Statement of Fr. Michael Doucette to St. Agatha Parish

http://www.boston.com/globe/spotlight/sexabuse/letter_doucette.htm

This is a statement made by Fr. Michael Doucette to St. Agatha Parish on Feb. 10, 2002.

Brothers and Sisters: You may have heard the expression: “Be careful how you live, for you may be the only Gospel some people read.” On this last Sunday before we begin our time of Lent and all the graces that will bring us, our Scriptures invite us to more deeply appreciate how, as the disciples of Jesus, we are called to be light in our world.

No doubt you have all seen the reports that have come out of Boston over the last couple of weeks. We have all been deeply effected by these reports and Bishop Joseph, as no doubt all the Bishops of the country, have sought God’s guidance in reevaluating events of the past. Never would Bishop Joseph knowingly do anything to put our children and youth in danger. It is with all this in mind that I ask you to listen with your ears and your hearts to what I am about to share with you. I share this in the interest of being open with you about events in my own past.

Twenty-two years ago I became intimately involved with a young man from the parish where I was assigned. This was something that contradicted all the Church taught and I believed. To make matters worse, he was 15 years old. There were several physical encounters. In my head I tried to rationalize what I was doing, but in my heart the shame and guilt, which were intense, were telling me that I was doing something selfish, sinful and terribly wrong.

I carried this shame and guilt for over 10 years before anything was said. Then, my victim went to the Bishop, older and wiser and asking for help in healing for himself and for me. The Diocese paid for the counseling necessary for this young man to find healing. I was confronted and sent for a complete psychological and spiritual evaluation.

What followed was six months of intense psychological and spiritual care at a residential center. This was the most painful time in my life and the most grace-filled. It was a time of tremendous growth.

God’s love and mercy helped me. Bishop Joseph allowed me to return to ministry in an assignment prior to this one, only after the evaluations indicated what happened was not indicative of a pattern of behavior in my life, that no evidence of any other victims surfaced, and that the actual incident had happened over ten years earlier. Selected people in positions of leadership in the parish were told what I had done and agreed to inform the Bishop if any of my actions or activities raised concerns.

I understand the victim in my case eventually reported the events to public authorities who did not find any other victims and I confirm now before God and to all of you that there have been none since.

I know that I will always have to deal with the knowledge of what this incident has caused, especially in the life of my victim. I pray for him regularly and I hope that you will offer your prayers for him as well. I’m sure your knowing these facts also causes you pain and I am truly sorry for that.

At this time some might say that anyone who did what I did should never be allowed to minister in the Church again. Bishop Joseph felt, in light of the information he received that he did not act unreasonably in my case but he desires to hear from you and the Parish council regarding my ministry among you. The parish council has been informed and will become part of the decision making process. The Bishop truly wants you to feel free to speak to any member of the Parish Council. Also, any one who desires may write directly to the Bishop or e-mail the chancery. A special meeting will be scheduled in the next two weeks… and the Chancellor of the Diocese will be present to hear your reactions and those of the Parish Council and will report them to the Bishop.

Be aware that this disclosure will be made to the general media on Monday but I wanted you to hear it from me first. In this sinful action the light given me at my baptism was truly hidden.

If in the past 10 years it has shone it is only because of God’s mercy and love, which have overcome my sinfulness. As destructive as sin can be sometimes, God’s mercy is all the more powerful. This is the Gospel I have learned through all of this and hopefully, I pray this is the Gospel I have preached these past 10 years and in this confession.

In the past six months I have felt deep, deep gratitude for the gift of being among you. I thank you today for listening to this painful sharing. May we always be channels of Jesus’ light to one another. – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — –

For those who want to contact the bishop directly, here is the necessary information.

Most Reverend Joseph J. Gerry, OSB Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland PO Box 11559 Portland ME 04104-7559 E-Mail: