September 13, 2019
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
1700 San Jacinto St
Houston TX 77002
RE: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Conroe TX – Clergy Sexual Abuse and the Church
Your Eminence,
We are so thankful that your health has continued to improve, and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.
It has been one year since we last corresponded with you regarding the clergy sexual abuse in our Church and our recommendations. Please know our parish community supports and prays for you and our Church often. Along with our faithful shepherd, Father Philip Wilhite, we believe our strong faith is more important now than ever. With the aid of our Blessed Mother and the efforts of good stewards like yourself, we know this evil can and will be defeated.
We are grateful for the diligent focus and tangible progress by the Vatican with the adoption of the New Norms for the Whole Church and the commitment of the Bishops to “Vos Estis Lux Mundi” (You are the Light of the World).
In fact, out of the nine recommendations we submitted last year, many of them have been adopted. However, as we are sure you agree, there is more to be done. In particular, we respectfully encourage you to help facilitate the following:
- Establish National hotlines for affected persons to report abuse (not just within each Diocese);
- Establish a written policy that requires disclosure to law enforcement of any allegation of sexual abuse. This should also contain a recommendation to all Church staff, including the alleged perpetrator, to fully cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation. This policy is intended to break the historical cycle of non-prosecution and moving the alleged perpetrator to another location;
- Establish and maintain a public, national database of all convicted clergy (not just within each Diocese) and immediately publish the names of all clergy and laity from credible accusations of sexual abuse in the national database; and
- Finally, in an effort to stop the abuse at the early stages, strengthen controls in Seminaries. Changes that could be effective include:
- New policies, procedures, and controls to identify potential risks and to keep potentially abusive Seminarians from entering the Priesthood. This should include third-party internal and external reviews on an annual basis and interviews with Seminarians. (Private companies do this regularly. Employees may not be allowed to continue working when red flags are present.)
- Regular education and training for Seminarians (i.e. quarterly, annually, etc.) on abuse and safe reporting if they are the victim of any abuse and without fear of retaliation.
- In addition to initial assessments, provide ongoing counseling for Seminarians for harmful predilections or their own past abuse.
You have been tasked with this extraordinary responsibility and commission to help reform and combat sexual abuse within our clergy. And while you have undoubtedly received and reviewed many recommendations, we prayerfully felt the need to initiate further dialogue. Therefore, we thank you for your consideration and review and look forward to your response soon.
In the meantime, we pray for your continued good health, strength, perseverance, and trust in Christ.
Respectfully,
Chris Farr, Chair
Nicole Czajkoski, Co-Chair
Brenda Banegas, Secretary
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Parish Pastoral Council
13 de septiembre del 2019
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
1700 San Jacinto St
Houston TX 77002
RE: Parroquia Sagrado Corazón, Conroe TX – Abuso Sexual de Sacerdotes y la Iglesia
Su Eminencia,
Estamos muy agradecidos con Dios porque su salud sigue mejorando, y continuará en nuestras oraciones.
Ha pasado un año desde que le enviamos la última correspondencia acerca del abuso sexual de sacerdotes en nuestra Iglesia y nuestras recomendaciones. Por favor sepa que nuestra comunidad parroquial lo apoya y seguido oramos por usted y nuestra Iglesia. Junto con nuestro fiel párroco, Padre Philip Wilhite, creemos que hoy más que nunca nuestra fe fuerte es importante. Con la ayuda de nuestra Santa Madre y los esfuerzos de buenos servidores como usted, sabemos que el mal puede y será vencido.
Agradecemos el enfoque diligente y proceso tangible de parte del Vaticano al adoptar Nuevas Normas para la Iglesia Entera y el compromiso de los Obispos a “Vos Estis Lux Mundi” (Vosotros sois la luz del mundo).
