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	Bishop Stang Campus Minister Accused of Inappropriate Sexual Conduct with Student By Brian Fraga Southcoast Today October 8, 2010 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101008/NEWS/10080329 DARTMOUTH — The director of the Bishop Stang High School campus ministry program has been placed on paid leave after being accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with a female student in the mid-1990s, the Diocese of Fall River said Thursday. Jean Revil, 53, was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, the diocese said in a news release. In a written statement sent to The Standard-Times late Thursday, Revil strongly denied the charges against her. "I am stunned by the allegation," she said. "I've worked with young people for more than 30 years and I've always tried to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. I would never do anything to violate that dignity. I am praying for the person who made the allegation and for a speedy resolution to the situation. God knows the truth and I am confident that the truth will come out." On Tuesday, a Catholic Social Services staff member received a report of the alleged sexual contact between Revil and the student in 1994. The diocese immediately reported the matter to the district attorney. The alleged victim — now an adult — claimed the incidents took place at the school, according to the diocese. The allegation shocked many who know Revil, who has been a staff member at Bishop Stang High School for more than 30 years, having worked as a classroom teacher and currently as director of the school's campus ministry office. Revil has also accompanied students on various mission trips, including a 2002 visit to Toronto for World Youth Day. "She's such a good person and a follower of God," said Jenn Medeiros, 19, a student at Bristol Community College who said Revil led her confirmation retreat last year at St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth. Bishop Stang alumni and parents also defended Revil. "In the years that I've known Ms. Revil, there was absolutely no occasion which caused me to question her character or moral behavior," said Christina Zajac, 26, who graduated from Bishop Stang in 2002. Zajac said that Revil, who was one of her teachers, had a "tremendous positive effect" on her faith. "I find these allegations extremely difficult to believe," Zajac said. Heidi Bratton of North Falmouth, who with her husband, Dr. John Bratton, has sent four children to Bishop Stang, said Revil welcomed their family with open arms into the school community after meeting them at an Advent service. "My family has known her for six years, and what I can say is that she has been a woman of great spiritual integrity," Heidi Bratton said. "Jean has been a stabilizing force in that ministry team," Dr. Bratton said. "She strikes a good balance between not just being a buddy for the students, but in filling a parental role from a spiritual standpoint." The Rev. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Anthony de Padua Church in New Bedford and editor of The Anchor, the diocesan newspaper, learned of the allegations from The Standard-Times. He said he was shocked. "I have long admired Jean Revil," Landry said. "I think she's one of the most energetic youth ministers we've had in the diocese. "I've observed her interact with young people over the course of the last decade, including on pro-life trips to Washington, D.C. I not only never observed anything that would give me worry, but I have seen lots of behavior that would be called exemplary in her conduct around young people." Revil has written a monthly youth ministry column for The Anchor. Landry said no decision has been made about whether it will continue. "I presume that while this is being investigated, hopefully investigated expeditiously, that she might not want to write a column for The Anchor," Landry said. In keeping with its policies, the Fall River diocese reported the allegation this week to Thomas Carroll, an investigator with the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. Spokeswoman Lisa Rowell would say only that the matter is being investigated. The diocese's statement — which was also posted on Bishop Stang's website — said Revil being placed on leave was "done as a matter of policy and should not be construed as an indication of guilt or wrongdoing." The diocese added: "This is obviously a very troubling matter for all involved, including the alleged victim, Ms. Revil and the entire Bishop Stang High School community. In response, Catholic Social Services is providing counselors for any student or staff member who wishes to talk with one about this distressing situation." The diocese urged any individuals who believe they may have information that could be helpful in the investigation to contact the Bristol County District Attorney's Office at (508) 997-0711. Contact: bfraga@s-t.com
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