From Life Site News:
Note from Editor: When asked if Fr. Thomas Euteneuer had permission to release a statement, the diocese of Palm Beach informed LifeSiteNews that the diocese was aware that Fr. Euteneuer may release publicly a statement regarding the circumstances of his departure from ministry. Bishop Gerald Barbarito believes it best given the present circumstances that Fr. Tom Euteneuer should himself disclose the details of his case. The bishop said he is very happy to hear that Fr. Euteneuer is expressing contrition in this statement.
The following is the complete text of Fr. Euteneuer’s statement. To see the original statement in pdf format click here.
Statement of Fr. Thomas Euteneuer: setting the record straight
January 31, 2011
It is with great sadness, but also with a certain measure of relief, that I can now respond to the many inquiries about my departure as president of Human Life International (HLI) at the end of August 2010. It has been painful for me to remain silent in light of the ongoing speculation, particularly when much of it assigned blame to those who were, in fact, blameless. I am thankful to be able to set the record straight so that speculation can stop and blame can be placed right where it belongs - with me.
Read the entire statement on LifeSiteNews.com.
Even a valiant soul "faints within him" occasionally and the demon can weigh very heavily on us at those times, preying on our concupiscence. As someone who requires confession regularly, I know Father is just like me: human. Fortunately Christ's passion and death has infinite merit in the eyes of the Father and covers our sins in their quality and quantity.
Posted by: Brad | Tuesday, February 01, 2011 at 11:25 AM
I hope now that the utterly vicious calumny against Father will stop. The proper response to this is to pray for all concerned and place it in God's hands.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of that happening in the blogosphere is slim to none.
Posted by: Mark | Tuesday, February 01, 2011 at 05:32 PM
While it is always disappointing to witness the failings of an admired leader, it is heartening to see the humility and meekness of spirit in which Fr. Euteneuer confesses and atones for his sins. A striking comparison would be the actions and words of Rev. Cutie.
Posted by: Lauri Friesen | Wednesday, February 02, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Lauri, how heartening indeed to see a leader display ACTUAL contrite humility in the face of a personal failing instead of the usual "I apologize IF YOU WERE OFFENDED" platitudes we usually see from public figures. God Bless Fr. Tom and I pray for his return to ministry. I am sure the Devil is glad for his absence.
Posted by: Scott | Wednesday, February 02, 2011 at 02:46 PM
As someone who has a very active apostolate and travels about 100K miles/year, I can tell you there are good reason why I request to stay in the rectory with the priest and not in hotels when I'm traveling. When you are ministering to people in distress, who share their vulnerability and open themselves deeply to you, these intimate (in the purest sense of the word) pastoral encounters can be quite emotional and intense. That is why I never speak to someone in this situation in isolation.
Case in point: I gave a talk last week that opened some wounds for a teenage girl. She wanted to talk afterwards and I made sure that we had privacy ... in the corner of a room filled with people who could see us the entire time.
Posted by: Deacon Harold | Wednesday, February 02, 2011 at 04:25 PM
Another high-profile and well-loved priest, Father Cutie, was in a similar position not that long ago, and continued the facade of being a committed Roman Catholic priest until caught unawares by the camera while frolicking on the beach with a woman. Once found out, he turncoated immediately against the Church, chose the woman, and is now an Episcopalian minister. All because he chose himself above his vocation to the Church and to Christ, and what did he get for it? Lauds and applause from the secular sector (many Catholics included), and now a show on Fox TV where he has an open forum to bash the Church he once swore allegiance to telling viewers how the Church has to change. Comes now Father Euteneuer under similar circumstances, except this priest has the guts and strength to 1) get away from the sinful situation; 2) publicly admit his guilt and sin, and seek penance; and 3) staunchly refuse to give up his priesthood and the Church. And what does he get for it? Outrageous speculation with no basis of fact, lies, innuendos, and damnation from those who should be down on their knees praying for all our priests and nuns. Had he gone the way of Cutie, I have no doubt that he, too, would have won the world's praise instead of condemnation, and maybe even a co-host position with Sean Hannity!
