Substitutes Named While Ft. Kent Priest Investigated

WMTW
April 5, 2012

http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/Substitutes-named-while-Ft-Kent-priest-investigated/-/8792012/10175436/-/m15qjyz/-/index.html

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has announced temporary assignments for priests to serve in the place of a Fort Kent priest on leave while allegations against him are investigated.

Rev. James L. Nadeau, 51, of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, went on voluntary leave on Tuesday, said Sue Bernard, communications director for the diocese. She did not say what the allegations were.

Retired members of the clergy in Aroostook County will serve the parish during Holy Week and Easter. Rev. Robert Vaillancourt, 58, will serve as temporary administrator for the parish at the end of next week, Bernard said.

"The diocese is cooperating fully with the Attorney General's office and at their request, I cannot discuss the allegations or anything about the investigation," Bishop Richard Malone said. "I am hopeful that this process will go smoothly in order to lead to an expeditious and just conclusion."

Nadeau, who was ordained in 1988, has served at churches including St. Louis in Fort Kent, St. Andre in Biddeford and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Bernard said. He has served St. John Vianney Parish for seven years.

The parish includes four churches in Aroostook County.