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LANDER, Wyo. — Two months after beginning as chaplain for Wyoming Catholic College, Father Stuart MacDonald has been dismissed, following allegations of improper behavior — drinking and using inappropriate language — with students surfaced.
Father MacDonald, a priest of the Diocese of St. Catharines in Ontario, Canada, was fired from his position on Nov. 19.
“His dismissal is subsequent to an internal investigation by the college, which revealed Rev. MacDonald’s improper conduct and language with the college’s students and a pattern of behavior unacceptable as a Catholic college chaplain,” said the college’s press statement about the dismissal.
Father Robert Cook, president of the college, said he first met Father MacDonald in the spring.
“I interviewed him in March,” said Father Cook. “We flew him here. He was here for three or four days. He said he had his bishop’s permission to interview.”
According to Father Cook, he was first alerted to Father MacDonald’s alleged misbehavior by a graduate of the college on Nov. 10.
“I insisted that he go to the Lander police,” explained Father Cook.
Father Cook explained the nature of the allegations as “excessive drinking with students, foul language and bad jokes” — behavior Father Cook described as “incredible acts of poor judgment and imprudence.”
Subsequently, Father Cook made inquiries of students who knew Father MacDonald. When others confirmed what Father Cook described as a “pattern of behavior,” Father Cook met with Father MacDonald.
“Our students are very committed to living their faith,” said Father Cook. “Father MacDonald’s behavior was unacceptable by a priest who is to give the very best moral example conceivable.”
Father MacDonald ceased his chaplaincy work at the college as of Nov. 19. Efforts to reach him through his diocese were unsuccessful.
Student Reaction
Recent graduate Caitlin Milligan happened to be visiting on campus when the announcement was made to students.
“The announcement was made at dinner on Nov. 19,” said Milligan, a high-school theology teacher in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. “The initial reaction by students was one of indignation and the colloquial response, ‘They [the administration] had better know what they are doing.’”
Clarification was made, and further details were offered for students, the following day by a faculty member during lunch.
“Students were told of inappropriate behavior that he had admitted to,” said Milligan. “After the clarification was made, the noon bells rang, and a student led the Angelus. The student response was one of prayer.”
“The students are organizing an all-night vigil,” said Milligan. “They’re praying for strength and praying for a new chaplain.”
“He was a very, very good chaplain,” said Erin Milligan, a sophomore, and one of Caitlin’s two younger sisters at the college. “He was my spiritual advisor and helped all of us in our spiritual struggles.”
“Some of my friends said that his jokes seemed inappropriate for a priest to be telling,” admitted Erin. “I didn’t care for his sense of humor.”
Caitlin described the attitude on campus now as one of “resigned anticipation.”
“I agree that the school made the right decision. This was a wake-up call,” said Erin. “As we’re searching for a new president, it’s a reminder that we have to be extremely careful in looking at people who are coming to the school.”
No Criminal Conduct
Some news stories, quoting from an anonymous email received by Lander news outlets, alleged sexual misconduct on the part of Father MacDonald.
“That is clearly untrue,” said Father Cook.
Christina George, editor of the Lander Journal, said that the Lander Police Department had investigated allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol use.
“There was an investigation. It has been closed. No charges will be filed,” said Det. Randy Lutterman, the Lander officer in charge of the investigation.
While not certain, Father Cook believes that Father MacDonald returned to Canada on Nov. 20. In the press statement, the college stated that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had been notified that Father MacDonald’s employment visa should be terminated.
Father MacDonald was ordained a priest in the Diocese of St. Catharines on May 17, 1997. A former priest at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Niagara Falls, Father MacDonald holds a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He had the permission of Bishop Gerard Bergie to take up the position of chaplain at Wyoming Catholic College. He had maintained the Musings of a Canonist blog since March 2012.
Father MacDonald could not be reached for comment.
According to Father Cook, Father MacDonald did not have experience in campus ministry, but he was familiar with celebrating the extraordinary form of the Mass, an important requirement for the chaplain position at the college, as the school celebrates that form. In preparation for assuming his position at Wyoming Catholic, the college sent Father MacDonald to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter at St. John Cantius in Chicago last June to learn the celebration of the high Mass. He began as chaplain on Aug. 18.
“We’re incredibly shocked,” said Matthew Brasmer, spokesman for the college. “He was incredibly well-liked by students.”
