community service

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Dec 05, 2007

Father Michael Jude Fay, the Connecticut priest who pinched $1.3 million from his wealthy parish, is going to jail.

When Fay reported that he is suffering from cancer, Federal Judge Janet Bond Arterton was properly sympathetic. But she was apparently not impressed by his argument that he should avoid jail time because he "spent 28 years performing good works." Oh, and he "has repaid nearly $280,000."

Let's see. Suppose I tell you that I need $1.3 million, and I promise to give back $280,000. Do we have a deal? If so, please give me a call ASAP.

As for the "28 years performing good works," that might have been the wrong argument to raise in court. The evidence of good works is not altogether compelling-- especially when weighed against the devastation he inflicted on the parish, the diocese, and the faith. Fay was hoping to be assigned to community service, but his is a style of "service" that a community cannot afford.