Opinion
(2009-08-26)
JEFFERSON CITY, MO
(KBIA) -
August 13, 2009Mr. Ronald W. Vessell, Associate to the Chancellor, Diocese of Jefferson City, issued the following statement regarding the settlement agreement regarding Fr. Gerald Howard:
In mid-July, the Diocese of Jefferson City along with the Archdiocese of Newark and the Servants of the Paraclete, finalized a settlement agreement with a man bringing allegations of abuse involving a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark who served for one year in the early 1980s at SS. Peter and Paul parish in Boonville. The victim and his family were parishioners of the parish.
Fr. Gerald Howard, formerly known as Fr. Carmine Sita, was ordained for the Archdiocese of Newark in 1976. It is our understanding that in 1982, Fr. Carmine Sita pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual contact with a minor and served probation. Afterwards, he participated in a treatment program with the Servants of the Paraclete. After completing the program, he sought an assignment in the Diocese of Jefferson City and was assigned by Bishop Michael McAuliffe as associate pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in 1983. We do not know why Bishop McAuliffe agreed to accept the priest or exactly what he knew of this priest's background at the time.
Fr. Howard was removed from SS. Peter and Paul in 1984 for reasons other than abuse and thereafter had no other assignment in the Diocese. According to our records, there were no allegations of abuse at the time of his removal.
In March of 2008, the Diocese was contacted by the parents of the victim, informing us of the allegation of abuse. The Diocese offered to meet with the victim and provided support to him for treatment. The victim would not meet with diocesan representatives but contact was maintained with him and his family over the ensuing months.
In Spring of 2009, the individual and his legal counsel requested mediation of the complaint without filing a lawsuit. Bishop John Gaydos agreed to the mediation, which was held on June 19th. In this mediation, representatives of all the parties were able to meet in person with the victim, his wife and other family members and were able to confirm the credibility of the allegation of abuse. The mediation settlement was finalized in mid July and the settlement payment was shared among the Diocese of Jefferson City, the Archdiocese of Newark and the Servants of the Paraclete. Respecting the confidentiality of the victim, the Diocese will not provide details of the settlement, however, there is not a confidentiality provision in the agreement which would prohibit the victim from sharing this information.
It is our hope that this individual and his family find healing and the Diocese continues to request that any information about abuse by any representative of the Diocese be reported to the Diocese by contacting Ronald W. Vessell, Associate to the Chancellor, 573-635-9127. © Copyright 2012, KBIA