“We immediately informed parents of what was going on,” said Father Cook. “I’ve received well over 35 messages from parents thanking us for acting so quickly and clearly. They felt our actions were appropriate and said they didn’t want their children attending a college having such a chaplain.”
Tim Drake is the Register’s senior writer.
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With all due respect to those who find it more in tune with their spirituality, the “Extraordinary Form” is just that—extraordinary. I really question whether a Catholic college is doing its duty when it forms collegians entrusted to its care in the “old” Mass, rather than forming a generation in the “ordinary” rite of the Novus Ordo Missae, which has been retranslated and which most reflects what the Second Vatican Council embodied in terms of liturgy. This sounds “extraordinarily” cultish ....
“I insisted that he go to the Lander police,” explained Father Cook.
And that ladies and gentlemen is how you do it. If you suspect sexual misconduct by clergy, CALL THE COPS.
We should all pray for him and the students at the college - after all, from the article it sounds like Father wasn’t the only one drinking excessively. Lord have mercy on them all and guide them. Additionally, isn’t St. John Cantius run by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius and not the FSSP?
Pray for Fr MacDonald’s conversion, and pray for Wyoming Catholic that they remain forever vigilant. We need these true Catholic colleges to remain faithful and strong, and not be led astray as so many of our older institutions have been.
althogh is saddens me to read this story. I’m glad to see the standards are so high. Unfortunatly, I’ve had to deal with priests getting caught in sting operations with multiple men in parks, etc, in our pairsh so I’ve lived through some horrible things and that priest is still floating around the diocese. i beleive in repentance as I need it more than anyone, but there is a line, that once crossed, one should likely not be a priest any longer. That, to me is one of them. Anyway, I hope this priest can clean up. Likely trying to be ‘friends’ instead of leading the kids. I have 6 boys under 12 and I have learned, I have to lead by what I do and say and they will copy. Respect the Lord, respect my wife…happy Advent all!
My one question is: Why is this behavior so acceptable in the online world with catholic lay bloggers? It seems like it is the cool thing to do to swear in posts and make jokes about alcohol. The bloggers that do these things are just “keeping it real”. Why are we lay people held to such a lower standard than the clergy?
I do applaud WCC for making the decision to terminate him. That type of behavior is a slippery slope.
Really John? Thats what you grasped out of this that the “Extraordinary Form” is something to suspect here at the college? Thats so narrow minded and typical of a generation that fears tradition. The Pope has allowed the Extraordinary Form therefore bashing it as if its wrong is inappropriate. Just because you don’t find great joy and reverence in Extraordinary Form doesn’t make it wrong. I don’t find great joy and no reverence in the Ordinary Form, but I don’t begrudge anyone going to it. You should really focus on the matter at hand, which was the priests behavior and less on your dissatisfaction with the “Extraordinary Form”.
It’s nice not only that there’s this kind of oversight, but also this kind of media coverage. Twenty years ago, I was at a Newman Center that got saddled with priests who had one foot out the door on their way to being ex-priests. And, short of leaving yourself, there was nothing you could do about it. I’m glad there’s accountability these days.
Excellent judgement on the part of administration. Better to nip such things in the bud before they blossom into a flower of scandal. When someone is placed in such a position they are responsible for souls and need to conduct themselves at all times in a way that is beneficial and inspires the students to greater commitment to follow God’s ways and not the world’s. At this time more than ever we can not waver on our values or morals. We must be the light that shines and shows that black is black and white is white and shades of grey are treacherous waters to avoid.
I have looked carefully at the Vatican Council II document pertaining to the liturgy, and I find thatthere was no mention of a requirement to supplant Latin with any vernacular. Also the so-called “ordinary” form of the Mass was not begun until considerable time following Vatican II.
There are indeed “bar ministries” officially engaged in by various Catholic Bishops and priests which need to be eliminated. “Theology on Tap” is one. Perhaps Fr. MacDonald was associated with one of these or a similar unofficial one. The argument has been made that these “evangelical alcohol parties” have a history and that there are a lot of drinkers who like them, therefore they are good.
