Be aware that, as usual, there is more to this story than appears in the newspaper article.

As a personal friend of Father Hawkins, I can say that he told me a year ago that he had been in touch with Bishop Timlin, then-Bishop of Scranton and Father Clay's Ordinary, and that Bishop Timlin had told Father Hawkins that there was no problem with accepting Father Clay's services as a supply priest. This exchange was a telephone conversation. Knowing Father Hawkins as I do, as a man of perfect integrity and great pastoral gifts, I can say that it is absurd to think that he would ever have someone on his staff who might pose a danger to anyone.

The Diocese of Scranton is screaming 'FOUL,' declaring that Fr Clay has no faculties for ministry and that they had no idea that he was engaging in active ministry in Fort Worth. Yet the chancellor of the Scranton Diocese read to the DMN reporter Susan Hogan/Albach letters from Fr Clay reporting to the Scranton chancery on what he was doing while living in the Dallas area. The chancellor was making the point that Fr Clay, in these letters, had dissembled in not reporting that he was actively assisting sacramentally in a parish. But the very letters the chancellor read included Fr Clay's having addressed a Serra Club and a couple of other activities -- which seems, to me, to prove that the Scranton diocese was aware that Father Clay was representing himself as a priest in active ministry (moreover, Serra is an organization geared towards the promoting of VOCATIONS! If the Scranton chancery harbored the concerns it claims to have, one would think that the mention of the Serra Club by Fr Clay would have sent alarm bells ringing).

I believe that Father Hawkins understood from Father Clay that Father Clay had received an assignment as curate in Scranton but fell ill, and requested some time off to get back on his feet. When Father Clay offered his services to Father Hawkins, Father Hawkins directly contacted Father Clay's Ordinary and was assured by him that there was no impediment to using Father Clay's services. This should be borne in mind by anyone trying to understand the situation in Arlington-.
Father Wilson | 06.30.04 - 3:15 pm | #

"the I can say that it is absurd to think that he would ever have someone on his staff who might pose a danger to anyone."

Ever KNOWINGLY, I mean, of course.
Father Wilson | 06.30.04 - 3:45 pm | #

Father Wilson,

Are you sure the letter of Father Clay didn't mention the Sierra Club? Father Clay may be an avid environmentalist.

From now on, too, it might be good for your friend, Father Hawkins, to do that internet search and not leave it up to the flock to do this. Part of being a good pastor these days, perhaps (unless, of course, Father Hawkins doesn't have a computer available).

The plot thickens....
Gerard Serafin | Homepage | 06.30.04 - 3:48 pm | #

For those of you that don't want to supply your personal information for a subscription to dallasnews.com visit http://www.bugmenot.com

and enter the address http://www.dallasnews.com and it will give you a fake address and password to get into the site.
Brian of Reno | 06.30.04 - 3:49 pm | #

This is not in Dallas, but in Fort Worth.
Bill Cork | Homepage | 06.30.04 - 3:54 pm | #

I would like to repeat Fr Wilson’s first line in the first comment: “Be aware that, as usual, there is more to this story than appears in the newspaper article.”

At the time of Fr Clay’s removal from ministry, he both resided and assisted at our parish, St Francis in Nanticoke PA. He was an excellent priest. Much to the consternation of many of my fellow parishioners, he regularly gave 20-min homilies. And he preached like Lacordaire at Notre Dame. He celebrated Mass with exquisite reverence. He was a master at chant. He was one of those guys who was so intelligent that it made him seem a bit socially clumsy. But he was always joyful. He lived an austere life in a cramped third floor (actually a converted attic) of our rectory. I had casual conversations with him many times. He impressed me as a man committed to growing in holiness, and helping others to do so.

