A showdown may be coming between Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix and Monsignor Dale Fushek, the embattled former pastor of St. Timothys Catholic Community in Mesa, who faces trial for misdemeanor sex charges stemming from his years of leading Life Teen, the international Catholic youth movement.
The diocese continues to caution Catholics to stay clear of Fushek and his start-up worship services at Mesa Convention Center — whats called the Praise and Worship
Center. Many seem to be ignoring the bishops instruction, letting charisma of a skilled clergyman trump obedience.
They are non-denominational services that Fushek presumably feels a calling to lead with former Catholic priest Mark Dippre. Plenty of news coverage followed the first service during Thanksgiving that reportedly had about 550 people on hand. Largely featuring music and a sermon, there was no holy communion served, and Fushek did not present himself in the personage of a priest. The pair of pastors led a second service on Dec. 23 the Sunday before Christmas and there are estimates that 700 attended it. The emphasize is not even Mass-light and are services that can complement faith experience people have elsewhere, including Mass.
Fushek, 55, former vicar general of the diocese and No. 2 in the chancery, is on paid administrative leave from the diocese pending disposition of his seven charges. The Arizona Supreme Court recently heard arguments for and against letting Fushek have a jury trial. He objects to having a judge hear the case and rule on it. He wants the matter determined by his peers. Fushek believes a conviction would saddle him with the criminal identification of a sex offender in Arizona, forcing him to register as one and putting restraints on any future ministry that dealt with young people.
The bishops spokesman, Jim Dwyer, has reiterated the diocesans request to Catholics. In an Arizona Republic Friday, he said, Were actually encouraging Catholics to refrain from attending. We would hope that they dont. I think most leaders in the church would say your devotion should be to Christ, not an individual leader.
But Praise and Worship Center spokesman Brad Kulurus, identified as a Catholic, noted that people attending their new services well knew Fushek while he was at St. Timothys before his resigning in late 2004 when allegations of sexual misbehavior were raised. Peopleare looking for preaching that brings new life to ancient ideas, Kulurus stated in explaining the lure to Fushek.
Dwyer said the bishop eventually will determine whether he will begin church proceedings to discipline Fushek, a step that would involve the Vatican. Fushek had told the Tribune in November that he planned to resign as a priest. Later news stories said he indicated he had done so after that Thanksgiving service. But it seemingly it isnt that easy. The diocese indicated it never got a resignation letter.
Catholics attracted to the Praise and Worship services seemingly are getting something they are missing from Masses. They have said Fushek cannot be faulted for wanting to use his gifts in preaching and faith development, even during the waiting period of criminal case.
How ever his case comes out, look for Fushek to adjust to whatever the outcome. If he should be exonerated of the sexual exploitation of a minor and indecent exposure charges, it would seem he has burned his Catholic bridges for lack of self-restraint and an itch to continue his 30-year calling. If convicted, it appears he still has a flock of followers willing to stick with him through hell or high water.
In any event, Fushek has taken his talents to the faith marketplace and found customers.
Perhaps, the diocese needs to do a little market research to find out what motivates its wayward seekers in quest of something they arent getting in their parishes.
This will seperate the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the chaff. The Catholic Church will be stronger when the Fushek-ites leave. I enjoyed his preaching for many years and am grateful for having known Dale but he can’t just thumb his nose at the authority that he put himself under. Many are blaming Bishop Olmstead for Dale’s problems but I’m blaming Bishop O’Brien for being so wishy-washy.
Another example of the long tyrannical arm of this bishop; trying to even control which non-denominational services Catholics attend during the week, The real fear is that this shows popular priests a WAY OUT of the hierarchical grasp.
Dale is giving people JESUS, and we hunger for his way of delivery! We are not stupid people that follow man, we want to follow Christ.