Bishop Finn Appoints New Vicar for Clergy, by Laura McCallister, KCTV, June 23, 2011

Bishop Finn Appoints New Vicar for Clergy

By Laura McCallister
KCTV
June 23, 2011

http://www.kctv5.com/story/14959816/bishop-finn-appoints-new-vicar-for-clergy

KANSAS CITY (KCTV) -

The Kansas City Catholic Diocese has appointed a new man to help with recent allegations against priests.

Bishop Robert Finn has appointed Father Joseph Powers, pastor of Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, as the new Vicar for Clergy.

Powers will help Finn handle misconduct allegations against both Father Michael Tierney and Father Shawn Ratigan. Powers will also serve on the Diocesan Independent Review Board. He will continue as pastor of Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Finn says Powers' appointment will strengthen the church's administrative oversight of the criminal investigations.

"Diocesan Vicar General Msgr. Robert Murphy will continue to have responsibility for general diocesan administration, directly supervising Chancery employees and serving on a number of diocesan boards and committees," Finn said.

SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, called the change a demotion for Murphy and issued the following statement:

"Cover ups of clergy sex crimes run deep in this diocese, so changing job titles for one or two clerics isn't going to change much."

Msgr. Murphy also will continue to serve as pastor of St. Bridget Parish, in Pleasant Hill, MO.

"With Father Powers assuming the duties of Vicar for Clergy, we strengthen our administrative oversight of the diocese and draw upon Father Powers' pastoral experience in urban, rural and suburban parishes throughout the diocese," said Finn.