Norwich Diocese: 'We Are All Deeply Saddened'

By Hillary Federico
Hartford Courant
July 1, 2012

http://www.courant.com/community/norwich/hc-waterford-church-porn-20120701,0,3986361.story

NORWICH—

— A Catholic pastor, who is at the center of a state police probe into criminal activity, has resigned from his position at the St. Paul Parish in Waterford, according to a spokesman from the Diocese of Norwich.

Rev. Dennis Carey's resignation, which was formally submitted on Friday, is effective immediately.

In a letter read during Saturday evening and Sunday morning masses at St. Paul's, Michael R. Cote, bishop of Norwich, said that he has "received and accepted" Carey's resignation.

"Yesterday, [Carey] and I both became aware of a state police Investigation into possible criminal behavior by [Carey]. [Carey] and I have both agreed that while this investigation is ongoing, it would be better for Father to step aside as pastor," the letter reads.

Carey was ordained a priest in 1998 after a 25-year career as a certified public accountant in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, according to archived Courant articles.

He was appointed pastor at St. John Parish in Middletown in 2003 and was previously administrator there, according to the Associated Press. He also served at St. Joseph Parish in New London; Most Holy Trinity in Pomfret and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Old Saybrook.

In 2010, Carey was one of several board members to receive a Family Champion Award from the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies. He also served as treasurer of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich.

"Naturally, we all presume that Father Carey is not guilty of any wrongdoing and will continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers," Cote continued in his letter. "For the parish community, for the priests of the diocese, and for me personally, it is extremely difficult. We are all deeply saddened."

Lt. J. Paul Vance, a spokesman for the state police, said Sunday that a criminal investigation into St. Paul Parish had been launched, but did not offer any details. According to WFSB, authorities are looking into the possible discovery of child pornography at the church.

Contact: hfederico@courant.com