De hecho, de las nueve recomendaciones que enviamos el año pasado, varias de ellas fueron adoptadas. A pesar de eso, estamos seguros que estará de acuerdo, aún hay más por hacer. En particular, respetuosamente le animamos a que ayude a facilitar lo siguiente:
- Establecer líneas nacionales para personas afectadas donde puedan reportar abusos (no solo dentro de la Diócesis);
- Establecer una política escrita que requiere que cualquier alegación de abuso sexual sea revelado a los cuerpos policiales, e incluir una recomendación pidiendo que el personal parroquial y el presunto autor del abuso cooperen completamente con las autoridades en la investigación en un esfuerzo de romper el ciclo histórico de falta de persecución y mover al presunto autor a otro lugar;
- Establecer y mantener una base de datos pública y nacional (no solo dentro de la Diócesis) de todos los miembros del clero convictos e inmediatamente publicar los nombres de todos los miembros del clero y laicos con acusaciones creíbles de abuso sexual en la base de datos nacional; y
- Finalmente, en un esfuerzo para poner un alto a los abusos en las primeras etapas, fortalecer los controles en los Seminarios. Cambios que se pudieran hacer incluyen:
- Nuevas políticas, procesos, y controles para identificar posibles riesgos y para evitar que Seminaristas que podrían ser abusadores entren al Sacerdocio. Esto debe incluir revisiones anuales por terceras partes internas y externas y entrevistas a los seminaristas. (Compañías privadas hacen esto regularmente. A empleados que muestran señales de riesgo podría ser que no se les permita regresar al trabajo.)
- Ofrecer educación y entrenamientos regularmente a Seminaristas (ej. trimestralmente, anualmente, etc.) acerca de abusos y como reportar de una manera segura, sin miedo a represalias si ellos son víctimas de abuso.
- Además de evaluaciones iniciales, proveer consejería continua a Seminaristas con predilecciones dañinas o que hayan sufrido abusos en el pasado.
A usted se le ha dado esta gran responsabilidad y encargo de ayudar a reformar y combatir el abuso sexual por parte del clero. Y mientras usted sin duda ha recibido y revisado muchas recomendaciones, sentimos la necesidad de iniciar un dialogo más profundo. Por lo tanto, le agradecemos por su consideración y revisión de esta carta y esperamos su pronta respuesta.
Mientras tanto, seguimos en oración por su buena salud, fortaleza, perseverancia y confianza en Cristo.
Respetuosamente,
Chris Farr, Presidente
Nicole Czajkoski, Co-Presidenta
Brenda Banegas, Secretaria
Parroquia Sagrado Corazón
Consejo Pastoral Parroquial
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ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
Media Advisory
04 JUNE, 2019
Archdiocesan Statement on Monsignor Frank Rossi
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston categorically rejects the unprofessional, biased and one-sided reporting contained in today’s Associated Press story headlined “The Reckoning.” At each step in this matter, Cardinal DiNardo has reacted swiftly and justly — and has always kept the welfare of the Pontikeses in mind. A number of the quotes attributed to the Cardinal are an absolute fabrication.
After Mrs. Pontikes reported an inappropriate relationship with Monsignor Rossi to the Archdiocese on April 6th 2016, Cardinal DiNardo removed him from the parish less than a week later and then sent Monsignor Rossi on April 21 to a treatment center for an assessment. Upon his return to Houston, Monsignor Rossi formally resigned from the parish on May 6th. He then went to a rehabilitation program until early December.
At the request of the Pontikeses, the Archdiocese entered into a tolling agreement with them — which basically suspended the time limit during which the Pontikeses could file a lawsuit. There was later a mutual agreement to enter into a confidential mediation process, which is still ongoing.
On August 1, 2017, Laura Pontikes, accompanied by her psychologist, met with a representative of the Archdiocese and Laura made, among other requests, a demand for a $10 million payment.
Monsignor Rossi completed his rehabilitation process and was recommended to be returned to active ministry by the professionals who assessed him. Cardinal DiNardo, at the request of the Pontikeses, agreed not to reassign Msgr Rossi in any capacity in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He communicated this decision to the Pontikeses and Mr. Pontikes expressed his gratitude for that decision.
The Archdiocese will continue cooperating with the authorities looking into this matter.
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves 1.7 million Catholics in 10 counties. It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 5th largest in the United States. #
ARQUIDIÓCESIS DE GALVESTON-HOUSTON Media Advisory
Para liberación inmediata
Declaración de la Arquidiócesis sobre Monseñor Frank Rossi
La Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston rechaza categóricamente los informes no profesionales, sesgados y unilaterales contenidos en la historia de hoy de Associated Press titulada “The Reckoning”. En cada paso en este asunto, el Cardenal DiNardo ha reaccionado de manera rápida y justa, y siempre ha mantenido el bienestar de los Pontikesses en mente. Una serie de citas atribuidas al Cardenal son una fabricación absoluta.
