Credibly Accused

(Photo: Archdiocese of Baltimore)

Well, well, well. Look who’s gotten sequestered off to Parts Unknown because of multiple, credible allegations of sexual abuse. It’s good old LOG rules and regs Coordinator, Fr. Joe O’Meara. If only he’d been allowed to marry… /sarc

Here’s the letter sent by his parish, St. William of York & St. Agnes, where he was living in retirement but saying Masses. Relevant text with boilerplate Archdiocesan disclaimer omitted:

The Archdiocese has asked that I inform you that Father Joseph O’Meara, a retired priest in residence at St. Agnes/St. William of York Parish, has recently been separately accused by three adult women of touching them inappropriately. The Archdiocese has removed Father O’Meara from active ministry and he will no longer reside at St. Agnes/St. William of York.

[…]

Sincerely,

Fr. Isaac Makovo

I’ve also uploaded a screenshot of it should it be removed from the site:

I wish I could say I’m sorry to hear about this, but I’m not. I wish a lot more about Fr. Joe’s corruption with LOG, such as declaring the community was a church for tax-exempt purposes (pages 9 and 10 of this document), would come out, but it probably won’t. He’ll likely just while away the hours in “prayer and penance,” meaning no real punishment will be handed out. His three female victims are left with their pain, shame, and absolute lack of any restitution unless they sue. I have reason to believe the improprieties occurred when Fr. Joe was still holding leadership in LOG, so the other former community leaders will be reaching out to them to apologize and provide support…I crack myself up.