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	Archbishop Restores Errant Priest to Active Ministry By Tom Beyerlein Dayton Daily News March 19, 2009 http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2009/03/19/ddn031909priestweb.html Rev. Clarence Heis, who was arrested in 2005 by park rangers who caught him engaging in lewd acts in a park near Fairborn, was restored to active ministry Thursday, March 19, by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati. "I am sorry for what happened and I apologize to those I have hurt by my actions," Heis said in a statement released by the archdiocese. "I am grateful for the support I have received from my family and friends." Heis, 55, will live in Cincinnati and perform priestly functions "as needed," the archdiocese said. Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk suspended Heis in October 2005 after park rangers arrested Heis and two other men on suspicion of public indecency at the Huffman Dam MetroPark in Bath Twp. Heis later pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, was fined and placed on probation. No minors were involved. Catholic priests are expected to lead celibate lives. During his paid leave, Heis received counseling, and his psychologist has told archdiocesan leaders that "it would be suitable" for him to return to active ministry, said archdiocese spokesman Dan Andriacco. Until his arrest, Heis served as pastor of St. Michael parish in Mechanicsburg and Immaculate Conception parish in North Lewisburg. Ordained in 1982, he was an Air Force chaplain in the 1980s, serving in the Persian Gulf. Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2264 or tbeyerlein@DaytonDailyNews.com
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