Father Charles Jacobs was placed on administrative leave. The announcement was made during a mass in January.
The Very Reverend John Melnick said the Archdiocese of Hartford received information regarding possible financial improprieties by Father Charles Jacob.
It came as a shock to parishioners. Father Charles Jacobs is alleged to have taken money for unauthorized and personal uses.
In a statement, the archdiocese said they cannot comment on the specifics of the investigation, going on to say:
“Archbishop Coyne is committed to full transparency in any matters of this type and chose to let the Holy Trinity community know what was happening with Father Jacobs. This was understood to be something that would not be received well by many in that community but nevertheless, the information was made public.”
Joyce Mauro of Rocky Hill has been attending Holy Trinity Church for almost 10 years. She said her commitment to the parish was inspired by Jacobs.
“He’s very generous and he’s very giving,” she said. “He helps everybody. He has the biggest heart and everybody comes to his door constantly.”
Parishioners said Jacobs has a passion to help the homeless and animals. He even allows parishioners to bring pets to mass.
“It’s an outlier but it’s truly a priesthood that people could identify with,” Roland Bishop of Newington said.
Details on the amount of money that was allegedly taken or what it was used for was not specified by the archdiocese. Another priest has been conducted masses here while Jacobs is on leave.
Jacobs is cooperating with the investigation. He refered to his attorney, Raymond Hassett, for comment. Hassett did not immediately respond to a request for comment.