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	Turmoil at St. John's Parochial Vicar: Bookkeeper and I Secretly Hired Private Eye By Brian J. Foster Darien News May 26, 2006 http://www.dariennews-review.com/topstories/ci_3869611 The longtime pastor of St. John's Roman Catholic Church resigned last week at the request of the Diocese of Bridgeport, which alleged he stole exorbitant sums of money from the church. The Rev. Michael Jude Fay stepped down last week after a meeting with Bishop William Lori, who asked for Fay's resignation. The move came after the church's parochial vicar, the Rev. Michael Madden, and parish bookkeeper Bethany Derario used personal funds to hire a private investigator to probe Fay's alleged wrongdoing. On Tuesday, Madden admitted hiring the investigator Vito Colucci Jr., who reportedly documented at least $200,000 in church money was used to pay for trips, dinners at upscale restaurants and limousine rides that Fay took as part of a relationship with another man. Bishop William Lori had appointed Madden acting administrator of St. John's after Fay resigned, but after Madden's admission to parishioners at a Tuesday morning Mass, the bishop said Madden asked to relinquish the role, and Madden is expected to take a sabbatical in the near future. Lori has made several appearances at St. John's since Fay's resignation became public. Lori asked the priest to step down after a diocesan investigation found some of the church's bills had not been paid, along with other financial problems, spokesman Joseph McAleer said. During a Mass at St. John's on Sunday, Lori said he is "deeply sorry" the parish will have to undergo such "a severe test" in light of Fay's actions. "It is precisely in these moments of tension, disappointment, anger and sadness that the quality and capacity of our love is tested," Lori said during his homily. "I would be remiss if I did not say how sad, embarrassed and chagrined I feel after so much effort to strengthen the financial accountability of the diocese. It's obvious there is still much effort to be given to address clergy misconduct." Lori also touched upon Colucci's investigation, calling it "sensational" and completely detached from the diocese's own investigation. Colucci, who runs a Stamford-based agency called The Spy's the Limit, did not return several calls seeking comment. "A private investigator was hired long after this church began its own investigation," Lori said. "It may seem like the one truth, but in more reflective moments, we (the church) need to recognize the need for the thorough and independent investigation already underway. It will help us understand the scope of any financial wrongdoing." Lori said he believes a "considerable portion" of the parishioners' weekly contributions was used to fund a lifestyle no follower of Christ, particularly a priest, should lead. He said the diocese will inform the parish council of the investigation's results. Norm Walker, chief financial officer for the diocese, said the immediate cause for concern surfaced when officials noted expenses in some accounts, such as food and travel, had increased by as much as 150 percent over the previous year. Walker said he could not confirm that $200,000 is an accurate figure because the diocesan investigation is still in its early stages. According to several published reports, Colucci learned that Fay's friend, Clifford Fantini, a Philadelphia fashion show director also known as Cliff Martell, purchased a condominium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with the priest. The men have also lived together in a Manhattan apartment, the reports claimed. Fantini could not be reached for comment. In October, St. John's finance council met after noticing delinquent payments to some employee benefit plans, Walker said. Earlier this year, the diocese received a call from People's Bank, stating that the parish was late with a $25,000 repayment and was not responding to the bank's inquiries. Walker said that the diocese paid the debt. In a letter signed by Madden and issued by the diocese to those attending Tuesday's services, Madden said he was aware of the diocesan investigation before he and Derario hired Colucci. "Despite the fact that I had been working closely with Diocesan officials on this matter, and knew that a vigorous internal review was well under way, I rushed ahead and joined our parish bookkeeper in hiring a private investigator, using our own personal funds," Madden's letter states. "The diocese had know knowledge that I hired an investigator. In hindsight, I realize I made a huge mistake which has further complicated matters." Madden also wrote that he misled parishioners "into doubting that the diocese is fully engaged in vigorously working for a just and prudent resolution of this matter." Speaking with reporters after Tuesday's visit, Lori was asked if Madden would face punishment for secretly hiring an investigator. "I love my priests very much," the bishop said. "I'm not in the business of punishing or crucifying, and I am in the business of trying to help priests even if I think they've made a mistake live to a new day and to continue to serve their people." The Diocese of Bridgeport announced Madden will remain at St. John's as a parochial vicar without administrative duties until a successor to Fay is found. Monsignor William Scheyd, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan and vicar general of the diocese, will temporarily oversee the administration of St. John's. After Sunday's 10 a.m. Mass, Lori greeted each parishioner, saying "every effort would be made to make restitution to the parish community." He said restitution would be sought first from "those who might have taken funds" rather than using other funds that people have donated. "The investigation has only just begun, but I vow to move as quickly as possible with this," Lori said. "My hope is that the parish will continue to remain united." Many parishioners declined to comment, but some spoke highly of Fay. "Father Fay is a human being like everyone else," said Martha Gelineau of Darien. "I pray for him. He's a great man." Rosa Bivona, 76, a church parishioner for more than 20 years, said Fay is "very, very special." "I'm not saying he was God, but he really had something special about him," Bivona said. "I think that parishioners of this church are very strong people. They'll spring back very quickly I don't think there's been anger, just disappointment and sadness." Fay, 55, has pledged to cooperate with the church's investigation, McAleer said. He said the investigation does not include any allegations of sexual abuse. Fay was ordained in 1978 and served in parishes in Greenwich and New Canaan before being assigned to the Darien parish in 1991. He also served on the diocese's Sexual Misconduct Review Board, an advisory group formed to examine church policies after the nationwide sex abuse scandal. Fay's whereabouts are unclear, and he could not be located for comment. In a letter addressed to churchgoers packaged within the weekly bulletin on Sunday, Lori said Deloitte & Touche, an external auditing company, has been hired to conduct a full forensic investigation of St. John's finances. Lori also said the diocese has advised the U.S. attorney's office in Connecticut and the Darien Police Department. Tom Carson, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, said an investigation has been launched. Darien Police Capt. Fred Komm said either his department or the FBI will also conduct a probe. The Rev. Michael Madden, parochial vicar at St. John's, has been appointed acting administrator, Lori said. Lori said he will find a permanent successor as quickly as possible. "I am confident that the vibrant faith community of Saint John's will heal and continue to thrive," Lori said. "I assure each and every one of you of my personal support, and that of our entire diocesan team."
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