In the Denver diocese, Catholics, including Archbishop Aquila (and previously, Bishop Conley), have promoted alcohol to young people on the pretense of meeting the Church hierarchy and discussing religion over a drink. But, intentionally drawing anyone to bars to consume alcohol is far from being a holy venture. Alcohol is directly implicated in: addiction; memory loss; birth defects; child abuse; crimes and violence; accidents; impaired cognitive abilities and decision-making; sexual exploitation and rape; heart and liver diseases; cancer; and, risky sexual behaviors leading to AIDS, abortion and contraception use. Catholics who support drinking would do well to remember what happens to health, families, and the Church at the hands of clergy and parishioners under the influence and whether leading them to alcohol is the best for them. I do not believe that putting the souls, safety and chastity of anyone at risk is something that Christ or His Holy Mother would do. Holy Mary, Mother of God, take our prayers to Your holy Son and help us.
College life, if it is called catholic must be seen to be Catholic. There can be a culture of easy going camaraderie but when that culture is fuelled by alcohol, danger invades to destroy everything. Here in Sydney, Australia, a Catholic University College - St John’s, at the University of Sydney, over 100 years old, has just gone through a tumultuous time of reform. Alcohol use by the students almost led to the death of a first year student earlier this year in orientation week celebrations. Since then the culture of the College had been put on trial and it took the courageous actions of Cardinal George Pell to bring about change. And you know who were the worst ‘offenders’ in wanting to preserve the old culture - it was a small group of parents and graduates from years past.
Authentic Catholicism must be the ethos at any Catholic Educational institution and as young adults are particularly attune to peak experiences, give them the peak experience of Catholic ritual - the Extraordinary Form of Mass.
There are indeed “bar ministries” officially engaged in by various Catholic Bishops and priests which need to be eliminated. “Theology on Tap” is one. Perhaps Fr. MacDonald was associated with one of these or a similar unofficial one. The argument has been made that these “evangelical alcohol parties” have a history and that there are a lot of drinkers who like them, therefore they are good.
In the Denver diocese, Catholics, including Archbishop Aquila (and previously, Bishop Conley), have promoted alcohol to young people on the pretense of meeting the Church hierarchy and discussing religion over a drink. But, intentionally drawing anyone to bars to consume alcohol is far from being a holy venture. Alcohol is directly implicated in: addiction; memory loss; birth defects; child abuse; crimes and violence; accidents; impaired cognitive abilities and decision-making; sexual exploitation and rape; heart and liver diseases; cancer; and, risky sexual behaviors leading to AIDS, abortion and contraception use. Catholics who support drinking would do well to remember what happens to health, families, and the Church at the hands of clergy and parishioners under the influence and whether leading them to alcohol is the best for them. I do not believe that putting the souls, safety and chastity of anyone at risk is something that Christ or His Holy Mother would do. Holy Mary, Mother of God, take our prayers to Your holy Son and help us.
John,
Both forms of the Mass are available to the students and Catholic community.
Father David Erickson, pastor at Holy Rosary in Lander, is an exceptionally fine priest and is always available to the students and community.
WCC is a wonderful college with an outstanding faculty.
I commend the administration for standing up to the code of conduct that is expected of both faculty and students.
Hopefully Father MacDonald will have learned a good lesson about what is acceptable conduct for a priest.
Victor, could you enlighten us what is the code of conduct at this College for alcohol use between faculty and students, does it encourage drinks between them. With the College so small are faculty and students encouraged to socialize.
Michelle said: My one question is: Why is this behavior so acceptable in the online world with catholic lay bloggers? It seems like it is the cool thing to do to swear in posts and make jokes about alcohol.
I’m not sure which Catholic lay bloggers you speak of and what context. The article does not mention what exactly MacDonald said, but the strong implication of it being so serious it warranted a criminal investigation is that it was of a propositional/solicitation nature. This is light years away from a Catholic blogger who occasionally uses the “S” word.
The same goes for drinking. You don’t launch a criminal investigation for a priest having a drink at a social dinner. You DO launch a criminal investigation when there is evidence that someone is plying a student with alcohol to make them more susceptible to sexual advances. Let’s not turn this episode into a swipe at bloggers or a re-launching of the Protestant “Temperance” movement.
I’m sorry…was he dismissed for drinking and telling an occasional off color joke? That’s it? Really?
i think father stuart is a great priest, his jokes are lame but he’s still one of my favourite priests he was great at st thomas more, i say he should get his job back
It is a sad day when a priest acts in an inappropriate manner. How is he to gain respect for himself and what he teaches when he acts in this manner.