Fr Clay was (and had been for several years) serving as chaplain and religion teacher at the Catholic high school in Hazleton PA (his ‘day job’). Shortly after Fr Clay was removed, the most prevalent “story” floating around the locals was that the accuser had been (several years prior) a student of his whom he had to publicly reprimand for rowdy behavior in school. Purportedly, this was the student’s way of settling an old score. Obviously, I can’t say with certainty that this was true, but it’s sure interesting that no charges have ever been filed.

Personally, I am shocked at the lack of detail in the DMN article. To me, lack of relevant facts = inaccuracy. That’s why I pay almost no attention to the secular media….it’s usually a waste of precious time.
Walter Babetski | 06.30.04 - 4:50 pm | #

Dallas, Ft. Worth - what's the diff?
c matt | 06.30.04 - 4:50 pm | #

Dallas and Ft. Worth are seperate dioceses. Arlington, where Fr. Clay was serving, is in the diocese of Ft. Worth. He lives in Dallas.
Jack | 06.30.04 - 5:00 pm | #

Shortly after Fr Clay was removed, the most prevalent “story” floating around the locals was that the accuser had been (several years prior) a student of his whom he had to publicly reprimand for rowdy behavior in school. Purportedly, this was the student’s way of settling an old score. Obviously, I can’t say with certainty that this was true, but it’s sure interesting that no charges have ever been filed.

That is not, to the best of my knowledge, true. The anonymous accuser is the same person who has filed an ongoing lawsuit against Fr. Eric Ensey and Fr. Carlos Urritigoity of the Society of St. John, as well as the Diocese of Scranton, in connection with alleged abuse he suffered at the hands of Ensey and Urritigoity. According to the attorney for Father Clay's accuser, the man, who was a teenager at the time, went to dinner with Ensey and Urritigoity at the residence where Father Clay was living in 1998. The accuser says that Father Clay got him roaring drunk, such that he (the accuser) threw up on himself. Next thing he remembers was waking up naked in Father Clay's bed.

There is no proof that Father Clay molested this boy. Father Clay may be the victim of a false accusation. I hope that is the case. But the fact is, according to the Scranton diocese, he was suspended pending the outcome of an investigation, and he is still under suspension. He was not supposed to be in parish ministry. That is the issue.

Father Clay is in fact a gifted homilist, and appears to be an excellent priest. But it appears he was not supposed to be in ministry, and that he knew that.
Rod Dreher | 06.30.04 - 5:32 pm | #

Or the Scranton chancery is playing a game of cover their @$$, as I would expect from chancery rats.
Flambeaux | Homepage | 06.30.04 - 7:36 pm | #

Father Hawkins is disseminating the following letter to his People:

but From Fr Hawkins to the people of St Mary the Virgin

No doubt you will have seen the story which appeared today in the Dallas Morning News, and perhaps elsewhere in the media. I plan to speak about this hurtful and distressing matter at all three Masses next Sunday -- but, meanwhile, I would like you to have immediately the following brief outline of the facts.

I have known Fr Christopher Clay for almost ten years, having first met him through a mutual friend -- a priest now deceased -- several years before his ordination to the priesthood. Fr Clay was ordained for the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, of which diocese he remains a priest.

In May 2002 certain allegations were made concerning several priests, of whom Fr Clay was one, about an incident which was alleged to have taken place some four years earlier. Fr Clay strenuously denies all and any such allegations. The Diocese "removed Fr Clay from active ministry" while the matter was investigated. The outcome of this investigation was that no charges of any kind were brought against Fr Clay (though I understand that there are still ongoing processes with regard to the other priests concerned). Furthermore, according to a message dated June 28 to me from Rod Dreher (a journalist for the Dallas Morning News whom many of you will know as a worshiper in our Parish, who appears to have instigated the present interest in the matter) "the Pennsylvania State Police … has no record of an investigation into Father Clay". (It seems that Rod Dreher has had an ongoing journalistic interest in these events in Scranton, having written about them in February 2002 in the National Review Online.)

