MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Catholic Insider

In the wake of the situation with Msgr. Arthur Coyle having been arrested for paying a prostitute, a number of BCI readers–including priests–are asking again about the episcopal leadership in Boston, and also about how Boston cares for their clergy. This falls under the responsibility of Cabinet Secretary Fr. Kevin M. Sepe, Episcopal Vicar and Secretary for Parish Life and Leadership, and ultimately, to Cardinal Sean O’Malley.

One might want to assume the situation with Msgr. Coyle is a “one-off.” Still, with the position of Director of Pastoral Care of Priests vacant for two years and the diocesan website for the Office of Senior Priests currently listing as its director a priest who died in 2011, there is reason to question the archdiocesan commitment to care of clergy in need–whether that be a spiritual or psychological problem, or being elderly or ill. Here are several…