The NY Archdiocese implements Shepherds Program for Catholic priests who have committed inappropriate behavior or abuse.Under the plan, seven priests were told by Edward Cardinal Egan they must report to the Trinity Retreat House in Larchmont, Westchester County, to become part of the newly established Program.
Cardinal Egan sent a letter to the seven priests informing them that they cannot return to ministry, but instead must report to Larchmont facility where they will not be allowed to leave without permission.
The priests were informed that they must sign a contract agreeing to terms in which they could no longer celebrate mass or other sacraments or appear in clerical attire and must remain at the compound for the rest of their lives.
Also, they are never to be around children.
Failure to comply means their salary and benefits will be cut off, but if they offer to resign, they're eligible for money based on their years of service.
So far, five of the priests have decided to leave the priesthood, one has already joined the Shepherds Program and the other is expected to join shortly.
Several other dioceses have similar programs, but they have not gone public about it and prefer to handle abusive priests internally, though victims advocates are worried that those who resign the priesthood rather than enter the Catholic Church's lifelong program could continue their practices of child abuse once they are no longer members of the clergy.
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