Rev. Barrett is reinstated after review
ELMHURST One of 10 Roman Catholic priests from the Joliet Diocese who were removed from their ministries amid sexual-abuse allegations has been reinstated.
ELMHURST One of 10 Roman Catholic priests from the Joliet Diocese who were removed from their ministries amid sexual-abuse allegations has been reinstated.
A concern for all faiths
Sexual abuse in the church isn't just a Catholic problem.
Sexual abuse in the church isn't just a Catholic problem.
Cloak of secrecy
JOLIET The Cathedral of St. Raymond runs one of the finest schools, public or private, in Joliet. Three generations have been educated there, and most graduates fondly recall memories of class trips, sporting events and other school functions.
JOLIET The Cathedral of St. Raymond runs one of the finest schools, public or private, in Joliet. Three generations have been educated there, and most graduates fondly recall memories of class trips, sporting events and other school functions.
Strife behind the scandal
CHICAGO Many men who want to uphold traditional Catholic values in the priesthood are being forced out of seminaries by church officials who advocate the ordination of women and other liberal agendas, an author told an audience of conservative Catholics.
CHICAGO Many men who want to uphold traditional Catholic values in the priesthood are being forced out of seminaries by church officials who advocate the ordination of women and other liberal agendas, an author told an audience of conservative Catholics.
Diocese to reveal cases' cost
JOLIET The Catholic Diocese of Joliet says it will release information about how much money it has spent because of claims of sexual misconduct by priests or other agents of the diocese.
JOLIET The Catholic Diocese of Joliet says it will release information about how much money it has spent because of claims of sexual misconduct by priests or other agents of the diocese.
Gibbs prompted red flags
JOLIET Several church officials who examined seminarians expressed reservations in the early 1970s about the pending ordination of Lawrence M. Gibbs, court records released on Friday revealed.
JOLIET Several church officials who examined seminarians expressed reservations in the early 1970s about the pending ordination of Lawrence M. Gibbs, court records released on Friday revealed.
Critics: Church official was compromised
JOLIET When parishioners and priests reported concerns about the behavior of the Rev. Lawrence M. Gibbs in the 1970s, the man responsible for investigating the complaints was the Catholic Diocese of Joliet's then-chancellor, the Rev. Daniel Ryan.
JOLIET When parishioners and priests reported concerns about the behavior of the Rev. Lawrence M. Gibbs in the 1970s, the man responsible for investigating the complaints was the Catholic Diocese of Joliet's then-chancellor, the Rev. Daniel Ryan.
Judge: Unseal abuse files
JOLIET A Will County judge on Wednesday ordered the release of dozens of sealed documents connected to a sexual abuse lawsuit filed against a Roman Catholic priest in 1993.
JOLIET A Will County judge on Wednesday ordered the release of dozens of sealed documents connected to a sexual abuse lawsuit filed against a Roman Catholic priest in 1993.
Couple says son was abused
JOLIET Outside a Will County courtroom Wednesday, an Indiana couple told a compelling story about how their son recently said he was abused by a priest at a high school seminary near Romeoville 27 years ago.
JOLIET Outside a Will County courtroom Wednesday, an Indiana couple told a compelling story about how their son recently said he was abused by a priest at a high school seminary near Romeoville 27 years ago.
Imesch defends decisions
JOLIET Most of the reforms that U.S. bishops endorsed in response to widespread claims that priests sexually abused minors already are in place in the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, Bishop Joseph Imesch said Tuesday.
JOLIET Most of the reforms that U.S. bishops endorsed in response to widespread claims that priests sexually abused minors already are in place in the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, Bishop Joseph Imesch said Tuesday.
Doubts about Dallas
As Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch returns from the historic bishops' meeting in Dallas, he'll begin the process of implementing the reforms laid out in new policies for dealing with priests who sexually abused minors.
As Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch returns from the historic bishops' meeting in Dallas, he'll begin the process of implementing the reforms laid out in new policies for dealing with priests who sexually abused minors.
Conference decision may affect Joliet Diocese priests
Since early April, Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch has said that nine priests in his diocese resigned or were removed from public ministry because of past claims of sexual abuse. One priest, the Rev. John Barrett, was reinstated. Two other priests associated with the Joliet Diocese face sanctions by their bishops.
Since early April, Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch has said that nine priests in his diocese resigned or were removed from public ministry because of past claims of sexual abuse. One priest, the Rev. John Barrett, was reinstated. Two other priests associated with the Joliet Diocese face sanctions by their bishops.