One might imagine that that would have been the end of the matter. And, indeed, so it appeared to have been. Bishop Timlin (the now-retired Bishop of Scranton) ended Fr Clay's "removal from active ministry" by appointing him parochial vicar at St Thomas More parish in Lake Ariel, PA - and I have Bishop Timlin's letter to this effect, dated February 4, 2003, before me as I write. This could not have happened if Fr Clay had been suspended or had had his faculties removed.

In the event, very soon after Fr Clay reported for his new assignment he became unwell, no doubt as a result of the stress of all these events; and he sought a leave of absence from the Diocese on health grounds. This was granted, and Fr Clay moved to his home town of Dallas; and I have a copy of the positive and supportive letter which Bishop Timlin sent to him, confirming these arrangements, dated March 10, 2003.

At about that time I personally contacted Bishop Timlin to make sure that there was no objection to my inviting Fr Clay to assist us at St Mary the Virgin. The Bishop assured me that this was entirely acceptable - and he expressed satisfaction that Fr Clay had supportive friends in the area. I also spoke with Fr Peter Stravinskas w
Father Wilson | 06.30.04 - 8:33 pm | #

From Fr Hawkins to the people of St Mary the Virgin

No doubt you will have seen the story which appeared today in the Dallas Morning News, and perhaps elsewhere in the media. I plan to speak about this hurtful and distressing matter at all three Masses next Sunday -- but, meanwhile, I would like you to have immediately the following brief outline of the facts.

I have known Fr Christopher Clay for almost ten years, having first met him through a mutual friend -- a priest now deceased -- several years before his ordination to the priesthood. Fr Clay was ordained for the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, of which diocese he remains a priest.

In May 2002 certain allegations were made concerning several priests, of whom Fr Clay was one, about an incident which was alleged to have taken place some four years earlier. Fr Clay strenuously denies all and any such allegations. The Diocese "removed Fr Clay from active ministry" while the matter was investigated. The outcome of this investigation was that no charges of any kind were brought against Fr Clay (though I understand that there are still ongoing processes with regard to the other priests concerned). Furthermore, according to a message dated June 28 to me from Rod Dreher (a journalist for the Dallas Morning News whom many of you will know as a worshiper in our Parish, who appears to have instigated the present interest in the matter) "the Pennsylvania State Police … has no record of an investigation into Father Clay". (It seems that Rod Dreher has had an ongoing journalistic interest in these events in Scranton, having written about them in February 2002 in the National Review Online.)

One might imagine that that would have been the end of the matter. And, indeed, so it appeared to have been. Bishop Timlin (the now-retired Bishop of Scranton) ended Fr Clay's "removal from active ministry" by appointing him parochial vicar at St Thomas More parish in Lake Ariel, PA - and I have Bishop Timlin's letter to this effect, dated February 4, 2003, before me as I write. This could not have happened if Fr Clay had been suspended or had had his faculties removed.

In the event, very soon after Fr Clay reported for his new assignment he became unwell, no doubt as a result of the stress of all these events; and he sought a leave of absence from the Diocese on health grounds. This was granted, and Fr Clay moved to his home town of Dallas; and I have a copy of the positive and supportive letter which Bishop Timlin sent to him, confirming these arrangements, dated March 10, 2003.

At about that time I personally contacted Bishop Timlin to make sure that there was no objection to my inviting Fr Clay to assist us at St Mary the Virgin. The Bishop assured me that this was entirely acceptable - and he expressed satisfaction that Fr Clay had supportive friends in the area. I also spoke with Fr Peter Stravinskas who was Fr Clay's superior at the Oratory in which Fr Clay lived at the tim
Father Wilson | 06.30.04 - 8:35 pm | #

Agg! What's the rest of the letter say, Father?
Mark Shea | Homepage | 06.30.04 - 8:42 pm | #

APOLOGIES! My computer is infected with this strange Protestant bug (it defies the commands of the Sacred Priesthood, i.e., Me). Let me post this FAST while it's being good.

