Statement Regarding Fr. Mark Huberty

By Jim Accurso
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
September 22, 2013

http://www.archspm.org/news-events/news-detail.php?intResourceID=9893

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced today that an accusation has recently been made against Fr. Mark Huberty by a woman alleging inappropriate touching. Fr. Huberty denies the allegations.

Huberty is a priest of the archdiocese and pastor of the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood, Minnesota.

The allegation has been reported to the police, and the police and the Archdiocese have opened an investigation, which is ongoing.  The Archdiocese is cooperating fully with all civil authorities.

As a result, Fr. Huberty is taking a temporary leave of absence until the matter is resolved. He is not being removed as pastor or being suspended; however, he will not be living at the Presentation rectory or exercising parish ministry during this time.

In the interim, the archdiocese is appointing an administrator to oversee pastoral responsibilities for the parish and arranging for priests to celebrate Masses and attend to all other sacramental needs of the community.

The Archdiocese has been working with the parish trustees from the beginning to ensure they are informed and involved. Parishioners were informed of the situation at all Masses on the weekend of September 21-22, 2013.

Fr. Huberty will remain on leave for as long as is necessary to investigate the situation thoroughly and with justice to all involved.