JEFFERSON CITY (MO)
News Tribune
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January 11th, 2019
The Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City has received an allegation of inappropriate behavior by the Rev. Mark Porterfield, pastor of St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martins and judicial vicar for the diocese.
A statement from the diocese provided to parishioners and staff and shared with the News Tribune on Friday reads: “While the allegation does not involve a minor, it does fall within the protocol of the diocese for clergy conduct and requires further consultation and investigation.”
Diocese officials said Porterfield is on administrative leave while the canonical investigation is underway. He is not allowed to function publicly as a priest while on administrative leave.
The Rev. Chris Aubuchon, who serves as chaplain at Helias Catholic High School and diocesan director of vocations, has been appointed temporary pastoral administrator of St. Martin Catholic Church.
Porterfield’s duties as judicial vicar have been re-assigned to various personnel, with Monsignor Gregory Higley continuing in the position of adjutant judicial vicar.
The judicial vicar serves as the chief church lawyer for the diocese, diocese officials explained. He oversees the Tribunal, which is the church court. Most cases before a modern Tribunal deal with marriages — most of which are marriages in which the parties have received a civil divorce for the civil marriage but also need an annulment regarding the sacramental marriage.
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