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| December 2004Diocese of Phoenix Receives Good
News (Dec 30)-Kathleen McChesney, Executive Director for the Office of Child and Youth Protection sent Bishop Thomas Olmsted a glowing letter about the Phoenix Diocese’s recent compliance audit. The audit measures how well the Diocese is doing in its effort to protect youth and children from sexual abuse by Church clergy, staff or volunteers. In the letter she states, “Not only are the results quite impressive, the audit instrument reflects an enormous amount of time, energy and dedication to addressing the problems that existed eighteen months ago.” She went on to say, “ The responses to the many questions were thoughtful, informative and AMONG THE BEST that I have reviewed.” Ms. McChesney also praised the Diocese’s Youth Protection Advocate, Jenny O’Connor for her frequent contact with fellow victim advocates to learn about “best practices.” Fr. Fred Adamson, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia noted about the audit that, “This year was a little different in that they were mainly looking at our compliance and did not make formal recommendations or commendations at this time. There is a possibility that they may commend us for the work that was done at the Summit on Sexual Abuse last spring, as this went above and beyond the articles and norms of the Charter.” The auditors were scheduled to be at the diocese for 5 days, but were able to complete their mission one and a half days early. At the end of the report the 2004 Audit Executive Summary stated, “At the conclusion of this compliance audit, the diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” For information regarding the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, you can go to the website at http://www.usccb.org/ocyp/. For Information regarding this Press Release contact Mary Jo West at her office or call her cell phone at 602-410-2791. 2004 Audit Executive Summary Diocese of Phoenix
Findings To Promote Healing and Reconciliation (Articles 1, 2 and 3) The diocese has a policy on the prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese provides outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their families. The bishop has a policy to meet with all victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse but has not had to do so as there were no allegations made since the last compliance audit. The bishop or his delegate in the past has directed outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse occurred. The diocese has a mechanism in place to respond promptly to any allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor occurred. The diocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Jenny O’Connor, MSW, CISW, who is an experienced social worker. The diocese established in 2003 a Review Board, which consists of 14 members. The members include an attorney, a psychometrist, a retired Assistant Chief of Police, a woman religious with 33 years of experience as an educator, a school principal, a social worker with a Master’s degree, and two abuse survivors, both with experience in social work and six diocesan employees. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the bishop. The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in printed form, and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The diocese has not entered into a confidentiality agreement during the audit period.
The diocese would have reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there were none since the last compliance audit. The diocese complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities. The diocese has established effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur. The diocese cooperates with public authorities about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor. In all instances, the diocese advises victims/survivors of their right to report allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil authorities. When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon is received, a preliminary investigation, in harmony with canon law, is initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the diocese notifies the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and applies the precautionary measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon 1473. When accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be unfounded, the diocese takes steps to restore the good name of the priest or deacon. When sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or a deacon is admitted or established after an appropriate process in accord with canon law, the diocesan policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be permanently removed from ministry. The diocese offers professional assistance to offending priests or deacons. In every case involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon law are observed. Accused clergy are encouraged to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the diocese supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon. If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been applied, the diocese directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The diocese does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present himself publicly as a