Bad News on Cape Cod

Rev. Marcel Bouchard, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, MA, has been called back from a 6 month sabbatical after information has surfaced about a priest who was helping to administer the parish during Fr. Bouchard's absence.

Fr. Bouchard made the announcement through a letter to the parish which is also posted on the parish website.

As you probably recall, Fr. Charles Cavanagh, a priest of the Melkite Rite of the Catholic Church, was to come here in mid-September and remain until I returned in mid-December, in order to assist Fr. Rodney with the pastoral care of our parish.Before the arrangement to have Fr. Cavanagh assist was approved, the Fall River Diocese, following all national and diocesan policies, requested and received written verification from the Melkite-Greek Catholic Church that he was a priest in good standing. Unfortunately, only recently has it become known to officials in our diocese, and through them to Fr. Rodney and me, that he is not a man suitable for ministry in our Church. He had concealed from us and other authorities a conviction, investigations, and suspicions concerning possibly serious crimes, some of which may involve children.

How sad and shocking for the people of East Sandwich.

Read the complete letter here.