BishopAccountability.org
	Mountain Home Priest Who Engaged in 'Misconduct' Will Get Help, Diocese Says By Bill Roberts Idaho Statesman December 11, 2007 http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/234893.html A Mountain Home Catholic priest engaged in "misconduct" and will get "professional help," the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise said Monday. The Rev. Raul Covarrubias, 63, pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish since 1992, was put on paid leave Sept. 14 after allegations initially surfaced. He is not scheduled to return to the church in the near future. Church officials would not describe the misconduct or the type of professional help Covarrubias will receive. The allegations were reviewed by the diocesan sexual misconduct review board, which looks into alleged misconduct involving children and young people, church officials said. The investigation "concluded no sexual abuse of a minor occurred nor were any civil laws broken," Bishop Michael P. Driscoll told parishioners during the weekend. "The investigation did reveal that misconduct occurred, which Father Raul needs to address," he said. "Help has begun for Father Raul and will continue for as long as needed. After ... Raul has completed a professional program, it is hoped that he will resume active ministry." Covarrubias could not be reached for comment Monday. Mountain Home police said Monday they were never asked to investigate alleged misconduct by Covarrubias. Parish representatives declined to comment except to say they supported Driscoll's statement. Bill Roberts: 377-6408 or broberts@idahostatesman.com
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