Survey: 60% of Priests Dislike New Missal

It’s unclear what the methodology was for this survey, so take it for what it’s worth. Details: More than a year after the changes took effect in U.S. parishes, a survey of American priests shows that they are more disturbed by the innovations than their flocks. In fact, the poll, conducted by researchers at St. [...]

Fr. Fugee Arrested

Details:  A once-accused pedophile priest in New Jersey has been arrested on charges that he violated a judicial order by having contact with young parish members. The Rev. Michael Fugee, 52, was arrested at St. Antoninus Parish in Newark following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Fugee entered into an agreement with the [...]

Report: Accused Priests Collecting Mass Stipends—UPDATED

From WLS in Chicago:  Roman Catholic priests who are sex abusers are being paid to handle prayer requests from unsuspecting families. For centuries, the Catholic faithful have arranged masses for sick relatives, deceased loved ones or in the memory of friends. They’re called “intentions” and usually Catholics offer a small donation. The I-Team has discovered [...]

Florida Priest Presides Over Burials for Those No One Else Will Claim—UPDATED

Here’s a story about a poignant and prayerful work of mercy most people never hear about. Details:  No one Mary Helen Wells knew was at her funeral. The physical sum of her 85 years filled a donated urn Monday afternoon, among 36 other donated urns full of unwanted remains. A kindly priest said prayers and [...]

Abuse report: 11 “credible allegations” against clergy in 2012

Details:  The latest report on child protection in the U.S. Catholic Church found a total of 11 credible allegations of abuse of minors by diocesan clergy in 2012, with a 20% decrease in the numbers of new credible abuse allegations about incidents in the past 60 years. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, the U.S. [...]

Legion of Christ priest: “What God expects of me now is to care for my child and his mother”

Details:  A prominent American priest of the Legion of Christ religious order has decided to leave the priesthood after admitting he fathered a child years ago. The Legion said Saturday the Rev. Thomas Williams, a moral theologian, author, lecturer and television personality, had asked Pope Francis to be relieved of his celibacy and other priestly [...]

Remembering Fr. Scott Carroll: “He wanted to be a priest”

Here, from the Toledo Blade, is the obituary for the man who was a priest for just 40 hours:  The Rev. Scott R. Carroll, who sustained his interest in becoming a Roman Catholic priest through an 18-year career as a middle school teacher and coach, died Friday in the Maumee home of his father, Robert. [...]

For Mother’s Day: “She’s my best friend…”

A New Jersey priest has written a song celebrating mothers, and now the video is catching on. From the Catholic Star Herald in Camden: Pure Jerzy Kidz, a choir that includes children from five South Jersey schools, was formed to sing “Mom,” a song with lyrics by Father Edward Namiotka, pastor of St. Joseph Parish [...]

Priest dies two days after ordination —UPDATED

A followup to the story I posted the other day on Fr. Scott Caroll. This email arrived today from Toledo: Father Scott Carroll, who was ordained last Wednesday, died early this morning, Friday, May 10, 2013. Arrangements are pending and will be forwarded to you as soon as they are known. Please pray for the [...]

Seminarian battling cancer ordained to priesthood

The following email arrived in my in-box tonight, forwarded from a reader in Ohio: I am pleased to announce that late this morning, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, Bishop Leonard Blair ordained Deacon Scott Carroll to the priesthood at a Mass celebrated at Father Carroll’s home in Maumee, Ohio. Concelebrating the Ritual Mass of Ordination were the Reverends [...]