Después de que la Sra. Pontikes informara una relación inapropiada con Monseñor Rossi a la Arquidiócesis el 6 de abril de 2016, el Cardenal DiNardo lo sacó de la parroquia menos de una semana después y luego envió a Monseñor Rossi el 21 de abril a un centro de tratamiento para una evaluación. A su regreso a Houston, Monseñor Rossi renunció formalmente a la parroquia el 6 de mayo. Luego fue a un programa de rehabilitación hasta principios de diciembre.
A petición de los Pontikeses, la Arquidiócesis celebró un acuerdo con ellos, que básicamente suspendió el límite de tiempo durante el cual los Pontikeses podían presentar una demanda. Más tarde hubo un acuerdo mutuo para entrar en un proceso de mediación confidencial, que aún está en curso.
El 1 de agosto de 2017, Laura Pontikes, acompañada por su psicóloga, se reunió con un representante de la Arquidiócesis y Laura, entre otras solicitudes, solicitó un pago de $ 10 millones.
Monseñor Rossi completó su proceso de rehabilitación y los profesionales que lo evaluaron le recomendaron regresar al ministerio activo. El Cardenal DiNardo, a solicitud de los Pontikeses, acordó no reasignar a Mons. Rossi en ningún caso en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston. Comunicó esta decisión a los Pontikeses y el Sr. Pontikes expresó su gratitud por esa decisión.
La Arquidiócesis continuará cooperando con las autoridades que estudian este asunto.
La Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston sirve a 1.7 millones de católicos en 10 condados.
Es la diócesis católica romana más grande de Texas y la quinta más grande de los Estados Unidos.#
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VATICAN NEWS
New norms for the whole Church against those who abuse or cover up
MAY 9, 2019 Pope Francis’ Motu proprio, “Vos estis lux mundi”, establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence, and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. It includes the obligation for clerics and religious to report abuse. Every Diocese must have a system that allows the public to submit reports easily. Read more…
NOTICIAS del VATICANO
Nuevas normas para toda la Iglesia contra los que abusan o encubren
09 MAYO, 2019 El motu proprio de Francisco “Vos estis lux mundi” establece nuevos procedimientos para denunciar el acoso y la violencia, y asegurar que los obispos y los superiores religiosos sean responsables de sus acciones. Establece la obligación para los clérigos y religiosos de denunciar los abusos. Cada diócesis deberá tener un sistema que sea fácilmente accesible al público para recibir informes. Lee mas…
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New Allegations
March 30, 2019
I received news via email late yesterday that Fr. Jesus Suarez, currently pastor of St. Philip of Jesus in Houston, has been removed from active ministry due to allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor while serving in Colombia before coming to our archdiocese.
Fr. Suarez served here in Conroe as Parochial Vicar and so I am to read the attached statement at all Masses this weekend. All prior assignment parishes and his present one are being advised so that if there was any sexual misconduct by him with minors in these parishes, those victims would contact civil authorities.
Let us continue to pray for all survivors of sexual abuse, their families, and the purification of the Church.
Fr. Philip Wilhite, Pastor
Queridos Feligreses,
Ayer recibí noticias por correo electronico, que el Padre Jesus Suarez, parroco de San Felipe de Jesus en Houston, ha sido removido del ministerio activo por razón de acusaciones de abuso sexual de un menor de edad – un joven – cuando el estuvo en Colombia antes de llegar a nuestra arquidiocesis.
El Padre Suarez sirvio aquí en Conroe como Vicario Parroquial y por eso leeré una carta avisando a nuestros feligreses de esto en todas las Misas este fin de semana.
Todas las parroquias donde el sirvió están recibiendo avisos este fin de semana para que, si realizo algún abuso sexual, por el a un menor de edad en estas parroquias, las victimas puedan contactar a la policia.
Les pido que continuemos rezando por todos los sobrevivientes del abuso sexual, por sus familias, y por la purificación de la Iglesia.
Fr. Philip Wilhite, Pastor
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A Letter from Father Philip
February 3 , 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Now that the list of clergy accused of sexual misconduct is published, what do we do? First of all, pray for those — especially our precious children — who have been hurt by the evil actions of those in the Church. There is no excuse for such depravity, and clergy should be held to the highest standard. We should help those abused with counseling, love and respect for bringing these grave offenses into the light, at times at great cost to their hearts and souls.
At the same time, we must not allow the sins of a few to cause us to separate ourselves from Jesus and his Church. We must believe in God, not men. Please do not let the sins of a few drive you away from the graces of our sacraments. Doing so only hurts our own hearts.
