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	Parishioners Want Whistle-Blowing Priest to Remain By Donna Porstner The Advocate May 25, 2006 http://www.norwalkadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-fay-archive -4,0,4041474.story?coll=nor-news-local-headlines Now that a Darien priest has blown the whistle on his boss accused of stealing church money, parishioners worry the priest will be let go once the scandal dies down. They fear the Rev. Michael Madden of St. John Roman Catholic Church, who hired a private eye to investigate the pastor's spending, won't return after he takes a monthlong sabbatical required by the Diocese of Bridgeport. "We feel that Father Mike is going to be here temporarily, and then they are going to put him out to pasture," said Phillip Dolcetti, a lifelong parishioner of the Post Road church. On Tuesday, Madden admitted at the 8 a.m. Mass that he and the church bookkeeper hired a private investigator who uncovered the Rev. Michael Jude Fay's spending. The investigator found Fay spent at least $200,000 in parish funds to shower his lover with expensive dinners, limousine rides, trips and gifts. Fay is involved with a man from Philadelphia. The diocese, Darien police and the U.S. attorney's office are investigating. During an emotional meeting with parishioners at the parish center Tuesday evening, Bishop William Lori said Madden - the whistle-blower - will be taking a much-needed break. Parishioners questioned why Madden needs a break and how long he will be gone. Lori said the sabbatical, which Madden can use to pray, rest and study, would probably last about a month. When Madden will go on leave is unclear. Lori said it would be a time agreed upon by Madden and the diocese. Parishioners said Madden has nothing to reflect on since he did nothing wrong. Lori reminded them that they acknowledged Madden's stress while living and working alongside Fay. "You yourself have said he has carried that burden for some time," Lori said Tuesday. Fay, known by parishioners as Father Jude, resigned last week. Parishioners said they suspect the only reason Madden is still working at St. John's is because they sent a flurry of phone calls, e-mails and faxes Tuesday to the bishop's office. Phyllis Ryan, a lifelong parishioner who sings in the choir, said she called Lori's office in Bridgeport twice on Tuesday telling him not to fire Madden. She also ran around her neighborhood collecting dozens of signatures from parishioners who support Madden, which she brought to the meeting. The church bookkeeper, Bethany Derario, still had her job yesterday, according to her attorney, Mickey Sherman of Stamford. "She knew when she took this extraordinary step with Father Mike that her job might be in jeopardy, but that was a secondary consideration," Sherman said. The bishop's spokesman, Joseph McAleer, said yesterday he had no further information on the sabbatical, Madden's future with the parish or the diocese's pending investigation. "The bishop pledges to explain everything once the investigation is complete," McAleer said. Lori has promised to return to the parish when the investigation is over and provide more answers. **************Clarification************ A story on Page A1 of yesterday's Advocate incorrectly stated how Phyllis Ryan collected signatures in support of the Rev. Michael Madden of St. John Roman Catholic Church in Darien. Ryan collected the signatures from parishioners who gathered at the parish Tuesday evening.
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