Parishioners at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Dalton were shocked and saddened by the news this weekend that three men had accused former Pastor, Fr. John Koonz, of sexual misconduct.
Making the announcement during Saturday and Sunday masses Bishop Thomas Dupre of the Springfield Diocese. In a prepared statement that the Bishop read during mass, he said the allegations involve three different men between 1969 and 1982.
Two of the alleged incidents are supposed to have occurred at the rectory of St. Agnes between 1978 and 1982. Bishop Dupre said the men making these allegations were teenagers at the time when they occurred. Bishop Dupre said the Diocese Misconduct Commission has investigated the allegations and has come to the conclusion that they are "credible".
Meaning that the allegations should be taken seriously and not dismissed out-of-hand. Bishop Dupre added that even if the allegations are credible, it does not mean that guilt or innocence has been proven. In the statement, Bishop Dupre said that Fr. Koonz asserts his innocence and proclaims that these allegations are false.
The allegations have been turned over to law enforcement authorities for investigation. Fr. Koonz left St. Agnes several months ago due to health reasons. Bishop Dupre said his leaving and the allegations are not related. He added that Fr. Koonz has been asked to refrain temporarily from all public ministries in the church until a judgment is made.
Fr. Koonz has accepted this request and promised to abide by it. Bishop Dupre cancelled all his appointments over the weekend, including the televised Celebration of the Mass at the Big E in West Springfield, to personally break the news to St. Agnes Parishioners.
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Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 3 to 6 inches of snow.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter weather advisory for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The bulk of the storm will pass south of the region, into Connecticut, with heavy snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. This could affect parts of Southern Berkshire.
If it trends northward, the Berkshires could see up to 8 inches in the higher elevations.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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