Thursday , Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick was removed as pastor at Corpus Christi parish and St. Rose of Lima parish and school , according to a statement from Archbishop Bernard Hebda the Archdioceses has received :
a credible allegation that the Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, pastor at Corpus Christi parish and St. Rose of Lima parish and school in Roseville, sexually abused a minor in the 1980s.
CBS Minnesota reported that:
In the 1980s he served as an Associate Pastor at Holy Spirit in St. Paul and as pastor at St. John the Evangelist in Little Canada.
The Archdiocese says it has notified law enforcement about the allegation.
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There are many questions here including:
What did they know?
When did they know it?
Why did they act now?
What affect the bankruptcy of the Archdioceses will have on the potential claim?
Update: It was reported this week that (3/18/16):
Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick will be reinstated to public ministry in the archdiocese after the completion of two investigations by law enforcement and the archdiocese.
It is important that the message keep getting out and that those who give voice to disclosure continue to be supported and representatives of the Church truly practice a policy of zero tolerance. Secrecy and nondisclosure is what this festering scab does not need.Abuse of children and the continued silence by the offenders needs to be prevented. If you suffered, saw, or suspected such events, it is important to know that there is help out there.
