DARIEN, Conn. (AP) – Parishioners at a church where a priest has been accused of spending about $1.4 million of their donations on a lavish lifestyle with another man reacted Saturday with sadness, anger and, in some cases, forgiveness, after receiving a detailed report of the case.
The Bridgeport Diocese mailed results of its investigation into the Rev. Michael Jude Fay to 1,700 parishioners of St. John Roman Catholic Church. The report details over the last six years how Fay used church money for limousine rides, stays at top hotels around the world, jewelry, clothing from Italy and the purchase of a condominium in Florida with the other man. About half the money he spent was kept in a secret bank account, according to the report.
Fay, pastor since 1991, resigned in May amid accusations by a private investigator that he had misspent church money.
“I felt disappointment and sadness,” parishioner Kathleen Sortino said. “I do believe we’ve learned to move on. We have to pray even for Father Fay and all hope for better times. That’s all we can do.”
Bishop William Lori has said the church would try to recover as much of the money as possible and was enacting reforms to tighten control of church finances. Among those was a six-member task force, comprising three clergy members and three lay people. The bishop also has plans to visit with many parishioners in their homes.
The reports were mailed Friday and in a show of hands at the afternoon Mass Saturday about half of the 130 worshippers indicated they had received it. The Rev. Walter Orlowski, a member of the task force, delivered the sermon.
“We recognize we’ve been betrayed and we are angry,” Orlowski said. “Do we allow it to consume us? When we write that check we want to the money to go where we want it to go. You and I can be angry at the report because the truth is not easy to swallow.”
Fay, 55, has not commented since he resigned. Messages seeking comment have been left with his attorney, James Wade. Federal authorities are investigating Fay, who has not been charged. They would not comment on the church report, saying only that the probe is continuing.
Diocese spokesman Joseph McAleer said making the report available to parishioners is “part of the healing process for the next step in the journey to reconciliation.”
Many in attendance on Saturday indicated it is, indeed, time to move on.
“It’s done,” Anna Boland said. “People who love the church are here. It’s all about our faith.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
