Diocese of Greensburg launches investigation after arrest of parish cemetery worker – WPXI

After the arrest, diocese officials discovered Harrity’s criminal past, which dates back to the early 2000s and includes guilty pleas to disclosure and open indecency.

A file on Harrity created by a Safe Environment Coordinator at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish contained an FBI fingerprint check that “clearly disqualified” him for employment, the diocese said. That file was submitted electronically when he was transferred to Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery in 2023, but was never flagged. A review reportedly found that that file was missing several required clearance documents.

The diocese also says that Father John Moineau “previously confirmed the validity of all clearances in his parishes” and claimed to have personally verified them.

The diocese wants Westmoreland County detectives to investigate the case because they suspect a possible conspiracy to cover up Harrity’s criminal past. Harrity failed to report an employee who could endanger others and falsely certified his security clearances.

Father John Moineau has resigned from his position as parish priest and is on sick leave. The resignation is effective immediately and the sick leave begins on June 17.

The diocese said three other parish employees had been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Bishop Kulick’s full statement reads:

“First, I want to say that my prayers are with the victim and those affected by the alleged heinous acts. I am outraged that he was allowed to be employed in our parishes. And I am deeply disappointed that our tireless efforts to raise the bar on safe environment training, required permits, and transparency have been blatantly disregarded. It is for this very reason that we are appointing a Safe Environment Coordinator in every parish, school, and administrative office in the Diocese of Greensburg.

These were serious and unacceptable administrative errors that call into question the higher standards we have worked so hard to achieve.

As a parish priest, Father Moineau has a responsibility that he has acknowledged and which he deeply regrets.

I realize that Father Moineau has been a fixture in his parishes for many, many years. He has performed many weddings, baptized many children, and has been a spiritual advisor and friend. He is loved by all, especially during his illness. As a fellow brother, I love him too. But this serious situation cannot be ignored, even if the consequences are difficult for all of us.

Father John Moineau has resigned from his position as pastor for the benefit of the parishes, the diocese and the Church and will simultaneously take medical leave to focus on his health. The resignation is effective immediately. The medical leave begins on June 17.

Three municipal employees will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

I am sure many will criticize me for this decision. I may spend the rest of my life as the Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg who asked one of our most beloved and popular priests to resign. But I have a responsibility to the people of this diocese. I will not hide our mistakes. And I will eliminate any potential risks to the safety of children.

I ask you not to consider this decision as just a punishment for Father John and the parish staff, but to remember the potential danger that this former staff member posed. The former staff member had a criminal record. A criminal record that should have automatically disqualified him from working with children.

And now he is facing charges in Westmoreland County District Court for eight felonies, including sexual abuse of a child.

One day, like all of us, I will be judged before our Creator for the actions I take on this earth. I have no doubt that this is the right decision.

Now I plan to take additional security precautions to ensure a safe environment.

First, all priests and administrators have been ordered to personally review the records of all employees and volunteers in their parishes within one week. This is normally done once a year, but I am ordering an additional full review within the next seven days. Any discrepancies must be reported immediately to the Diocesan Human Resources Department.

Second, our Human Resources Department will conduct its own separate clearance review in all 78 parishes and 12 Catholic schools this summer.

Third, I will implement mandatory safe environment training for all clergy and staff. Pastors and safe environment coordinators will receive a personal message from me: after these trainings, I assure them, they will be held accountable for any administrative errors they make.

Finally, I realize that state law requires permits to be updated every five years. I will not wait that long. From now on, any employee or volunteer who changes positions between offices, parishes or schools will have to renew their permits and training, even if the documents are current.

I ask you to pray for everyone involved. And I will keep you in my prayers. I promise to continue to be transparent about the situation and to be present when the parishioners change. In fact, on June 1, I will announce that a respected, experienced and well-liked priest will assume pastoral duties for these two parishes.

In closing, I want to say this: There are so many wonderful things happening in our parishes and schools and our diocesan offices. I will not allow this one incident to define us. But I will do everything I can to make sure it never happens again.”

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