Local Catholic priest suspended for alleged misconduct

Saturday, September 22, 2007

by Karen Martin

Fr. Raul Covarrubias

Long time Mountain Home priest Father Raul Covarrubias has been temporarily suspended from duties following an allegation of misconduct, according to a statement released this week by Bishop Michael P. Driscoll of the Boise Diocese.

Driscoll, who is recovering from a recent back surgery, sent diocesan Chancellor Sister Arlene Ellis to deliver the message to parishioners in Mountain Home during masses last Saturday and Sunday.

He assured that the allegation would be fully investigated, in compliance with established guidelines, and said, "I ask you to keep in your prayers Father Raul, the person who made the claim, and all victims of abuse and violence, that they may find healing and peace."

The diocesan spokesman and local authorities were unaware of any criminal investigation that might be launched as a result of the allegation.

Parish council President Ed O'Rielly said, "I think I am speaking for the parish when I say that we all hurt. We hurt for Father Raul, we hurt for the Church in Idaho and we hurt for ourselves and for the person or persons who felt the need to make an allegation. In the mean time, we all need to gather together and pray for healing."

O'Rielly commended Bishop Driscoll for being 'proactive" in his handling of the matter, saying, "I'm confident that our Bishop is doing the right thing and I look forward to the day when Father Raul will be back with us."

The diocese said that arrangements were being made for other personnel to fill in during Father Covarrubias' absence.

Covarrubias was ordained a priest on June 2, 1983 and was appointed to the Mountain Home area on June 24, 1992.

As a reminder, the diocese encouraged anyone who "has been abused by clergy, diocesan employees or volunteers, past or present" to notify Bob Fontaine, coordinator of the office for Child, Youth and Adult Protection, or Vicar General Father Joe daSilva at the Diocesan Pastoral center at 342-1311.

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Not intending to jump to conclusions, but is this at all related to the child molestation story?

-- Posted by rjs on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 6:47 PM
there has been no mention of child molestation only misconduct. Whn any accusation of misconduct is brought to the diocese the priest is placed on administration leave until it is resolved.

-- Posted by iamscots on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 11:24 PM
I just understood what you were asking. No Father Raul is not connected to the child molestation story. It is unfortunate that the story was directly under his photo and in poor taste if I say so. The front page lay out could be seen that way and by a quick browse it could cast a bad light on a good man. He has been a good pastor and should be given the benefit of being innocent until proven otherwise.

-- Posted by iamscots on Fri, Sep 28, 2007, at 6:30 PM

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