Office of the Bishop
Diocese of Brooklyn
310 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, New York 11215
August 1 and 2, 2020
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I have asked Bishop Paul Sanchez and Monsignor Joseph Calise to read this letter to you on my behalf at the close of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is with profound regret that I must advise you that this letter contains information that will trouble you as members of the faith community of Saint Pancras. You are undoubtedly aware of the deep suffering and hurt that surround any instance of inappropriate behavior, especially when allegations involve a member of the clergy. It can damage, often irreparably, the innocence, the trust and the reputations of all who are in any way affected by it.
Unfortunately, I write to you about such incidents involving the Pastor of Saint Pancras. As many of you may know, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Father Francis Hughes was arrested by the federal authorities due to allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors. In keeping with our Diocesan Policy and the 2002 Bishops Charter and Norms for the Protection of Children and Youth, he has been removed as Pastor of Saint Pancras, and from all priestly ministry. I have assigned Father Wladyslaw Kubrak as the Temporary Administrator in the interim.
I am aware that this news has been devastating to many. With this in my mind, the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Jasmine Salazar, LMSW, has arranged to make virtual and telephone meetings available for different groups in your parish, to provide you with pastoral care, information and clarification where needed. Often just having a place to speak about such matters are the beginning steps to addressing the strong impact such news can have.
Once again, I encourage each of us in our resolve to protect our children and youth from all forms of abuse. I invite anyone who is the victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy to inform the Diocese of Brooklyn. To facilitate making such a call, when I arrived in the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens in 2003, I established the toll-free number of 888-634-4499. A specially trained and caring layperson, who is not affiliated in any way with the Diocese, will treat you with courtesy and respect. This number will be published in the bulletin and also appears on the posters in the back of the Church.
With an assurance of my continued remembrance of you in prayer, and asking for your prayers for all victims and survivors of abuse, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D. Bishop of Brooklyn