Compromise on abusive priests
DALLAS After months of scandal that tore at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, American bishops adopted a policy Friday that will bar sexually abusive clergy from face-to-face contact with parishioners but keep them in the priesthood.
DALLAS After months of scandal that tore at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, American bishops adopted a policy Friday that will bar sexually abusive clergy from face-to-face contact with parishioners but keep them in the priesthood.
Bishops' plan is a start
I come from a large Catholic family. I'm the youngest of 12 children. My parents, devout Catholics to this day, sent my three oldest brothers to a seminary for high school.
I come from a large Catholic family. I'm the youngest of 12 children. My parents, devout Catholics to this day, sent my three oldest brothers to a seminary for high school.
Laity sends message to bishop
Before Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch traveled Wednesday to Dallas to help craft policies for dealing with priests accused of sexual abuse, he fielded opinions from thousands of local Catholics about the crisis in the church.
Before Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch traveled Wednesday to Dallas to help craft policies for dealing with priests accused of sexual abuse, he fielded opinions from thousands of local Catholics about the crisis in the church.
Imesch urges some leniency
JOLIET The leader of the Joliet Diocese believes priests who have had only one sexual abuse incident happening many years ago should be allowed to remain in the clergy.
JOLIET The leader of the Joliet Diocese believes priests who have had only one sexual abuse incident happening many years ago should be allowed to remain in the clergy.
Judge to rule on abuse files
JOLIET Sealed records about sexual misconduct cases involving Catholic priests might be made public on June 19.
JOLIET Sealed records about sexual misconduct cases involving Catholic priests might be made public on June 19.
Bishops urge zero tolerance
A panel of Roman Catholic bishops is calling for a zero-tolerance policy against priests who molest children in the future, but is saying those who molested one time in the past could continue in the ministry under certain conditions.
A panel of Roman Catholic bishops is calling for a zero-tolerance policy against priests who molest children in the future, but is saying those who molested one time in the past could continue in the ministry under certain conditions.
Remember sacrifice, devotion of our clergy
The Associated Press article in today's edition bears more unhappy news about ordained men of God: The bishop of the Peoria Roman Catholic Diocese has asked seven priests to step down from the ministry over allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Associated Press article in today's edition bears more unhappy news about ordained men of God: The bishop of the Peoria Roman Catholic Diocese has asked seven priests to step down from the ministry over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Crucible experience
The path that has led Burke Masters to the priesthood is like the arc of a batted baseball: high and heading straight out to center.
The path that has led Burke Masters to the priesthood is like the arc of a batted baseball: high and heading straight out to center.
Imesch calls for input on abuse cases
JOLIET Bishop Joseph Imesch on Friday called for input regarding clerical sexual misconduct from parishioners throughout the Joliet Diocese.
JOLIET Bishop Joseph Imesch on Friday called for input regarding clerical sexual misconduct from parishioners throughout the Joliet Diocese.
Joliet bishop rejects notion of cover-up
COAL CITY Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Imesch on Tuesday night categorically denied he shuffled priests from parish to parish to cover up accusations of sexual misconduct involving children.
COAL CITY Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Imesch on Tuesday night categorically denied he shuffled priests from parish to parish to cover up accusations of sexual misconduct involving children.
Removed priest served as police, fire chaplain
He prayed for fallen police officers.
He prayed for fallen police officers.
Area pastor ousted
The Diocese of Joliet pulled the pastor of Coal City's Assumption church amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Diocese of Joliet pulled the pastor of Coal City's Assumption church amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Bishops' meeting seen as crucial
JOLIET When U.S. Catholic bishops meet next month, their main objective will be to refine a policy on how dioceses should deal with priests accused of sexual misconduct.
JOLIET When U.S. Catholic bishops meet next month, their main objective will be to refine a policy on how dioceses should deal with priests accused of sexual misconduct.
Tough abuse reporting standards necessary
We endorse the proposed amendment to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, which requires clergy members and ministers to immediately report suspected abuse to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
We endorse the proposed amendment to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, which requires clergy members and ministers to immediately report suspected abuse to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Joliet diocese stands out
In the past two months, 10 of about 200 priests affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet have been suspended or have resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct with minors, giving the suburban diocese one of the highest percentages in the nation of priests removed from their ministries since the national clergy sexual-abuse scandal broke in January, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis of reported cases found.
In the past two months, 10 of about 200 priests affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet have been suspended or have resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct with minors, giving the suburban diocese one of the highest percentages in the nation of priests removed from their ministries since the national clergy sexual-abuse scandal broke in January, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis of reported cases found.
