Parishioners of Our Lady of Calvary Roman Catholic Church in the Far Northeast were informed at Masses today that their pastor, the Rev. John Paul, had resigned the post he had held for 13 years. Earlier last week, an announcement of the priest’s decision to leave, following allegations of sexual abuse of a minor 45 years ago, was posted on the parish school’s website. (See http://userweb.nni.com/OLC/ and click on “notes from the principal” on the left.)
According to the school’s posting, allegations were made earlier this year and were reported to authorities, who investigated and declined to prosecute the priest.
The website didn’t specify what the allegations were other than they involved sexual abuse of minors.
“We don’t comment on cases unless charges are filed,” said Tasha Jamerson, the district attorney’s spokeswoman. That being said, she added, given that the allegations are 45 years old, the DA wouldn’t have been able to prosecute anyway because the statute of limitations would have run out.
The school website posting included the comment that the allegations against Paul did not involve anybody in Our Lady of Calvary parish “45 years ago or since.”
The posting stated Paul voluntarily resigned as pastor “so the best interest of the parish could be served.”
The archdiocese appointed “Father John Babowitch as our new pastor, and he will be arriving on Dec. 2,” the posting concluded. ••
