Philly Archdiocese Returns Priest to Ministry, The Mercury, October 15, 2012

Philly Archdiocese Returns Priest to Ministry

The Mercury
October 15, 2012

http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20121015/NEWS03/121019593/philly-archdiocese-returns-priest-to-ministry

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Monday that Father Joseph DiGregorio, who was accused of violating the Standards of Ministerial Behavior more than 40 years ago, is suitable for ministry.

The report against DiGregorio, 72, was investigated by the Multi-Disciplinary Team as well as the Archdiocesan Review Board after the 2011 Grand Jury report by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office.

“A rigorous investigative process involving more than 20 experts in child abuse did find that Father DiGregorio violated The Standards of Ministerial Behaviors and Boundaries more than 40 years ago but that there is compelling evidence that makes him suitable for ministry,” read a press release from the archdiocese.

“The MDT reports stated that that there have been no complaints about Father DiGregorio in more than forty years, there is no evidence that he poses a danger to children, and there is no indication he had or would engage in a pattern of behavior that would necessitate his removal from ministry,” the press release read.

Father DiGregoriowas ordained in 1966 and served at the following parishes and schools: Our Lady of Loreto, Philadelphia (1966-1970); King of Peace, Philadelphia (1970); Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote (1970-1971); Saint Anthony of Padua, Ambler (1970-1971); Saint Thomas Aquinas, Philadelphia (1971-1976); Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, Philadelphia (1976-1977); Annunciation, B.V.M., Philadelphia (1977-1982); Saint Paul, Philadelphia, (1982-1987); Saint Maria Goretti High School, Philadelphia (1983-1988); Epiphany of Our Lord, Philadelphia (1987-1988); Military Chaplain, United States Army (1988-2005); Saint Martin of Tours, Philadelphia (2005-2010); Stella Maris, Philadelphia (2010-2011); placed on administrative leave (2011).

Nine more priests are still under review after the findings in the Grand Jury Report of 2011.