I live in this dioceses and am a graduate from the Toronto School of Theology, University of St. Micheal’s was my home college.I have removed myself from anything that goes on in this dioceses.
I was refused to be admitted to priestly ministry on account of having a i-regularity due to a former ordination to the priesthood in the old Roman catholic Church.This church possesses valid orders. All was need to remove this i-regularity was to have a benevolent bishop to present my case to Rome.A prominent cannon lawyer had informed me this would and could be resolved.But we have no benevolent bishops in the church.
Isn’t it ironic I am the outcast the bad boy and the ranks of clergy has theirs. pe be to them let us pray for holy priests.
Good gosh. A few swear words and alcohol? I don’t see any other allegations. Seems your clientelle need a visit to the historic Virgian Hotel in Medicine Bow, after you read the novel The Virginian, a classic, with a few swear words here and there. Clearly these kids are suffering from a lack of masculinity. I think the Padre would make an excellent Military Chaplain…where the highest numbers of vocations are coming from. Let’s recommend that the prior military guys stay away from this place….in Wyoming of all places.
Although I agree with some of the comments, I continue to be confused about the extraordinary form of the mass. It is not the norm. What I have found is that those who are so dedicated to the extraordinary form of the mass do not adhere to the requirement that the give assent to the teachings of Vatican II. I find that ecumenism, interfaith relations, religious liberty and many other doctrines of Vatican II are dismissed. I have not been a fan of “Theology on Tap” because of the alcohol association, but I do believe in the concept. We tried “cookies and Catholicism” which went over pretty well. I am retired, but was in campus ministry on the local, statewide and national level for 25 years.
Ditto what Fred said (hey, that rhymes…)
John, relax. I don’t think the particular “form” of the Mass is the issue here. Amazing…
Unfortunately the priest confused who he was. He was their spiritual leader not a drinking buddy. I don’t see anything wrong with a social event that serves drinks. It lets both students, teachers and priests meet in a different context and maybe foster better relationships. Alcohol can be a problem but we aren’t puritans and moderate use is fine. Students usually aren’t of age to consume alcohol yet, so this was probably underage drinking. That is a problem. The priest clearly has some maturing to do I hope he grows from this and is given a second chance. I hope the students will get better mentoring.
To Victor and Fred:
I subsequently checked the WCC website in addition to the news story, and was happy to learn that both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Mass as well as the Byzantine Liturgy are regularly offered at WCC. I had the mistaken impression that only the Extraordinary Form was implemented or dominant, and that I believe would be a mistake. I stand corrected.
For something to be truly attractive it must be a city on a hill. Your students have been blessed with the best lesson in standing for what you hold to be true. It will ripple through their lives more good effect than any class they took or will take. You have exemplified courage in a time of great fear.
For vocations to increase sufficiently to meet the need, the office must be worthy of those called or the called will never truly be what they are called to be.
Pruning too little does nothing but sap the vine. Look at the vineyards after they have been pruned. Then check them in the fall when they are heavy laden. Extreme difference. Extreme fruitage.
There is no loss in the departure of one who was not authentic. You never had what you thought, hoped or said that you had. You had something else. That something else has a different right place.
To ask a music science grad to assist a physics professor because of their common use of the designation, science, provides a simple parallel.
Too often, people/organizations have clutched tightly in desperation what does not and cannot meet the need of those who serve or those served.
Well decided, Wyoming Catholic. You are restoring the tenets of being Catholic so there can be no discussion when the reason for you not participating in certain acts or not agreeing with certain views is because it is against conscience. Many present problems are due to the fact that nominals have redefined Catholicism.
A Spectator
Fred….I agree 100% with you.
I have no idea what John is thinking. The article is not about the liturgy.
By the way, I wish we in Las Vegas had available the extraordinary form of the Mass. Maybe some day!!!!
No, Rev. Roger Boucher, the standards are set where they should be in a faithfully Catholic College. You seemed to have changed the wording: Yours…“a few swear words…?” The articles…“excessive drinking with students, FOUL LANGUAGE AND BAD JOKES” — behavior Father Cook described as “incredible acts of poor judgment and imprudence.” This faithfully Catholic College isn’t only masculine, Sir, for femails attend as well.