priest. The diocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is in effect which reflects the bishop's pledge to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The diocese does assist and support all parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The diocese has implemented a "safe environment" education program. The educational program for children is the “Safe Environment for Children/Youth in Religious Education/Youth Ministry Programs” and “Safe Environment for Children/Youth In Catholic Schools”; the educational program for parents is “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse”; the educational program for ministers, educators and others is the Diocese of Phoenix “Safe Environment Program”. The diocese has clear and well-publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The diocese conducts background evaluations for all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The diocese employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination. The diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another ministerial assignment since the last audit. The diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for residence since the last audit. The bishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors of men with a presence in the diocese concerning addressing the issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese has not had the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions in the area of sexual abuse. The diocese has developed a systematic ongoing formation program in keeping with the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests. Compliance with the Provisions of the Charter At the conclusion of this compliance audit, the diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Mesa Priest Placed on Administrative Leave (Dec 29)-Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted announced today that he has placed Msgr. Dale Fushek, Pastor of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Mesa on administrative leave. This has been a difficult but necessary decision. The action comes after an attorney notified the diocese of Phoenix that his client claimed to have recoverd a repressed memory involving sexual improprieties by Fr. Fushek in 1985. The alleged misconduct does not involve physical contact between the accuser and Fr. Fushek. The accuser who is now an adult was approximately 14 years old at the time of the alleged incident. Bishop Olmsted has spoken to Monsignor Dale Fushek, who adamantly denies the allegation, and states emphatically that the accusation is totally false. Bishop Olmsted emphasized that placing a priest on administrative leave is not a presumption of guilt or innocence. We believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty. However, this action is taken in order to allow for an unimpeded investigation. It follows the guidelines of the Diocesan Policy on Sexual Misconduct and conforms to the USCCB Charter for the protection of Children and Youth. The Diocese of Phoenix has notified the Maricopa County Attorney's office in the matter. During this difficult time, Bishop Olmsted has asked for prayers for Msgr. Dale Fushek and his accuser. Also, our prayers are requested for the parishioners of St. Timothy Parish, those involved in the Life Teen Ministry, and the people of the Diocese of Phoenix. The Church wants any victim of sexual misconduct on the part of Church personnel to know of our desire to heal the wounds inflicted through our misconduct. The Church invites victims to come forward in order that healing might take place. Sacerdote de la Ciudad de Mesa asignado a Suspensión Administrativa El Obispo Thomas J. Olmsted anunció el día de hoy que a dispuesto en Suspensión Administrativa al Monseñor Dale Fushek, Pastor de la iglesia Católica de San Timoteo en la Ciudad de Mesa. Esta ha sido una decisión difícil pero necesaria. La disposición nace después de la notificación de un abogado a la Diócesis de Phoenix alegando que su cliente ha recobrado memorias reprimidas que involucran conductas sexuales inapropiadas por parte del Padre Fushek en 1985. Los argumentos de mala conducta no incluyen contacto físico entre el acusador y el Padre Fushek. El acusador, que ahora es un adulto, tendría aproximadamente 14 años al momento del presunto incidente. El Obispo Olmsted habló con Monseñor Dale Fushek, quien niega terminantemente el argumento hecho en su contra y declara enfáticamente que la acusación es totalmente falsa. El Obispo Olmsted enfatizó, que poner en suspensión administrativa a un sacerdote no es una presunción de culpabilidad o inocencia. Creemos que una persona es inocente hasta que se compruebe lo contrario. Sin embargo, se ha tomado esta disposición para permitir y facilitar la investigación. Responde a las normas contenidas en las “Políticas Sobre Actos Sexuales Ilícitos por Parte del Personal Diocesano,” y a los “Estatutos para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes” del USCCB. La Diócesis de Phoenix ha notificado a la Oficina del Procurador del Condado de Maricopa sobre el asunto. Durante estos momentos difíciles el Obispo Olmsted pide sus oraciones por el Monseñor Dale Fushek y su acusador. También, pide nuestras oraciones por los feligreses de la parroquia de San Timoteo, por quienes participan del ministerio de