BishopAccountability.org
	Churchgoers in Nassau Seek Life after Scandal By Emerson Clarridge The Newsday [Long Island] May 21, 2007 http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-lichurch0521,0,400357.story?coll=ny-top-headlines Parishioners of the East Meadow church where a youth minister was convicted of raping two teenagers said yesterday that they were relieved that the diocese won't appeal the verdict in a civil suit that found church leaders knew about the abuse and did nothing to end it. At churches throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre yesterday, pastors read a statement from Bishop William Murphy during Mass, announcing that there would be no appeal of the $11.45-million judgment the teens won Friday in State Supreme Court. At St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church, where youth minister Matthew Maiello admitted forcing both teens to have sex with him after he was hired in 1999, parishioners said the announcement was a welcome development that comes as they try to put the incident behind them. "I'm a hundred percent behind it. They have to pay for their mistakes," said Tom who, like all of the parishioners interviewed for this story, declined to give his last name. Parishioners leaving Mass said life at the church continues despite the stain that the sexual abuse has left. Prayer books throughout the church will be changed in about a week. And still, parishioners gather for Mass. Maiello admitted that he repeatedly raped and sodomized the victims in his home, car, boat and in various buildings at St. Raphael. Both victims were 15 years old when they were first abused. Maiello pleaded guilty and served two years in prison. The Rev. Thomas Haggerty said during the trial that he had not conducted a background check on Maiello before hiring him. Lawyers for the church maintained it should not be held responsible for the abuse. As she walked out of St. Raphael's after Mass yesterday, Pam said that the people at the parish, where she has worshiped for 53 years, were ready to move on. In declining to appeal the civil verdict, she said, the diocese was helping them to do that. "I think they don't want to put the people through this once again -- all the heartache," she said. "And I think I agree." That sentiment was echoed by many others leaving the church in a light rain yesterday morning. "It's a good idea," said Ann. "Just to move on."
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