As Our Lady said today in Medugorje: "Dear children, you are gathering around me, you are seeking your way, you are seeking, you are seeking the truth but are forgetting what is the most important, you are forgetting to pray properly. Your lips pronounce countless words, but your spirit does not feel anything. Wandering in darkness, you even imagine God himself according to yourselves, and not such as he really is in his love. Dear children, proper prayer comes from the depth of your heart, from your suffering, from your joy, from your seeking the forgiveness of sins. This is the way to come to know the right God, and by that also yourselves, because you are created according to him. Prayer will bring you to the fulfillment of my desire, of my mission here with you, to the unity of God’s family. Thank you." She then asked that we pray for priests. Coincidence? I think not.
Posted by: Theresa | Wednesday, February 02, 2011 at 06:42 PM
What I find completely ridiculous is that these bloggers act as though priest are not sinners, when in fact any personm God forbid, is capable of falling into mortal sin, even the pope.
I believe that Fr. E. is truly repentant,but that is besides the point. It is not up to bloggers to announce to the world a private, scandalous situation that had been privately and appropriately handled by the bishop. But it seems as though some people thrive on scandal and need to know and spread all the juicy speculated details. All these bloggers accomplished was to ruin a man with hearsay, gossip and detraction, they no doubt have caused much pain to all the involved, including family members and friends.
Posted by: Gabriel | Wednesday, February 02, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Theresa,
We must pray for Fr. Euteneuer and the victims.
As for Fr. Cutie, I'm glad he "chose the woman." It was, and is, the Christian and Catholic thing to do. (Please see Benedict XVI on this.) If Augustine had stayed with his concubine and brought her into the Church, we would all be better off. And his writings on the importance of love would have a different meaning. Perhaps a more Christian meaning.
I hope and pray that Fr. Cutie and his lovely wife Ruhoma make a happy, Christian, pro-life home filled with many, many good children.
Any ideas?
Posted by: Dan Deeny | Thursday, February 03, 2011 at 08:13 AM
STOP applauding Fr Cutie....he made a way possible to choose his own ego and desires. FR Cutie hid behind the rules and lesser restrictions of the Episcopal Church to get his own way. I believe he once really believed in the Sacraments of the priesthood and the Eucharist. He decisions have been clouded by all the FAME he received in the media. He was playing with fire. What does it say that most of the culture applauds him??? I am tired of these men.......please men be real men of Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!for we souls need Good Shepherds
Posted by: lmn | Friday, February 04, 2011 at 09:09 PM
Sorry,Dan, but Rev Cutie chose himself. I, too, pray that he and his wife will find joy in marriage and children, but their past behaviour (of treating sex as recreation, treating sacred vows as conditional contractual terms, and taking what they want with no regard for others)does not inspire confidence. For all of us, without God as the centre and end of our lives, much of what we do brings only harm.
Your musings on St. Augustine are just more of the same emphasis on "me" and "what I want", rather than on God and who He wills us to be.
Posted by: Lauri Friesen | Saturday, February 05, 2011 at 06:53 AM
Lauri Friesen,
Thank you for your response. And how do you know Fr. Cutie chose himself? Does he say that somewhere? I haven't read everything he's said so I don't know. And how do you know that he and Mrs. Cutie have treated sex as recreation? And do you know that they have been "taking what they want with no regard for others"?
They now have children who must be nurtured. (Please see Benedict XVI.)
Certainly "without God as the center and end of our lives, much of what we do brings only harm." How do you know that Fr. Cutie, thinking of Jesus, did not decide, with the aid of His grace, to start a family with Mrs. Cutie?
How do you know that my musings on St. Augustine come from "me" and "what I want"?
Do you have a source for your opinions? I'd like to know a bit more.
Posted by: Dan Deeny | Monday, February 07, 2011 at 07:48 AM
I pray that Father Eutenuer soon returns to active ministry. What he did was wrong, and certainly very disappointing to many, but he appears to be genuinely repentant. His was a very inspiring and uncompromising voice in the Church, and one that is still very much needed in today's often too liberal environment (including the Church--and I say that with all due affection, respect, and obedience). He and all involved are certainly in my prayers. May God Bless them and give them His strength.
Posted by: Dawn | Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 07:45 PM