He should not have done that.
In the wake of the apprehension of a church cemetery worker on charges of sexual assault involving a minor, a clergyman affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg in Pennsylvania has stepped down, prompting an inquiry into allegations of concealing the employee’s criminal past. Bishop Larry Kulick instigated the resignation of Father John Moineau, and the diocese is collaborating with local law enforcement, as reported by WPXI-TV.
The employee under scrutiny, identified as Shon Harrity, held a position at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Irwin and is confronting eight felony charges, including sexual assault, which are unrelated to his church duties. Despite a criminal history encompassing indecent exposure, public indecency, and drug-related offenses, Harrity served in various capacities within parish roles for over ten years, raising concerns regarding the efficacy of the hiring process.
Expressing dismay over the failure to implement adequate safety protocols, Bishop Kulick voiced his displeasure. The Diocese of Greensburg mandates the appointment of safe environment coordinators in every parish, school, and diocesan office, tasked with overseeing the completion of child abuse prevention training and conducting criminal background checks for employees. However, deficiencies in this system permitted Harrity to evade detection, exposing systemic deficiencies in oversight.
Father Moineau, tasked with verifying the accuracy and completeness of clearance documents within his jurisdiction, faces scrutiny for allegedly overlooking crucial details in Harrity’s background check. While some individuals vouch for Moineau’s character, others emphasize the necessity of accountability in ensuring the welfare of the church community.
In response to the incident, the diocese has announced immediate reforms, including mandatory evaluations of employee records, comprehensive assessments of clearances across all parishes and schools, and compulsory safe environment training for all personnel. These initiatives are aimed at preventing future oversights and upholding the safety and integrity of the church community.