adolescentes “Life Teen,” y la gente de la Diócesis de Phoenix. Es el deseo de la Iglesia que cualquier víctima de una conducta sexual inapropiada por parte del personal de la iglesia sepa que queremos curar las heridas ocasionadas por nuestra conducta inapropiada. La iglesia exhorta la declaración de otras víctimas para que pueda alcanzar la sanación. Please Join Us for Christmas Eve TV Mass (Dec 16)-Please join us for the Christmas Eve TV Mass, and if you know someone who can't get out on Christmas Eve to attend Mass, please let them know that KTVK, Channel 3, will be airing the Christmas Eve Mass beginning at 11:00 pm Si usted sabe de alguien que no pueda asistir a la Misa de Víspera de Navidad, por favor dígale que el Canal 3, KTVK, transmitirá la Misa de Víspera Navidad Celebrada por el Obispo Olmsted este Viernes a las 11:00 de la noche. Letter for the Bulletins, December 12, 2004 The Diocese of Tucson has asked that we inform you that their diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board recently reviewed information about an allegation concerning Rev. Claudio Riol. They determined that this allegation which comes from a parish in Tucson is credible and does not involve a parish in the Diocese of Phoenix. Fr. Riol served at St.Catherine Parish in 1961. He served at Immaculate Heart Parish in 1965 and again from 1967-1969. If you or a member of your family experienced abuse by Father Riol, please contact the Diocese of Tucson’s Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection at 520-792-3410 or the Victim Assistance Program at 1-800-234-0344. Additionally, the Diocese of Tucson seeks to respond justly and equitably to those who have been hurt. They wish to emphasize that April 15, 2005, is the deadline by which anyone who was abused by or suffered injury due to abuse by clergy or other persons working for the Diocese of Tucson or for a Catholic parish, school or mission in the Diocese of Tucson and who contends the Diocese is responsible must file a claim with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Information about filing a claim is available at www.diocesetucson.org or by calling toll free 1-866-413-4242. Let us continue to pray for all victims of abuse and their families. Inserto Para Boletín Semanal La Diócesis de Tucson nos ha solicitado que informemos que el Comité de Inspección sobre Conductas Sexuales Inapropiadas revisó los argumentos recientes concernientes al Reverendo Claudio Riol y determinó que los argumentos, que provienen de una parroquia en Tucson, son fidedignos y que no implican a ninguna parroquia en la Diócesis de Phoenix. El Padre Riol sirvió en la parroquia de Santa Catalina en 1961. Sirvió en la parroquia del Inmaculado Corazón en 1965 y nuevamente de 1967 a 1969. Si usted o un miembro de su familia sufrió de abuso por parte del Padre Riol, por favor comuníquese con la Oficina de la Protección al Menor de Edad, la Juventud y Adultos de la Diócesis de Tucson al 520-792-3410 o con el Programa de Asistencia a las Víctimas al 1-800-234-0344. La diócesis de Tucson busca responder de una manera justa y equitativa a quienes hayan resultado lastimados, y para ello se les comunica que el plazo límite para informar sobre cualquier caso donde una persona haya sufrido abuso o haya sido lesionada por parte del clero u otro individuo que sea parte del personal de la Diócesis de Tucson, parroquia Católica, escuela o misión de la Diócesis de Tucson, y quienes demanden la responsabilidad de la Diócesis, deberán presentar una demanda en la Corte de Bancarrota de los ESTADOS UNIDOS. La información para presentar una demanda está disponible en www.diocesetucson.org o llamando al número gratis 1-866-413-4242. Continuemos pidiendo por las víctimas del abuso y sus familias.
Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 7)-To honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of the Diocese of Phoenix, there will be a two-day celebration beginning December 11, featuring the rich traditions of the Hispanic culture and the Catholic Church. The community is invited to participate in prayerful novenas and beautiful sounds of serenades by Mariachis. All this will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 909 E. Washington Street. A Parish-wide fiesta will run all day Sunday from 8:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a raffle for a thousand dollar prize, along with second and third place money prizes. On December 12 at 11:00 a.m. a two-mile procession will begin at Ocotillo and 19th Avenue from the Santa Rosa Neighborhood to Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Avenue concluding with a Mass at 1:00 p.m. from Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. Bishop Thomas Olmsted will celebrate the colorful Mass. After Mass everyone is invited to savor the flavorful variety of Mexican food provided by wonderful volunteer cooks of the community. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron of the Americas. Her feast day is celebrated on December 12th. In 1999 Pope John Paul II entrusted the cause of life to her loving protection, and placed under her motherly care the innocent lives of children, especially those who are in danger of not being born.
For more information call the Office of Hispanic Ministry at 602-354-2043
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