JEFFERSON CITY (MO)
News Tribune
March 16, 2019
A Catholic priest in Jefferson City has been placed on administrative leave while alleged boundary violations with minors at Immaculate Conception Church and School are investigated.
Information was shared with parishioners and students’ families this week regarding the Rev. Geoffrey Brooke, associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Church.
In a letter to Immaculate Conception School families dated March 10, Bishop Shawn McKnight of the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City stated the diocese had received allegations of violations involving Brooke. He wrote the diocese had notified the Missouri Children’s Division hotline and Brooke may not function publicly as a priest while on leave.
The letter was shared with the News Tribune by a community member, and Director of Diocesan Communications Helen Osman confirmed its authenticity.
“This does not mean there is a determination of guilty or if the allegations are credible,” McKnight noted in the letter.
McKnight said the Diocesan Review Board will receive information relevant to these allegations and update McKnight with its recommendation on what should happen with Brooke.
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