...I also spoke with Fr Peter Stravinskas who was Fr Clay's superior at the Oratory in which Fr Clay lived at the time of the alleged incident; he gave no indication of any concern.

On April 22 of this year the new Bishop of Scranton, Bishop Joseph F. Martino, wrote to Fr Clay as a priest of his Diocese but now living in Dallas, to ask him his "intentions regarding your future ministry". Again, such an inquiry would be meaningless and absurd if Fr Clay was under suspension and without faculties as a priest.

In the light of all the above, it is difficult indeed to see what ends of truth, justice and charity have been served by today's Dallas Morning News and its journalists.

Please pray for Fr Christopher Clay at this time. He is a devout and fine priest. He is, and will continue to be, a close friend of mine and my family. He is, by adoption and grace, a member of our Parish community; and we will support him. And may Blessed Mary pray for her parish, and for the priests who are her sons.

Fr Allan
Father Wilson | 06.30.04 - 8:45 pm | #

"In the light of all the above, it is difficult indeed to see what ends of truth, justice and charity have been served by today's Dallas Morning News and its journalists."

What a gentle way of putting it!
Gerard Serafin | Homepage | 06.30.04 - 9:02 pm | #

I hear the dulcit sounds of chancery rats covering their sensitive, exposed nether regions.
Flambeaux | 06.30.04 - 9:13 pm | #

There is something definitely strange going on with Bishop Timlin and what he tells reporters. I suspect the next story on this from the DMN will be interesting, re: Timlin.

But I cannot allow Fr. Hawkins, whom I respect, to get away with spinning things.

For one, DMN reporter Susan Hogan/Albach tried on multiple occasions to speak to Father Hawkins yesterday to get his side of the story. Finally Mrs. Hawkins answered the phone. Susan identified herself, said what she was calling about -- and Mrs. Hawkins hung up on her. Susan was trying to do her job, and get all the facts of this sordid story. The Scranton diocese told her Father Clay was suspended. If the Hawkinses, or Father Clay, had information to the contrary, they had an obligation to share it with the reporter. It is unjust to refuse to give that information to a reporter when she calls to ask for your side of the story, then claim you were sandbagged by that same reporter. When I spoke by phone with Father Hawkins last Saturday, I advised him that this was bound to come out in the media, and urged him to speak on the record about it. He knew this was coming.

Secondly, Father Hawkins quotes me selectively. I indeed told him that the Penna. State Police informed me they had no record of an investigation of Fr. Clay. But I also told him the state police said that the investigative agency may have been the local DA, or some other law enforcement agency. Fr. Hawkins perfectly well knows that this is not conclusive, because I told him so. I resent his attempt to make me look like a dishonest muckraker.

Fr. Hawkins makes no attempt to address his own failure to report Fr. Clay's presence in parish ministry to the Diocese of Fort Worth, as required. And Father Hawkins does not address the report in today's paper, citing a document revealing that the Vatican (the CDF, to be precise) is conducting a canonical investigation of Fr. Clay.

I hope Father Clay is innocent. It does not look good. Father Hawkins had advance warning (from me, last Saturday) that this was likely to become a media issue. I am not at liberty to reveal what he told me in that conversation, because I promised him that I was talking to him as a friend, not as a journalist. But I will say that he had information that would have helped his and Father Clay's case, and I urged him to share that with any reporter who called.

I cannot see where truth, justice and charity have been served by Fr. Hawkins' attempt to make it seem like I and my colleague were eager to do a hit job on Father Clay, when Father Hawkins himself declined to offer what evidence he had in Clay's defense when the reporter called him.
Rod Dreher | 06.30.04 - 9:41 pm | #

"...I also spoke with Fr Peter Stravinskas who was Fr Clay's superior at the Oratory in which Fr Clay lived at the time of the alleged incident; he gave no indication of any concern."

By the way, didn't that Oratory in the Pocanos close up shop? What was up with that?
Patrick Rothwell | Homepage | 06.30.04 - 10:15 pm | #