State Senate: Toughen abuse law
A plan to require churches to immediately report instances of suspected child abuse gained ground Thursday as the Illinois Senate unanimously passed House Bill 5002.
A plan to require churches to immediately report instances of suspected child abuse gained ground Thursday as the Illinois Senate unanimously passed House Bill 5002.
Diocese priest: 'I am innocent'
OAK BROOK Saying he was standing up for all priests falsely accused of sexually abusing children, an Elmhurst pastor said Tuesday the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet was wrong to remove him from his ministry while it investigates sexual-abuse allegations against him.
OAK BROOK Saying he was standing up for all priests falsely accused of sexually abusing children, an Elmhurst pastor said Tuesday the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet was wrong to remove him from his ministry while it investigates sexual-abuse allegations against him.
Rockford Diocese discloses sexual misconduct by priest
ROCKFORD Officials of the Rockford Diocese on Tuesday acknowledged charges of sexual misconduct by one of its priests the first public disclosure made by Rockford in the scandal which has rocked other dioceses across the country.
ROCKFORD Officials of the Rockford Diocese on Tuesday acknowledged charges of sexual misconduct by one of its priests the first public disclosure made by Rockford in the scandal which has rocked other dioceses across the country.
Four more diocese priests removed
Four more priests from the Joliet Diocese have been removed from public ministry because of sexual misconduct allegations.
Four more priests from the Joliet Diocese have been removed from public ministry because of sexual misconduct allegations.
Worst kept secrets
JOLIET Prosecutors and investigators checking out claims of sexual misconduct by Joliet Diocese priests had plenty of public records to review even before the diocese agreed to share some information from sealed court files.
JOLIET Prosecutors and investigators checking out claims of sexual misconduct by Joliet Diocese priests had plenty of public records to review even before the diocese agreed to share some information from sealed court files.
Setting boundaries can protect kids
Parents who are wondering what they can do to protect their children from sexual abuse need to remember to set boundaries in their kids' lives.
Parents who are wondering what they can do to protect their children from sexual abuse need to remember to set boundaries in their kids' lives.
Abuse files to be unsealed
JOLIET A judge's ruling Wednesday clears the way for the Joliet Diocese to tell state's attorneys in Will and DuPage counties about priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors.
JOLIET A judge's ruling Wednesday clears the way for the Joliet Diocese to tell state's attorneys in Will and DuPage counties about priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors.
Priest case hit a brick wall
A high-profile lawyer intervened when a Joliet Diocese priest faced accusations of sexual misconduct in the 1980s.
A high-profile lawyer intervened when a Joliet Diocese priest faced accusations of sexual misconduct in the 1980s.
Sixth diocese-related priest suspended
JOLIET For the sixth time in a month, the Joliet Diocese said Tuesday that a priest associated with the diocese has been suspended from his ministry because of a past allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor.
JOLIET For the sixth time in a month, the Joliet Diocese said Tuesday that a priest associated with the diocese has been suspended from his ministry because of a past allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Clergy abuse problem plaguing many denominations
The abuse began when Jeff was in his early teens.
The abuse began when Jeff was in his early teens.
Rumors run deep in clergy crisis
The call came in to the newsroom on Tuesday afternoon.
The call came in to the newsroom on Tuesday afternoon.
Prosecutors will investigate allegations in diocese papers
JOLIET Prosecutors in Will and DuPage counties will use documents turned over by the Joliet Diocese to expand their criminal investigations into allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests.
JOLIET Prosecutors in Will and DuPage counties will use documents turned over by the Joliet Diocese to expand their criminal investigations into allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests.
Zero tolerance only way to go in abuse crisis
I hope when the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops meets in Dallas in June that it adopts a zero-tolerance policy for all cases of priests who sexually abuse minors from now on.
I hope when the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops meets in Dallas in June that it adopts a zero-tolerance policy for all cases of priests who sexually abuse minors from now on.
Diocese hands over papers
The Diocese of Joliet turned sealed documents over to prosecutors from two counties after a local attorney argued to open the files to the public.
The Diocese of Joliet turned sealed documents over to prosecutors from two counties after a local attorney argued to open the files to the public.
Bishop talks forgiveness; man sees lawyers
JOLIET Bishop Joseph Imesch preached about forgiveness Wednesday morning to schoolchildren and parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Raymond.
JOLIET Bishop Joseph Imesch preached about forgiveness Wednesday morning to schoolchildren and parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Raymond.
