SPRINGFIELD (IL)
Springfield Journal-Register
By DAVE BAKKE
STAFF WRITER
Published Friday, September 09, 2005
Bishop George Lucas, leader of the Springfield Catholic diocese, held parish meetings on successive nights this week to address allegations against two priests.
On Wednesday in Newton, which is southeast of Effingham, he discussed the results of an audit of parish finances at St. Thomas The Apostle Church. The audit will result in the pastor, the Rev. Barry Harmon, reimbursing the diocese for approximately $40,000 that was misspent, plus the cost of the $8,000 audit.
Then in Springfield Thursday, the bishop told parishioners of St. Agnes Church that their newly ordained assistant pastor, the Rev. Joseph Havrilka, is going on an indefinite leave of absence for "psychological and personal issues." Lucas told more than 100 parishioners that Havrilka was not accused of sexual abuse of a minor but that he could not be more specific.
After spending more than 20 years as a religious brother, Havrilka, 48, was just ordained as a priest May 28. Assisting St. Agnes' pastor, the Rev. Bob Jallas, was his first assignment.
Lucas said a parishioner had told Jallas about concerns regarding Havrilka's behavior. Shortly after July 13, Jallas informed the bishop, who in turn informed former U.S. Attorney Bill Roberts, whom the bishop has appointed to investigate reports of priestly misconduct.
Lucas said Havrilka cooperated with Roberts' subsequent investigation, and enough evidence of inappropriate behavior was found to warrant further action.