Mid-michigan Priest Suspended for "Boundary Violations"

By Clayton Cummins
WNEM
July 7, 2015

http://www.wnem.com/story/29490526/mid-michigan-priest-suspended-for-boundary-violations

A priest was suspended from his ministry on Monday.

The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw announced Father Denis Heames, of Central Michigan University’s St. Mary’s University Parish, had been suspended.

Heames worked as a parochial administrator for more than two years at the parish.

Bishop Joseph Cistone placed Heames on administrative leave for “boundary violations.”

TV5 called the diocese to get clarification on the reasoning behind Heames leave, but the diocese would not comment.

Cistone released a statement on the diocese’s website that said priests deal with weaknesses like anyone else and it’s distressing that someone was harmed by a minister of the church.

The statement also said minors were not involved in the incident at hand.

Heames was ordained to priesthood in 2008 and in 2012 he began his time at St. Mary’s University Parish.

TV5 spoke to some residents who attended mass on Monday and they were shocked to hear Heames had been placed on administrative leave.

TV5 also spoke with David Clohessy. He is part of a survivors’ network of those abused by priests.

“We’re glad Father Heames is no longer at a parish, at least temporarily, but we’re upset that the bishop is being so secretive. We think the bishop owes it to his flock to be more forthcoming about this case,” Clohessy said.

Heames is not being accused of any illegal activity.