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	Parishioners Stand by Accused Waterbury Priest By Shawn R. Beals Hartford Courant June 21, 2010 http://www.courant.com/community/waterbury/hc-waterbury-priest-0621-20100621,0,4789886.story WATERBURY — Parishioners at Sacred Heart/Sagredo Corazon Parish said Sunday morning that they were shocked by the announcement that their former priest is accused of stealing $1 million from the parish. The Rev. Kevin J. Gray, 64, is accused by church leaders of siphoning the money to himself for the seven years he was pastor of the church. "We have people that know that Father Gray was a great person, and we'll be here to support him until the end," said parishioner Melly Castillo. "He helped everyone. Father Kevin would not steal. This is a big shock to the community, and no one believes it." [Sample Our Free Breaking News Alert And 3 P.M. News Newsletters] The Rev. John P. Gatzak, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Hartford, said Sunday that it was difficult for the community to believe the allegations because of the good things Gray did in the church. Gray was popular in the city and was a priest there for 26 years, first at St. Margaret's and St. Cecilia's churches before Sacred Heart/Sagredo Corazon. "There is a contingent within the community that is incredulous, can't belive it," Gatzak said. "He did a lot of wonderful things for the people of Sacred Heart, and it's understandable their love for him." Gatzak said Gray's "priestly faculties have been removed" — a suspension — and that he cannot perform any of the duties of a priest. Gatzak said many people were upset that the archdiocese announced the theft accusations and shared them with police, but said church leaders wanted to be honest and open with the parish. He said the Rev. Carolos Zapata, a church administrator, has been serving as Sacred Heart/Sagredo Corazon's priest. Zapata has helped set up a parish financial council, which never existed during Gray's seven years with the church. "These are good people in this parish and they deserve the help from the archdiocese," Gatzak said. Gatzak said archdiocese leaders have spoken with Gray, but would not elaborate on their conversations. Gray was placed on medical leave in April after he told people he was gravely ill. Church members were told of the archdiocese's investigation and Gray's removal from the church at Mass Sunday morning. Many carried signs supporting Gray. Watebury police Sunday confirmed they are investigating the archdiocese's findings.
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