There is much bad news in the press today about a Waterbury, CT priest who appears to have failed his community in just about every way possible. By chance I came upon the story of another Waterbury, CT priest who ran his race a little better. I thought it might be worth sharing for those folks in Waterbury tempted to throw in the towel just now.
"More than 900 men died on 31 July 1945, when the USS Indianapolis, was torpedoed and sunk in the Philippine Sea. Bill Milhomme tells the story of US Navy Chaplain, Fr Thomas Conway, who stayed in the water for three nights praying with survivors, until he died. . . . " Read the rest here from the UK's Independent Catholic News.
Kevin Clarke
David Clohessy, Executive Director, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 7234 Arsenal Street, St. Louis MO 63143, 314 566 9790 cell, SNAPnetwork.org, SNAPclohessy@aol.com
On a happier note, the people of Waterbury, particularly the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, can hopefully think about yet "another Waterbury, CT priest who ran his race a little better": Venerable Servant of God and Knights of Columbus founder Father Michael McGivney, who was born in Waterbury, and whose story, including details about his formative years in the Brass City, is so ably told in "Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism," by Douglas Brinkley and Julie Fenster.
And why did this many have single signature signing authority on checks over a very minor amount? Cannot good business practices exists simultaneously with "we need to trust our pastor" thoughts?
And yes, the diocese is highly culpable. There should be independent outside audit of parish books every 3 years or so, not just with a change of pastors or if there is a hint of problem. Hints usually come too late in the game.