Most readers are likely aware of the situation affecting St. Patrick's Church in Onalaska, with the recent arrest of the Rev. Patrick Umberger, pastor. I have been a member of St. Patrick's for 32 years. I have worked as a psychotherapist in the La Crosse area for more than 25 years and have treated both sexual offenders and victims of sexual abuse.Tribune
Viewing child pornography is a very serious offense. Umberger's alleged behavior has affected a congregation. Trust is lost. From discussion with other parishioners, the question which often comes up is, "Who knew about this?" It is difficult to believe that others who worked closely with him over the years didn't have some suspicion that his behavior was inappropriate. What did the Diocese of La Crosse do after it received a letter from Lake Delton police? Why was Umberger allowed to continue as pastor at St. Pat's with no restrictions? Why weren't we as parishioners informed? Why weren't our children protected?
The Catholic Church needs to address this issue appropriately because covering it up is not the answer, either for the church or for the priesthood. Moving a priest from one parish to another is not the answer. This needs to stop. The church needs to hold men who violate accountable.
Once a priest acts sexually inappropriately with children involved, even if it happens only once, that person has crossed the line and has relinquished his right to be a spiritual advisor. I hope the Diocese of La Crosse takes charge, recognizes the seriousness of this problem, defrocks Umberger, excommunicates him and begins a process of reform. Such behavior among those who act as our spiritual leaders is indefensible. Covering it up is indefensible.
Yes, we will pray for Umberger that he receives the help he needs. I also pray that the legal system will be unbiased and not treat him more favorably because of his former position as pastor (priest). Hopefully the criminal justice system will impose sanctions on his behavior, which the Catholic Church has not done - sanctions intended to protect children and others from inappropriate sexual behavior.
This view might seem harsh, but, yes, it is my church, too. I expect my spiritual leader to be a true representation of what was intended for those called to the priesthood. He gives good priests a bad name.
There's alot of emotion out there right now. Mrs. Roellich and many like her need someone to blame. Some want to go after Umberger with torches and pitchforks. Some are afraid to say anything bad about a man of the cloth. Both Justice AND Mercy are needed here Mrs. Roellich. Fr Umberger's sins are very dirty and very bad and it is absolutely correct to be appalled by them(blessed are the sorrowful means blessed are those who rightly sorrow over sin). But to condemn a man to hell will not help him reform and reach heaven. We do not even excommunicate the worst murderers in our society(abortionists and political abortionists - at least publicly anyway although they are by the act itself). Even the dirtiest sins and dirtiest sinners can be made clean. We must pray for Fr. Umberger and ESPECIALLY pray for those children exploited in that pornography. Human trafficing is a horrific reality of the pornography industry. Let us use this opportunity to remember these helpless children whom rich pornographers kidnap and exploit to obtain something as useless as money.
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