Priest Allowed to Return to Parish

Catholic Sentinel
January 14, 2012

http://www.catholicsentinel.org/Main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=35&ArticleID=17132

Fr. Joseph Hoang

TILLAMOOK — Father Joseph Hoang returned to Sacred Heart Parish here this week after civil and church investigations.

Archbishop John Vlazny placed Father Hoang on administrative leave in 2007 after a member of the priest's family brought allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Father Hoang vigorously denied the report.

The Multnomah County District Attorney reviewed allegations and declined to proceed. A lengthy civil lawsuit included another in-depth probe.

After the civil suit was settled, a church investigation began and could not conclude that Father Hoang had committed any crime under canon law.

Archbishop Vlazny consulted with the Archdiocese of Portland's Ministry Review Board and accepted the board's recommendation that Father Hoang be reinstated to active ministry.

Despite heavy media coverage of the case, no one brought other allegations against the priest.

Father Hoang asked to be reassigned to Tillamook. In a Dec. 30 letter to parishioners, Archbishop Vlazny wrote that he would appreciate continued support for the returning priest.

Father Joseph Sebasty, who had been serving at Sacred Heart in past years, has been reassigned to St. Edward Parish in North Plains.