The work of the Church must continue even in the midst of crisis. The Mystical Body of Christ is called to love even in the midst of sin and failure. I cannot imagine saying that we should cease good behavior because of the sin of others. Let us rise up in a wave of great faith and holiness and show our world that sin will not conquer.
Let us not give any more power to evil than it already has. We cannot change what was, but we can bring a renewed vigor to our Church. We began the rebuilding some 17 years ago with the Dallas Charter. We still have a way to go, and with the release of this list I believe we continue to be on the right track.
Please pray for the survivors of sexual abuse and for our Church.
In Christ,
Fr. Philip Wilhite
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Galveston-Houston List of Priests with Credible Sexual Abuse Allegations
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today we learned of the news of 42 priests who served in our archdiocese since 1950 that had credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors. While this news is devastating we hope and pray that it will bring further healing to the survivors of the abuse and courage to make a change for anyone that finds themselves in an abusive relationship today.
The Cardinal’s letter and the list are provided on our parish website and Facebook page and will be published in our parish bulletin in the February 10th edition. The lists indicate only that there is a credible allegation and then lists all of the assignments that the priest had within our archdiocese. In reviewing Sacred Heart – Conroe we note that two priests are listed – Fr. Manuel La Rosa and Fr. Richard Edelin.
Please take time to read through the letter and the list and note that there is a Question and Answer section on the archdiocesan website at archgh.org.
Let us pray for God’s healing for all survivors of sexual abuse, their family members and for our Church. May we seek and find new ways to better protect our children and youth in our Church and within society.
In Christ,
Fr. Philip Wilhite, Pastor
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A Letter from Father Philip
January 27, 2019
Dear Brothers and a Sisters,
The list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with minors is set to be released by the end of this month. The only acceptable number is “0.” Unfortunately, that is not the case. We have sinners in the Church and some of them are clergy. Satan has special interest in the clergy because he knows that if he brings one of them down, more damage can be inflicted on the Church. Some have given into his temptations and committed very grave sins and should be held accountable. Regrettably, the manner of dealing with these moral failures was not always adequate nor appropriate. Thanks be to God that our Catholic Church in America implemented a very vigorous response to this horrible problem begun with the Dallas Charter of 2002. We must continue to build on what we have achieved and prayerfully move forward to even greater holiness and purity. Please continue to pray for healing for all survivors of sexual abuse and for our Church.
In Christ,
Fr. Philip Wilhite
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January 20, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In a couple of weeks our Archdiocese will be releasing a list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors. Please remember that, while the Church is holy, not every member is holy. We have had terrible sinners in our Church for the very beginning, from some popes on down, even to our present day. When truth is told the great majority of clergy, husbands and wives, youth and young children, while sinners, attempt to live and follow Love’s laws. We have 395 priests (diocesan and religious orders) and 433 permanent deacons in the Archdiocese. The list to be released goes back to 1950, which would have several hundred more priests who have served in our diocese at one time or another. (Religious priests move in and out of a diocese rather regularly). Please pray for the healing of all survivors of sexual abuse and for our Church.
In Christ,
Fr. Philip Wilhite
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Statement of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Jesuits Release List of Credibly Accused Priest
Declaración de la Lista de Sacerdotes Jesuitas de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston
December 7, 2018
“The Jesuits U.S. Central and Southern Province released today a list of Jesuits against whom there are credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. There are five priests listed who had served at one time or another in the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston. There is only one priest on the list whose behavior is alleged to have occurred in the Archdiocese. Father Vincent Orlando S.J. was at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory when the alleged behavior occurred in the mid-1980s. The Jesuit order removed him from ministry shortly after the allegation was made in 2002. Strake Jesuit informed the students and their parents immediately after the allegations were made. The Jesuits suggest if anyone has any further questions to please contact. Therese Meyerhoff at tmeyerhoff@jesuits.org or 314-758-7173. If you or anyone you know has experienced abuse as minor by a Jesuit please contact Ms. Carol Brescia, LCSW at 314-915 7168 or UCSOutreach@jesuits.org
7 de diciembre de 2018
“Los jesuitas de la Provincia Central y del Sur de EE. UU. Dieron a conocer hoy en la lista de jesuitas contra los cuales hay acusaciones creíbles de abuso sexual de un menor. Existen cinco sacerdotes que habían servido en un momento u otro en la Arquidiócesis de Galveston – Houston. Sólo hay uno de ellos esta mencionado en la lista cuyo comportamiento se alega que ocurrió en la Arquidiócesis. El padre Vincent Orlando SJ estaba en Strake Jesuit College College Preparatory cuando ocurrió el supuesto comportamiento a mediados de la década de 1980. La orden de los jesuitas lo sacó del ministerio poco después de que se hiciera la denuncia. 2002. Strake Jesuitas informó a los estudiantes y a sus padres inmediatamente después de que se hicieron las acusaciones. Los jesuitas sugieren si alguien tiene alguna pregunta comunicarse con la Sra. Therese Meyerhoff al tmeyerhoff@jesuits.org o al 314 758-7173. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido abuso como menor de edad, comuníquese con la Sra. Carol Brescia, LCSW al 314-915 7168 o UCSOutreach@jesuits.org
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A Letter from Father Philip
November 30, 2018
Dear Parish Family,
This week we witnessed another step in the ongoing healing and purification of our Church as a search warrant was served at our Chancery in Houston regarding the case of Fr. Manuel La Rosa Lopez. I trust that we are continuing to pray that God use this process to help us as a Church community to improve in protecting children and youth – and all people.
