PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Michael Matza
Inquirer Staff Writer
Moments before the start of Sunday’s 8 a.m. Mass at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Chesterbrook, the Rev. Joseph Dieckhaus, clerical dean for archdiocesan parishes across northern Chester County, took to the pulpit with an important message.
“My reason for being here,” he said, “is to tell you personally: Father Harris has been found suitable for ministry.”
Scattered applause broke the silence in the modern brick-and-glass chapel as the 100 or so parishioners leaned forward for more information.
“What does that mean?” said Dieckhaus, acknowledging the unspoken question. “It means Father’s good name has been fully restored.”
The Rev. Steven Harris, 57, who led St. Isaac Jogues from 2009 to 2011, was among the 26 priests the archdiocese placed on administrative leave last year following a Philadelphia grand jury investigation into clergy sex abuse and misconduct involving children.
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