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	Teczar Laicized by Pope Benedict XVI By George Vogt DFW Catholic September 15, 2011 http://www.dfwcatholic.org/teczar-laicized-by-pope-benedict-xvi14759/.html Fort Worth, TX (DFW Catholic) – Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann announced Friday he has been informed by Catholic Diocese of Worcester Bishop Robert J. M cM anus that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, has decreed that Thomas H. Teczar is dismissed from the clerical state. This is the most severe canonical penalty the Holy Father can impose on a priest. As a result of the Holy Father’s decision, Mr. Teczar may no longer function in any capacity as a priest. Because Thomas Teczar was a priest of the Diocese of Worcester, Bishop McManus petitioned the Holy See for this laicization—removal from priesthood. Bishop Vann joined Bishop McManus in this request. Ordained in 1967 for the Diocese of Worcester, Teczar has not had faculties from the Diocese of Worcester since 1984. Along with announcing the Holy Father’s decision, Bishop Vann and Bishop McManus have asked for prayers for healing for all those who have been harmed by Teczar and all who have suffered sexual abuse, in particular by members of the clergy. Teczar was convicted and sentenced in March 2009 by a jury in Eastland County, Texas to a 50-year prison term for sexual assault and indecency with a minor. Teczar served as a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth from 1988 through 1993 when he was removed from ministry by the late Bishop Joseph Delaney. In April 2005 and in December 2007, the Diocese of Fort Worth reached settlements with victims of Teczar. At the request of the victims, portions of the settlement are confidential. The Diocese, in accordance with its policies, has actively sought victims of abuse in Eastland County parishes and other parishes where Teczar was assigned. Bishop Vain emphasizes that the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth will address any charge of abuse as quickly and as pastorally as possible. The Diocese has been and is committed to being in compliance with the requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the Bishops of the United States in 2002. Since then more than 37,474 priests, deacons, religious, employees and volunteers have had background screening and gone through the Diocese’s “Keeping Children and Youth Safe Environment Program.” To report abuse to the civil authorities, call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services) at 1-800 252-5400. To report abuse to the Diocese of Fort Worth, call Judy Locke, the victim assistance coordinator, at 817 560-2452, ext. 201 or e-mail her at jlockePfwdioc.orq. Persons also can call the sexual abuse hotline, 817 560-2452, ext. 900. Or call The Catholic Center 817 560-2452, ext. 107 and ask for the Vicar General, Very Rev. Stephen Berg.
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