5th diocesan priest taken from ministry
JOLIET For the fifth time in a month, a priest associated with the Joliet Diocese has been removed from his ministry because of past claims of sexual abuse.
JOLIET For the fifth time in a month, a priest associated with the Joliet Diocese has been removed from his ministry because of past claims of sexual abuse.
Pope John Paul II calls sex abuse in the clergy 'a crime'
VATICAN CITY Pope John Paul II declared Tuesday there is no place for child molesters in the Roman Catholic clergy, and a consensus appeared to be emerging among the American cardinals meeting here in favor of a zero-tolerance policy for priests who abuse.
VATICAN CITY Pope John Paul II declared Tuesday there is no place for child molesters in the Roman Catholic clergy, and a consensus appeared to be emerging among the American cardinals meeting here in favor of a zero-tolerance policy for priests who abuse.
Vatican meeting addresses homosexuality in priesthood
VATICAN CITY It wasn't on the agenda, but homosexuality in the priesthood was among the topics discussed Tuesday on the first day of a two-day meeting here of U.S. cardinals with Vatican leaders.
VATICAN CITY It wasn't on the agenda, but homosexuality in the priesthood was among the topics discussed Tuesday on the first day of a two-day meeting here of U.S. cardinals with Vatican leaders.
Help for the lost
JOLIET A California diocese said Monday it has temporarily suspended a priest who admits that he sexually abused a 15-year-old Joliet boy in 1981.
JOLIET A California diocese said Monday it has temporarily suspended a priest who admits that he sexually abused a 15-year-old Joliet boy in 1981.
Lost and Found
VATICAN CITY Declaring that apologies aren't enough, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said Monday he expects a clear plan of action to come from the extraordinary meeting that begins this morning between Vatican officials and a dozen American cardinals about the child sexual abuse scandal facing the Roman Catholic Church in the United States.
VATICAN CITY Declaring that apologies aren't enough, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said Monday he expects a clear plan of action to come from the extraordinary meeting that begins this morning between Vatican officials and a dozen American cardinals about the child sexual abuse scandal facing the Roman Catholic Church in the United States.
NASCAR in Joliet
VATICAN CITY Storm clouds roiled the sky above the dome of St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday afternoon, perhaps reflecting the mood inside the Vatican as American cardinals began arriving here for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the sex-abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic church in the United States.
VATICAN CITY Storm clouds roiled the sky above the dome of St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday afternoon, perhaps reflecting the mood inside the Vatican as American cardinals began arriving here for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the sex-abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic church in the United States.
Customer Service
JOLIET Even for those who feel helpless after living with tortured memories of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, there are options.
JOLIET Even for those who feel helpless after living with tortured memories of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, there are options.
Customer Service
Area counseling agencies that provide individual and family counseling, according to the Joliet Police Department:
Area counseling agencies that provide individual and family counseling, according to the Joliet Police Department:
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Clergy should be required by law to report any case of suspected child sexual abuse, including allegations against priests and other clergy, a coalition of Chicago area religious leaders declared Friday.
Clergy should be required by law to report any case of suspected child sexual abuse, including allegations against priests and other clergy, a coalition of Chicago area religious leaders declared Friday.
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JOLIET A Joliet priest issued a public apology Thursday for a statement he made about his brother, who is accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old Joliet boy in 1981.
JOLIET A Joliet priest issued a public apology Thursday for a statement he made about his brother, who is accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old Joliet boy in 1981.
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ELMHURST Some bishops have zero-tolerance policies when it comes to abuse by priests, but Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch believes some priests can still minister, though not in parishes, in some situations.
ELMHURST Some bishops have zero-tolerance policies when it comes to abuse by priests, but Joliet Bishop Joseph Imesch believes some priests can still minister, though not in parishes, in some situations.
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JOLIET A priest who served at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in the 1970s is facing suspension today by the Diocese of Santa Rosa, Calif., for allegedly sexually abusing a 15-year-old Joliet boy in 1981.
JOLIET A priest who served at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in the 1970s is facing suspension today by the Diocese of Santa Rosa, Calif., for allegedly sexually abusing a 15-year-old Joliet boy in 1981.
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Pursuing allegations of sex abuse by clergy from years or even decades ago, prosecutors across the country are scrutinizing the limits on trying old cases and toughening demands for Roman Catholic Church records.
Pursuing allegations of sex abuse by clergy from years or even decades ago, prosecutors across the country are scrutinizing the limits on trying old cases and toughening demands for Roman Catholic Church records.