May I ask us to pray the Rosary at home as a family asking God for his wisdom to be shared with us and that we use it to discern and take action as quickly as possible? I also encourage each of us to choose one day a week to fast as a penance for the sins committed against children in our church and throughout the world. Lastly please consider making an intention in your heart to offer the Mass you attend weekly to God as reparation for these sins and for the salvation of all. Also our St. Mary of the Woods Chapel is open for prayer and Adoration Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
The Parish Pastoral Council and I are working together to bring Children’s Safe Harbor located in Conroe to our parish in February to offer talks about sexual abuse and how we can improve in prevention and in the care of victims. And we are seeking to establish more counselors and support groups. These efforts will be ongoing, becoming annual practices to increase awareness and prevention in our parish.
In Christ,
Fr. Philip Wilhite, Pastor
30 de noviembre de 2018
Querida Familia Parroquial,
Esta semana fuimos testigos de otro paso en la curación y purificación en curso de nuestra Iglesia, ya que una orden de registro se cumplió en nuestra Cancillería en Houston con respecto al caso del Padre. Manuel La Rosa López. Confío en que continuamos orando para que Dios use este proceso para ayudarnos como comunidad parroquial a mejorar en los procesos de protección de los niños y los jóvenes, y de todas las personas.
¿Puedo pedirles que recemos el Rosario en casa como familia y que pidamos a Dios que comparta su sabiduría con nosotros y que la usemos para discernir y actuar lo más rápido posible? También animo a cada uno de ustedes a elegir un día a la semana para ayunar como penitencia por los pecados cometidos contra los niños en nuestra iglesia y en todo el mundo. Por último, considere hacer ofrecer a Dios desde su corazón la intención de la misa que asiste semanalmente, como reparación por estos pecados y por la salvación de todos. Además, nuestra Capilla de Santa María de los Bosques está abierta para la oración y la Adoración de lunes a jueves de 8 a.m. a 6: 15 p.m.
El Consejo Pastoral Parroquial y yo estamos trabajando juntos para traer a nuestra parroquia a Children’s Safe Harbor (Niños en Puerto seguro), ubicado en Conroe para ofrecer charlas sobre el abuso sexual y cómo podemos mejorar en la prevención y el cuidado de las víctimas. Y estamos buscando establecer más consejeros y grupos de apoyo. Estos esfuerzos continuarán, convirtiéndose en prácticas anuales para aumentar la concientización y prevención en nuestra parroquia.
En Cristo
Phillip Wilhite, Párroco
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President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Makes Statement at Close of Public Sessions
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A Letter from Cardinal DiNardo
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Vatican Response to McCarrick Scandal
Pope Francis instructs the Holy See Press Office to release the following statement concerning the Vatican’s response to allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Here is the full text of the press statement: Read more…
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Parish Open Forum Summary
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U.S. Bishops Announce New Abuse-Prevention Measures and Call for McCarrick Investigation
Washington D.C., Sep 19, 2018 / 02:30 pm (CNA).- The U.S. bishops’ conference has announced new accountability measures in response to recent clerical sex-abuse scandals. The reforms include the establishment of an independent reporting mechanism to receive complaints against bishops, and the development of a Code of Conduct for bishops. Read more…
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Policy and Procedure For Investigating Allegations of Sexual Abuse By Clergy Against a Minor
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Preamble:
Sexual abuse by a priest or deacon violates human dignity, clerical commitment and the very mission of the Church. It diminishes and, at times, destroys the relationship of trust that is necessary for ministry.
