Two Priests Removed from Ministry

By Archbishop Gregory Aymond
Archdiocese of New Orleans
October 1, 2020

https://nolacatholic.org/news/two-priests-removed-from-ministry

It is with grave disappointment and sorrow that I inform you of the removal of two priests from active ministry effective immediately.

Reverend Patrick Wattigny disclosed today his sexual abuse of a minor in 2013. His name will be added to the list of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Clergy Abuse Report. Law enforcement has been notified. His full assignment history is below.

PATRICK WATTIGNY

Date of Birth: September 9, 1967

Ordination: June 4, 1994

Time of Abuse: 2013

Abuse Reported: October 1, 2020

Removed from Ministry: October 1, 2020

Pastoral Assignments:

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Kenner

St. Benilde, Metaire

St. Luke the Evangelist, Slidell

St. Peter, Covington

The Visitation of Our Lady, Marrero

Archbishop Rummel High School, Metairie

Pope John Paul II, Slidell

If there are any victims, please call me so that we can accompany you in healing.

Reverend Travis Clark has been charged with obscenity with women. This charge does not involve abuse of a minor. Fr. Clark was serving as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul in Pearl River.

Both of these situations are very troubling to me. When a priest does not live out his vocation faithfully he suffers consequences and I must notify the parishioners, school families, and public in general.

Please pray for all those affected, especially the parishioners of the parishes and school communities where they have served.

I will preside in Pearl River for the Vigil Mass on Saturday, October 3 to pray with the parishioners and at St. Luke in Slidell for the Sunday 9 am and 11 am Masses.

May God strengthen us in these times of darkness.