Great article! Sorry Fr. MacDonald’s behavior was imprudent. We’ll all pray for him. We’ll pray for his replacement as well. God bless Fr. Cook, the faculty and the students!
Here, here, A Spectator!!! Great article! Faithfully Catholic decision!
I donate $100 a month to Wyoming Catholic College and will continue to do so. I am incredibly edified by their response. I only wish I had more to give now that I know I can trust their judgement.
Good gosh. A few swear words and alcohol?
No, not merely alcohol. In all likelihood drunkeness, which while not a crime (except perhaps the misdemeanor “drunk in public” which isn’t enforced very much), it IS a sin.
To Robert Demartino, I just left Vegas and part of my leaving Vegas was for that very reason. They had one EF Mass a month in the northeast corner of Vegas in an area that most people didn’t care to go to. It seemed like the dioceses was checking a box on their list, but really didn’t want, nor care, about the EF at all. Many of my email exchanges I had with them basically made me feel think that that they wanted this type of thing to go away. I apologies to all for going off subject here, thanks for the indulgence.
“...thanks for the indulgence.” Well, Fred, the good news is that even since Vatican II, indulgences are still a part of Catholic teaching and practice, just as the EF is a part of the liturgical landscape of the Church, thanks to our Holy Father.
I find it fascinating how sensitive some are on the subject, in either direction but even more fascinating is how much of the interest and desire for the EF is coming from the youngest of the faithful Catholics. I think it is their spiritual instinct in operation and their desire to truly worship our Lord that drives them toward a form that is by nature very difficult to abuse or celebrate irreverently.
(Either can be celebrated extremely reverently, but the one has taken on a “default setting” which we shall charitably call banality, which by force of habit has created the aspect of identity so that it is hard for anyone to imagine great reverence in the OF, although it is absolutely possible.)
In any case, I agree with the posters who have commended the College for nipping the problem in the bud (or the budweiser), so to speak, and I believe that this priest is young, has acted imprudently, but with our prayerful support will have learned a lesson from this and will act much differently in future and will likely be a very good priest.
The problem was that the impression was given that Fr MacDonald was fired for something far worse than the actual reason i.e. drinking and telling off-colour jokes. Such was the tone of the first media reports which were misleading and extremely damaging. How many people think that there is never smoke without fire, especially when it comes to a Catholic priest?
Could the college not have discussed this matter with Fr MacDonald first and requested that he stop, instead of immediately firing him? Further, there is no indication that Fr MacDonald ever got drunk but, rather, had a lot to drink - which is not the same thing. Anyone who has met this Ontarian priest, as I have, knows that he is at least 6’3” with a certain amount of…erm…girth and therefore capable of drinking quite a lot without becoming inebriated.
I just want to add that I first met Fr MacDonald 6 years ago when I visited him at St Thomas More, Niagara Falls to ask his help in getting my lapsed Great Aunt back to the Church before she died. There was nothing that he could have done that he left undone in doing this. She returned to the Church of her youth and started to receive the Sacraments again. I think that one of the things that my Great Aunt loved about Fr MacDonald was his youthful sense of humour. I have no doubt that it helped draw her back to the Sacraments.
In her final illness Fr MacDonald visited her regularly and gave her the Apostolic Pardon (how many priests even know what that means?) She then said “Father, am I ready to go?” and Fr MacDonald said, “Yes, you can go now, Sadie [my Great Aunt’s name]”. She closed her eyes and fell asleep in the Lord. So, I for one am very grateful to God for Fr Stuart MacDonald who led my beloved relative back to Christ’s Church and gave her every assistance in dying a good death.