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JOLIET Allegations of sexual abuse by priests in the Joliet Diocese continue to mount, and families of survivors are expressing outrage about how diocesan officials responded to the complaints years ago.
JOLIET Allegations of sexual abuse by priests in the Joliet Diocese continue to mount, and families of survivors are expressing outrage about how diocesan officials responded to the complaints years ago.
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JOLIET The day after a priest from the Joliet Diocese was removed from his post amid allegations of sexual misconduct, parishioners at one area church expressed resounding support for the Catholic church's decision.
JOLIET The day after a priest from the Joliet Diocese was removed from his post amid allegations of sexual misconduct, parishioners at one area church expressed resounding support for the Catholic church's decision.
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The Diocese of Joliet took an important first step today with Bishop Joseph Imesch's pledge to protect his flock.
The Diocese of Joliet took an important first step today with Bishop Joseph Imesch's pledge to protect his flock.
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JOLIET The Diocese of Joliet on Friday said it removed a priest from his ministries because of a credible allegation of sexual abuse that occurred in the mid-1970s.
JOLIET The Diocese of Joliet on Friday said it removed a priest from his ministries because of a credible allegation of sexual abuse that occurred in the mid-1970s.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great pain and anguish that I
write this letter to you. Never in my life did I think that I would
need to address once again the abuse of children by clergy. The
continuing reports of clergy sexual abuse throughout the country have
damaged the trust and confidence of many people.
Contact Us
Bishop Joseph Imesch, head of the Joliet Diocese, raised the question this week whether a priest who is guilty of sexual abuse and has undergone therapy should ever be admitted to a limited ministry. He raised the question
Bishop Joseph Imesch, head of the Joliet Diocese, raised the question this week whether a priest who is guilty of sexual abuse and has undergone therapy should ever be admitted to a limited ministry. He raised the question
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ROMEOVILLE A member of a religious order at Lewis University has stepped forward and acknowledged he engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors more than 15 years ago.
ROMEOVILLE A member of a religious order at Lewis University has stepped forward and acknowledged he engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors more than 15 years ago.
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JOLIET Diocese of Joliet officials are investigating a new complaint against an individual as well as new information about sexual cases dating back several years.
JOLIET Diocese of Joliet officials are investigating a new complaint against an individual as well as new information about sexual cases dating back several years.
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JOLIET Questions about whether Joliet Diocese officials should disclose information about sexual abuse of minors by priests are surfacing just as the Catholic diocese kicks off its annual fund-raising appeal.
JOLIET Questions about whether Joliet Diocese officials should disclose information about sexual abuse of minors by priests are surfacing just as the Catholic diocese kicks off its annual fund-raising appeal.
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CHICAGO A Catholic priest convicted 24 years ago of sexually abusing a child in Michigan has been relieved of his duties as a priest in the Diocese of Joliet.
CHICAGO A Catholic priest convicted 24 years ago of sexually abusing a child in Michigan has been relieved of his duties as a priest in the Diocese of Joliet.
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JOLIET A local attorney wants permission to open sealed court documents connected with a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of a man who alleged that he was abused by a Roman Catholic priest from Lockport in the 1980s.
JOLIET A local attorney wants permission to open sealed court documents connected with a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of a man who alleged that he was abused by a Roman Catholic priest from Lockport in the 1980s.
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This is the day Christians around the world celebrate as the basis of their faith. Jesus Christ died and then rose again so their sins would be forgiven. All it takes is believing in Him.
This is the day Christians around the world celebrate as the basis of their faith. Jesus Christ died and then rose again so their sins would be forgiven. All it takes is believing in Him.
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JOLIET Diocese of Joliet officials are taking a low-key approach to the increasing publicity about priests involved in cases of sexual abuse.
JOLIET Diocese of Joliet officials are taking a low-key approach to the increasing publicity about priests involved in cases of sexual abuse.
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It was all smiles and laughter inside the Cathedral of St. Raymond as James E. Fitzgerald was ordained auxiliary bishop. But outside, a small group protested the ceremony.
It was all smiles and laughter inside the Cathedral of St. Raymond as James E. Fitzgerald was ordained auxiliary bishop. But outside, a small group protested the ceremony.
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Sexual misconduct by Roman Catholic priests has cost the church in lost faith and broken lives. Yet the damage from the scandals has been financial as well as spiritual.
Sexual misconduct by Roman Catholic priests has cost the church in lost faith and broken lives. Yet the damage from the scandals has been financial as well as spiritual.
