Editor’s note: LifeSiteNews has acquired and is making available with permission an internal memo which was sent as a pastoral communiqué from Bishop Gerald Barbarito to all the priests of the Diocese of Palm Beach.
See also Fr. Tom Euteneuer’s statement, released today on LifeSiteNews.com explaining the reasons for his departure from Human Life International.
The internal memo states:
Due to the publicity being given to the situation of Father Thomas Euteneuer, I now feel it is not only fair but necessary to inform the priests of the Diocese of appropriate information in his regard.
Father Euteneuer has been undergoing intensive evaluation and counseling to address admitted inappropriate crossing of adult heterosexual boundaries on the occasion of carrying out his priestly ministry. Immediate action was taken to deal with this matter and to restrict his ministry as soon as it was brought to the attention of the Diocese. Father Euteneuer has cooperated in the process while at the same time expressing contrition for his conduct and the harm it has caused. No determination has yet been made as to when and under what circumstances he may return to ministry.
While committed to Father Euteneuer’s healing, I truly regret and apologize for the hurt and harm which his actions have caused. Please pray for the healing needed as a result of these actions as well as for Father Euteneuer himself. Please also pray that this matter will not adversely affect the good which Father Euteneuer’s ministry for respect for life, especially on behalf of the unborn, has accomplished.
Let us continue to pray for and support each other.