese. Fr. Al and Monsignor John Sanders opened the doors of Saint Mary's. At the time, the kitchen was under the heavenly' hands of Clara DiMaggio and Marge Brennan efficiently served as housekeeper; more than a parish, I found a home away from home.

During my time here, I quickly learned from Fr. Al that being on time was not an option, that prayer was fundamental in a seminarian's life and that good friendships needed to be cultivated. Family and friends all belonged in the same category.

The presence of so many of his friends here is a well-paid tribute to someone who always wanted to be a faithful friend.

His personal interests were many: from for the Civil War to immigration issues, from Scripture commentaries to the history of the city of Norwalk, from Peruvian culture to Victor Borga, all of which spoke to me about his personal quest for meaning, for life.

A good New Yorker, Fr. Al would not hesitate to say that the tour he gave through New York City was the best I could ever find. From him I learned that Manhattan was breathtaking and that the Statue of Liberty was an expensive French gift. According to him, it was o.k. to gain a few calories from a good portion of New York cheese cake and an evening at Lincoln Center was well worth the expense. To top all that, Saint Patrick's Cathedral was the closest we could get to heaven here on earth.

Fine music and good reading accompanied him while preparing for his homilies; his preaching was challenging and his ability for making himself heard was well known in town.

Although his good deeds never made the headlines, entire families, the sick, the elderly, the poor, the migrant and the marginalized found a close friend in him. He was given the title "panino" (a child's Spanish for Godfather) He was prompted to learn Spanish and it was hard to believe that it was his second language.

In 1996, Fr. Al organized the community of Saint Mary's in order to prepare for one more ordination to the priesthood. At the time, it was my own. He had done so for two consecutive years and he would do it again in 1997, when Father Paul Check was ordained a priest after he responded to Fr. Al's challenging invitation to the Priesthood. Steve Genovese would soon follow suit and be ordained a Deacon.

After my ordination, Fr. Al was the first one to express his joy when he learned about my being assigned to Saint Charles Borromeo, in Bridgeport, a place that he had generously supported financially through the many contributions of his faithful parishioners in Norwalk. I could go on and on citing most of what I knew about him but I have to remember that Fr. Al told me to be brief.

How is it that we find ourselves gathered on the occasion of Fr. Al's unexpected funeral? I believe we will find no logical answer to this question no matter how hard we try. It is in here where our human understanding of life, will fail. It is in here where we need to count on the Divine.

It is a humbling thing to know that God, in His Divine plan, decided first to create man and woman from nothing, to transform us into His divine likeness and to make us all stewards of His mysteries. It is humbling to know that our sinful nature was to be rescued once and for all from total disassociation from God through the merciful sacrifice of Jesus on the altar of the cross. And it is even more mysterious that Jesus would choose to continue His sacramental work in His Church through the use of broken instruments, men of faith that He calls his friends.

The image of the merciful Father, Fr. Al's favorite image, as it is described in the Gospel narrative, is for the believer a fountain of unending grace and hope. Jesus uses this parable in order to describe for us what love it is that we find in God and how much of that love we can imitate. The merciful Father is generous, loving and forgiving. At the sight of his prodigal son whose return he must have patiently awaited the father rejoices, orders his servants to shower him with the best of his possessions and embraces his young man allowing for the beating of his heart to be heard by the one who had once wondered away from him. Imagine what it would be for us to know what God's loving heart sounds like.

Imagine what it can be to be embraced by God's awesome arms. The invitation is for all of us to not to loose sight of the truth in Christ and to accept that the Holy Spirit of God is the only one who can restore us to the fulhless of life!

It is of public domain that Fr. AI was accused of having caused harm to others and we have learned that he did cause harm to himself. For that reason we invoke God's generous mercy, love and forgiveness and we pray that both his faith and good deeds, which will remain forever God's exclusive knowledge, may count in his favor. Along with this we pray, indeed, that healing may soon be a reality for all victims and survivors of neglect and abuse who suffer throughout the world.

While the world has decided to keep a watchful eye on the lives of those who minister in God's name hopefully for a good reason, allow me to call on the name of Mary, who intercedes for the world in Jesus' name. In Spanish we say:

Dios te salve María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo y bendita tu eres, entre todas la mujeres, Santa Madre de Dios, y bendito es el fruto y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús. Santa María, Santa Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores, ahora y en la hora, Santa Madre de Dios, de nuestra muerte, de nuestra muerte. Amén. Amén.

Father Alfred J. Bietighofer

Born: 1938, New York, NY
Ordained: 1965, Bridgeport

Assignments:

Priest in Residence 1966-1968 Saint George Parish, Bridgeport

Parish Administrator 1968-1974 Saint Anthony Parish, Bridgeport

Assistant Pastor 1974-1975 Saint John Vianney Parish, Chiclayo, Peru
Assistant Pastor 1975-1976 Saint Patrick Parish, Bridgeport

Pastor 1976-1982 Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bridgeport

Chaplain 1982-1984 Saint Joseph Medical Center, Stamford

Pastor 1984-1986 Saint Joseph Parish, South Norwalk

Assistant Pastor 1986-1987 Saint John Vianney Parish, Chiclayo, Peru
Assistant Pastor 1987-1988 Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford

Pastor 1988-1998 Saint Mary Parish, Norwalk
Pastor 1998-1999 Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport

Assistant Pastor 1999-2001 Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston
Assistant Pastor 2001-2002 Saint Andrew Parish, Bridgeport

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