Retired priest who served at 9 area churches suspended for sexual abuse

By Andy Banker
Fox 2
October 21, 2014

http://fox2now.com/2014/10/21/retired-priest-who-served-at-9-area-churches-suspended-for-sexual-abuse/

WEBSTER GROVES, MO (KTVI) – Stunning news for parishioners at St. Louis area Catholic churches.  Arch-Bishop Robert Carlson has announced the suspension of a long-time priest after an allegation of sexual abuse.

They knew him as Father Jack at Annunciation Parish in Webster Groves. Fr. John Ghio last served as a retired priest in residence.  To the allegation of his sexual  abuse of a minor in the 1980’s, just revealed in announcement from the Arch-Bishop, seems out of the question.

Ghio served in 8 other parishes since his ordination in 1980, Including St. Joseph’s in Manchester from ’83-’86.  there will be an announcement of his suspension, in the Sunday bulletins of all 9 parishes.

St. Catherine, Alexandria in Riverview Gardens, St. John the Baptist in St. Louis, St. Joseph-Manchester, St. Angela- Florissant, Our Lady of Lourdes U-City, St. Joseph–Farmington,  St. Peter in St. Charles, Assumption in Mattese, and Annunciation in Webster Groves.

Ghio is currently subject to a church, or “Canonical” investigation.  He’s not charged with a crime.  There’s no word on the age or gender of the alleged victim or the specific parish.  The Arch-Bishop says Ghio is living in a monitored environment, but doesn’t say where.