My apologies LJ for my EF rant, its just that I am a protestant convert and I cling to the EF Mass, because when I converted thats what drew me to the Church. The OF Mass reminded me of being a protestant, it was a protestant service with the Eucharist and in most of the parishes where I attended the OF Mass those parishes felt like I was still at a protestant service. Fortunately I did stumble on a few parishes that reverently celebrated the OF of the Mass, so I attend both and no longer feel like I’m still back in a protestant service. I suspect that many young people who are hungering for the truth feel the same way, if most of the parishes are giving a luke warm OF Mass then whats to draw them to be reverent, whereas the EF Mass compels you to reverence. I’m happy for the young people that are running toward reverence where they can find it, typically EF Mass, and away from the stain on the Church caused by my hippy generation. May the younger generation wash away the stain caused by my generation and bring glory back to the Church. Just my opinion of course, and I’m sure I’ll be lambasted for this :)
Let’s get at the truth. There is a trend now to find priests guilty without trial so that it looks as if the Church is on the job. Also, that the Latin Mass has become a victim where priests are being made to fear saying or offering this Mass. Recently here in the Buffalo, NY area a priest was let go after accusations were made and now the accuser has recanted but we hear nothing from the Diocese as to the finality of the case. The priest’s good name has not been restored publicly. One can understand the fear based on the priest abuse scandal but we cannot paint everyone with the same brush and we cannot use priests, especially those who offer the Latin Tridentine Mass as sacrificial lambs. Study your faith. The greatest of saints were products of the Latin Tridentine Mass. A Pope has okayed this Mass and
what do we hear. Echoes of Vatican II. Study your faith. Councils do not supersede the Papacy. The Latin Mass has not been abrogated. Pray hard for Father that he may overcome this and not lose his priesthood. Priests should not fraternize as suggested in these comments. They must protect their priesthood. Thank God everyday for it. It is a treasure. Thank you for listening. P.S. Remember priests have faults and do go to confession.
Just the kind of exposure of conduct unbecoming a Christian - any Christian… but especially one in ministry and a priest - that is necessary to begin re-forming a foundation for Christian behavior and life in our country. How desperately we need it.
Thank you NCR for this article.
PS I am 65 and our 9th child is now a sophomore in college.
Why would you call the cops for drinking and saying bad words?
I mean really!
I still remember Father Al, a chaplain in Virginia eons ago, he smoked cigars, was from New Jersey and sat in the pizza parlor evangelizing the young marines in the area. He was funny, down to earth and a wonderful priest. I often wondered if he could deal with the rigors of each scrutinized ‘scandal’ nowadays? I never heard of any improper conduct he was just very down to earth. Some people can’t deal with a priest acting like a human being they want them all to have halos over their heads.
I still remember an Irish priest who taught me this prayer which I will always remember, “Lord, save us from dumbass people. Amen’
Mr Brower
Thank you for sharing your personal story of knowing Fr MacDonald. I believe everyone should read your testimony of Fr MacDonald and stop and reflect on how beautiful the priesthood is. Fr MacDonald is a priest and he should be respected for that alone. I don’t know him but I will pray for him and pray that at the hour of my death I will have the consolation that your Great Aunt Sadie had. May God bless Fr MacDonald and may Mary continue to intercede for him. Again, thank you for sharing such a touching story.
To mgirardo: Thank you for your views regarding this priest and the Tridentine Mass. You are so right!!!! I’m sick and tired of hearing that Vatican II abolished this form of worship, especially when i hear it from priests!!!!!!! And yes, priests are human also and sin like the rest of us. It is a shame that the Church and we Catholics dont stick up for them. We condemn and transfer out. Let’s all pray for our priests! The best way to get any thing accomplished is thru prayer! Thank you
Both the Extraordinary Form and Ordinary Form of the Mass are HOLY.
On the Vatican web site please see: “PONTIFICAL COMMISSION ECCLESIA DEI INSTRUCTION on the APPLICATION OF THE APOSTOLIC LETTER SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM
OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI GIVEN MOTU PROPRIO
QUOTE: ” 6. The Roman Missal promulgated by Pope Paul VI and the last edition prepared under Pope John XXIII, are two forms of the Roman Liturgy, defined respectively as ordinaria and extraordinaria: they are two usages of the one Roman Rite, one alongside the other.
Both are the expression of the same lex orandi of the Church.
On account of its venerable and ancient use, the forma extraordinaria is to be maintained with appropriate honor. ” UNQUOTE.
________________________
Regarding the dismissal of the Priest, using foul language and drinking with students promotes and encourages bad behavior amongst impressionable students which is un-Christ like.
Bad language and drinking is not necessary or appropriate from any teacher when dealing with students.
We must uplift our students, not encourage them to get down in the mud.
I agree with Nancy. That was a beautiful sharing regarding Fr. MacDonald.
