Wayne Priest Found Suitable for Ministry

By Pete Bannan
Main Line
July 7, 2012

http://mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2012/07/06/main_line_suburban_life/news/doc4ff71f247278d641279076.txt


Msgr. Hans Brouwers, the Parochial Administrator at St. Katharine of Siena in Wayne, confirmed that Msgr. John Close has been found suitable for ministry.

“It’s a great relief. It’s been a real cloud over the parish,” Msgr. Brouwers said during a phone interview Friday.

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput issued a statement Friday saying Msgr. Close and three other suspended priests will return to ministry after allegations against them were found to be unsubstantiated.

It is unclear at this time if Msgr. Close will return to St. Katharine. Msgr. Brouwers said the priests that were cleared have to decide what will be the appropriate role for them in consultation with the archdiocese.

Msgr. Close was put on administrative leave in March 2011 while officials in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia investigated allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

Contact: Pbannan@Mainlinemedianews.com