December 31, 2004

Parishioners stand behind Mesa priest on charge

MESA (AZ)
azcentral.com

Jim Walsh
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 31, 2004 12:00 AM

A Mesa church in crisis rallied behind a suspended priest Thursday, packing a forum to learn more about the allegations against Monsignor Dale Fushek.

While most parishioners attending the forum and Mass at St. Timothy's Catholic Church said they support Fushek, others were reserving judgment until more is known about a man's allegation that Fushek watched as another priest molested him in 1985.

"It's all lies. Anyone who knows Monsignor Dale knows it's lies," said Janet Maneke, who passed out "I support Monsignor Dale" buttons before the Mass. "We love Monsignor Dale. He's touched a lot of lives and done a lot of good."

Parishioner Frank Casa said he was so impressed by Fushek while attending a retreat in Mexico that he encouraged parishes in his hometown of Rochester, N.Y., to adopt Fushek's Life Teen youth ministry.

But Casa said he is preparing himself for the worst-case scenario while hoping Fushek is eventually cleared of wrongdoing.

"I think we're all desperately hoping that this is not for real," Casa said. "On the other hand, there must be good reason to put him on administrative leave."

Posted by kshaw at December 31, 2004 08:11 AM