But, because he has admittedly done some great works, doesn’t mean he couldn’t have done something imprudent while serving at Wyoming Catholic College. I disagree with mgirardo and R. Demartino. He was not fired for offering the Tridentine Mass. He was more likely hired for being familiar enough with it to offer it at Wyoming Catholic College. This is a great college! This is not Notre Dame, Georgetown, Boston College, etc., that are no longer Catholic colleges/universities but are still claiming to be. Let’s pray for Fr. MacDonald (for God is always the answer) to grow in Wisdom and grace.
I write as one who has known Father Stuart MacDonald for many yearsB since his ordination as a priest in the diocese of St. Catharines in Canada. As to what may or may not have happened at Wyoming Catholic I know only what has been published by the local newspaper in Wyoming and in the various contributions to this conversation. To begin, I must confess that Father has been a close family friend for a long time but add that the respect and admiration on which our friendship is based has at its heart his words and deeds as a priest.
What I want to say about Father first is that he is no ordinary priest. There are a host of stories I might tell to show this. Two years ago a student from Ghana attending the graduate program where I taught became seriously ill and was hospitalized. For various reasons we had trouble getting spiritual help for this young Catholic. When I told Father about our problemB I had hesitated because his parish was in a neighbouring townB he was at our student=s bedside with his prayers within twenty minutes. A week or two later when our student recovered his consciousness B briefly as it turned outB Father went at once to hear our student=s confession. A week later he celebrated the young man=s funeral mass. I would add that Father celebrated that mass with a kind of authority I have rarely seen B even non-Catholics present at that mass were impressed with the sense that Father meant every word he spoke that morning and at least suspected that this must be because those words were true. I would add that the authority with which Father preached was clearly acknowledged by members of his parish and by many others who travelled some distance from other parishes to attend his masses. Locally Father was also sought out for his help by those whose loved ones seemed to be receiving improper care in area hospitals. What they found in Father was at once sympathy and thoughtful but precise adherence to Catholic moral theology. I should add that the appreciation for Father=s mind and faithfulness was not merely local. Father also spent some time in Rome working with the Sacred Congregation for the Faith at the request of its then Prefect, Cardinal Ratzinger.
What happened at Wyoming Catholic? On the basis of what has been said by the police and local media and the president of the College, I have to say that I have no idea. Father Cook has used many superlatives to describe the enormity of Father=s failings but has given few if any specifics. He is accused of drinking too much, of drinking with students, and of telling bad jokes. I can say that I have seen Father drink but never very much. If the jokes complained of are those I have heard I will grant that they are pretty bad but I suspect that the atmosphere in Wyoming must be a little rarefied if they caused that much offence. In any case I am reminded of something Father Faber once wrote: to cause scandal may or may not be seriously sinful; to take scandal is always sinful. I have said that the statements coming out of the community of Wyoming Catholic do not furnish a basis for the reader to know whether Father has or has not done anything reprehensible. What is clear is that few of those comments show any concern whatever for Father=s reputation.
Of course I am sorry for the great damage that has been done to a man who is my friend and, I believe, a fine priest. But I am also saddened for what this says about a Catholic college for which I had great hope. Where is justice and where charity at Wyoming Catholic?
Did the President also reveal that the students tried to rally in his defense with a statement of the truth and that was quashed by the President or that they have now been unable to secure 3 chaplain and are now looking for a 4th ... the problems looks more like an administration issue and a covering your rear end than it does the way it is being portrayed ... Interesting how the police investigation found nothing and that the bad language was in fact instruction on the nature of sin
This last statement is entirely untrue, posted by Irish Catholic. Chaplains for Wyoming Catholic College are often order priests, and usually only serve the college for one school year before moving on due to the needs of their orders. There has been past issues with a chaplain from the east coast (who was de-frocked by the way.)
There was no rally of defense by the students. I live in Lander and have a degree from Wyoming Catholic College. I know all of the students by name and visit with them often. You sir, do not know what you speak of.
I am quite tired of seeing misinformation being spread around about this case. If anyone would like to know, Father Macdonald has been stripped of his faculties pending residential treatment. His reputation deserves to be preserved to the greatest extent possible and so it would be good to pray for the man and leave it alone.
The police investigation found nothing illegal, but there are certainly things that happen that aren’t illegal but are morally wrong.
Please pray for the students at the college and for Father Macdonald. He seems like a fine man and he could use some prayers now, I’m sure.
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