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	Parish Priest Inquiry Ongoing The Press October 18, 2011 http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/5810289/Parish-priest-inquiry-ongoing Christchurch police are continuing to investigate a Catholic priest stood down after "financial irregularities" in his parish. Father John Fitzmaurice was stood down from his duties as parish priest at Addington's Sacred Heart Church in August after Bishop of Christchurch Barry Jones became concerned about his handling of some of the church's financial affairs. Jones later laid a formal complaint with police but confirmed last month that the church was still supporting Fitzmaurice financially and spiritually. Christchurch fraud squad head Acting Detective Sergeant Hamish Wilson said the investigation was continuing. Police had not yet been able to confirm the extent of funds involved, but initial inquiries suggested the amount could be more than $100,000, he said. "The inquiry is in its early stages and likely to take some time, involving detailed investigation, including examination of bank accounts and church records." Fitzmaurice had been chairman of the diocese council of priests and administrator of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. He had also been the diocese's episcopal vicar for education, working with Catholic schools. Wilson said there had been no evidence to support suggestions that any education-related government funds were involved in the inquiry or that Fitzmaurice would have had access to those funds.
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