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	Priest Seeks Help for Legal Bills Boston Globe May 25, 2007 http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2007/05/25/priest_seeks_help_for_legal_bills/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News Darien, Conn. — A former Darien parish priest accused of spending $1.4 million of church money on luxuries for himself and a male friend is looking for help to pay some legal bills. The Rev. Michael Jude Fay, former pastor of St. John Roman Catholic Church, has written a letter to family members and friends asking them to contribute toward his $115,000 legal bill. Last July, the Bridgeport Diocese released the report of an investigation into Fay and church finances. The report detailed how Fay allegedly used church money for limousine rides, stays at top hotels around the world, jewelry, clothing from Italy and the purchase of a condominium in Florida with the other man. About half the money he spent was kept in a secret bank account, according to the report. Bridgeport Bishop William Lori, who ordered the investigation by Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, said at the time that he was shocked and angered by the findings. The report also was sent to federal authorities. Fay's letter, dated April 30, apparently went to some St. John parishioners. "As you can only imagine, this past year has been complicated and extremely painful," Fay wrote. "As proceedings come to a conclusion, I am left with a very difficult legal bill (of) $115,000. I am reaching out to my friends and family for help." Fay wrote that contributions may be sent to the Hartford law firm, Robinson & Cole, which is representing him. Fay has been under investigation by the federal authorities, but no charges have been filed against him. In December, Fay transferred his half of a luxury Fort Lauderdale condominium, which he owned with his wedding-planner friend, Cliff Fantini, to the parish to pay back some of the missing money. The condo is said to be worth about $500,000. Bill Rowe, a deacon at St. John, said the letter is a terrible reminder of what Fay did to the parish. "You think he would ask for forgiveness and then ask for some money," Rowe said. "But to come out and say help me out, he's depending on us. I'm pretty sure he's got plenty of money stashed away somewhere." Fay resigned as pastor last May.
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