BishopAccountability.org
	Diocese Taps New Pastor Move Comes Weeks after Scandal Is Aired By Alexandra Fenwick The Advocate June 4, 2006 http://www.norwalkadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-fay-archive -5,0,4107011.story?coll=nor-news-local-headlines One of Bishop William Lori's "closest advisers" will be taking over as head of the Darien parish rocked by allegations that its former pastor used church money to support a lavish lifestyle with another man. The Rev. Frank McGrath, director of clergy personnel for the Diocese of Bridgeport, will begin his new appointment at St. John Church tomorrow, officials announced. "St. John's in Darien is a parish that has really been crying out for good news, and that's what was given," diocesan spokesman Joseph McAleer said yesterday. McGrath's appointment was announced at the 4 p.m. Mass yesterday at St. John and will be reiterated today at the church's four Masses, McAleer said. McGrath, who also is pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Stratford, will say farewell to that parish today before taking his new job. "He has extensive and invaluable experience as a pastor, and connects easily and warmly with all age groups," Lori said in a written statement. "I am confident that the parish family of St. John's in Darien will grow to love and respect Father McGrath as a spiritual leader and a friend. I have the utmost faith in him." Former pastor the Rev. Michael Jude Fay resigned last month. A private investigator said he documented at least $200,000 in church money Fay spent on limousine rides, dinners at famous restaurants, cruises and gifts. Local and federal authorities are investigating Fay, who has not been charged. The Rev. Michael Madden replaced Fay as acting administrator but resigned a week later after he revealed that he had helped hire the private investigator. Madden and the Rev. Bill Platt will remain as associate pastors, McAleer said. The parish serves 1,600 families. St. John parishioner Cyndy Ashburne of Darien said the parishioners knew the decision would be made this weekend. Ashburne said she had not decided whether it was a good move to name Fay's replacement so soon. "In some respects, I think that this is a rush to judgment," she said. "I do think we need some leadership, but I'm not sure that Father Madden couldn't have provided it. It seems to me a very quick process to put someone in such a role at a church that's in turmoil like this." McGrath has been called upon to minister to a troubled parish in the diocese before. In January 2002, he was assigned to St. Mary parish in Ridgefield after sex-abuse allegations against that church's former pastor. He is the Catholic chaplain for the Westport police and fire departments. Ken Gilbertie, deputy chief of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department, praised supports McGrath. "If anybody can restore faith in a parish, it's Frank McGrath," said Gilbertie, who is Anglican. "He's a gentle person, he's a great guy, very personable, very likable, easy to get to know, easy to get along with, very open-minded and a very strong Christian." Gilbertie said that McGrath's job as chaplain requires great sensitivity. Several years ago, he brought the bad news to a woman's children that their mother had died in a fire. McGrath officiated at the funeral of Gilbertie's father, and last week visited the home of a firefighter whose wife passed away. McGrath doesn't confine his appearances to official events, Gilbertie said. "Sunday nights, he works out at the Y in town and stops in on his way home and will stay and have supper at the firehouse," he said. "I count him as one of my friends." - The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.