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston considers allegations of sexual abuse by its clergy a very serious matter and is committed to promptly responding to such allegations. The safety and protection of children and young people is our primary concern. We are deeply saddened by any abuse of minors and are committed to assisting the victims/family in healing and reconciliation. Towards this end, compassionate support will be offered to victims/families and a thorough and timely investigation of all allegations will be undertaken in accordance with the procedure stipulated in this document.
For purposes of this document, clergy will include not only priests and deacons, but also seminarians of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. When the accused cleric is a member of a religious institute, his superiors will be contacted and informed of the allegation. If the accused cleric is a diocesan priest/deacon from another diocese, his diocesan bishop will be contacted and informed of the allegation. In these cases, it is responsibility of the superior/bishop to investigate the allegation in accordance with their policies.
The Bishop, by virtue of his role and function in the Church, is charged with the pastoral care of both the faithful and the clergy, and with the promotion of unity in the diocese in a communion of charity and reconciliation. Hence, this document is intended to assist the Bishop of Galveston-Houston in the exercise of his pastoral ministry to the faithful and clergy entrusted to him by Christ, the Good Shepherd, and to assist him in carrying out his canonical responsibilities in the internal governance of the Archdiocese. The persons and bodies referenced in the policy, such as the Victim Assistance Coordinator and the members of the Review Board and the Special Panel, are part of this procedure and are considered advisors to the Bishop in carrying out his canonical responsibilities.
These procedures are subject to the provisions of canon law and will be reviewed at least every two years and will be modified or supplemented as laws, circumstances and situations require.
1. Allegations of sexual abuse of a minor (whether the person is a minor at the time of the reporting or whether the person is now an adult but was a minor at the time of the alleged abuse) are to be immediately referred to the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC). The VAC will take an initial account of the data as presented by the informant, attempting to gather as much pertinent information as possible pertaining to the allegation(s). The VAC will express the concern of the Bishop, begin the discussion of counseling for the victim/family, advise the victim/family of their right to report to legal authorities, and inform the alleged victim/parents of minor that the VAC will be their communication contact with the Diocese. In the event that the VAC is unable to respond to the alleged victim within a 24 hour period, the Chancellor, or another delegate of the Bishop, is to take the initial account.
2. The VAC will immediately provide a verbal report of the allegation to the Bishop (Chancellor in the Bishop’s absence).
3. The Bishop (Chancellor in the Bishop’s absence) will immediately consult with legal counsel regarding compliance with applicable civil law reporting statutes.
4. The Bishop will assign a Case Manager, in most cases the Chancellor, to ensure that the policy is followed and the records properly kept.
5. The VAC will provide a written memo reporting the allegation to the Bishop and the Chairperson of the Archdiocesan Review Board. The Bishop will convene the Review Board to assess the allegation and advise him regarding the credibility of the allegation and the need for an investigation.
6. The Bishop or his delegate shall arrange to promptly meet with the accused cleric to inform him of the allegation. In this meeting the accused cleric should be:
a. informed of the allegation against him;
b. encouraged to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel;
c. encouraged to utilize spiritual direction; and
d. informed if any restrictions are placed upon him or his ministry during the period of investigation, up to and including being relieved of ministry and/or the parish.
7. If the cleric admits the allegation, the Bishop will consult with the Review Board regarding the appropriate action to be taken. The cleric will be urged to have a medical and psychological evaluation. If it is deemed advisable, he will be urged to participate in a residential treatment program. He will be removed permanently from ministry, and if the case so warrants, dismissed from the clerical state (Canon 1395). The cleric will be informed that he may not wear clerical garb, nor may he present himself publicly as a priest.
8. If the accused cleric denies the allegation or declines comment during the meeting with the Bishop, then the Bishop shall convene a Special Panel (3-5 persons, including at least one priest), who will conduct an investigation to determine if the allegation can be established after an appropriate process in accord with canon law (Canon 1717-1719).
9. The Special Panel will:
a. interview the alleged victim, the parents/guardians if alleged victim is still a minor, the accused cleric and any other persons it deems appropriate to form a judgment regarding the substantiation of the allegations;
b. prepare a written report of its findings to the Bishop (copies shall be provided to the Case Manager and the Chairperson of the Board); and
c. make recommendation(s) regarding subsequent action to be taken with respect to the accused cleric and the alleged victim.
10. The Bishop shall reconvene the Review Board to review the Special Panel’s report and to advise the appropriate next course of action.
a. If the Bishop determines that there is sufficient evidence that sexual abuse of a minor has occurred, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith will be notified and the cleric will be removed from ministry or any ecclesiastical office (Canon 1722).
b. The Bishop will proceed with a canonical trial when directed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, unless it reserves the case to itself because of special circumstances.
c. If the case would be barred by prescription, the Bishop shall apply to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for a dispensation from prescription, indicating the appropriate pastoral reasons.
d. The alleged offender may be requested to seek appropriate medical and psychological evaluations at a mutually acceptable facility.
e. If the Bishop determines that there is insufficient evidence that sexual abuse has occurred, he will receive any recommendations from the Review Board as to an appropriate course of action. The Bishop will notify the alleged victim and the cleric of the advice of the Review Board by a proper forum.
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Update on Ongoing Investigation of Fr. Manuel LaRosa-Lopez
Yesterday our parish was served with a search warrant in relation to the ongoing investigation of Fr. Manuel LaRosa-Lopez. This is a normal part of the ongoing investigation of which we are cooperating and we will keep you informed as this process unfolds. Please contact Detective Joe McGrew at the Conroe Police Department at 936-522-3591 if you have any information.
Actualización sobre la investigación en curso del Padre Manuel LaRosa-Lopez
Ayer, nuestra parroquia recibió una orden de registro en relación con la investigación en curso del Padre Manuel LaRosa-Lopez. Esta es una parte normal de la investigación en curso de la cual estamos cooperando y los mantendremos informados a medida que se desarrolle este proceso. Comuníquese con el Detective Joe McGrew en el Departamento de Policía de Conroe al 936-522-3591 si tiene información.
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An Important Letter from Father Philip
September 12, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This morning we learned that a priest of our archdiocese and a former Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart in Conroe, Fr. Manuel LaRosa-Lopez, had turned himself into Conroe Police at the Montgomery County Jail on allegations of sexual abuse of minors at our parish during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Join me in offering prayers for the healing of these victims.
In the statement below the Archdiocese gives more information about this ongoing investigation. Anyone with knowledge about this or any other abuse are encouraged to contact the Conroe Police Department at 936-522-3203. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, please contact the Conroe Police and know that we are praying for your healing and are here to assist you.
I encourage all parishioners to continue offering our prayers and penance for the healing of all victims of sexual abuse and for the purification of our Church.
In Christ,
Fr. Philip Wilhite, Pastor
If you have knowledge of abuse to minor please contact Abuse Hotline at https://www.txabusehotline.org/Login/Default.aspx or if an emergency call 800-252-5400.
https://www.archgh.org/news-data/latest-news/statement-regarding-fr-manuel-la-rosa-lopez/
12 de septiembre de 2018.
Queridos hermanos y hermanas,
Esta mañana nos enteramos de que un sacerdote de nuestra arquidiócesis y ex-vicario parroquial del Sagrado Corazón en Conroe, el P. Manuel LaRosa-López, se había entregado a la policía de Conroe en la cárcel del condado de Montgomery, por denuncias en su contra de abuso sexual de menores en nuestra parroquia a fines de la década de 1990 y principios del 2000. Únete a mí para ofrecer oraciones por la sanación de estas víc…timas.
En la declaración anexa (comunicado es en inglés se proporcionar en español en breve) en, la Arquidiócesis brinda más información sobre esta investigación en curso. Se recomienda a cualquier persona que tenga conocimiento sobre este o cualquier otro abuso que se comunique con el Departamento de Policía de Conroe al 936-522-3203. Si usted es o ha sido víctima de abuso sexual, comuníquese con la Policía de Conroe y sepa que estamos orando por su sanación y estamos aquí para ayudarles.
Animo a todos los feligreses a continuar ofreciendo oraciones y penitencias por la sanación de todas las víctimas de abuso sexual y por la purificación de nuestra Iglesia.
En Cristo,
- Philip Wilhite, Párroco.
12 de septiembre de 2018.
https://www.archgh.org/news-data/latest-news/statement-regarding-fr-manuel-la-rosa-lopez/