The most recent issue (January 21m 2021) of the Catholic Standard shows that Fr. Briese, who was the pastor at St. Mary's (Charlotte Hall, MD) is on a leave of absence.
After some further digging, it seems that he went on a leave of absence in early October.
Why was it now only reported in the Catholic Standard? It seems strange to me that they would wait this long, to publish this change in personnel.
A letter from Fr. Keith Woods, issued on the parish website on Oct. 16th, indicates that he has been appointed administrator and that they during this time, they are searching for an "appropriate and permanent priest." You can view the letter below.
So, the letter is very odd in the fact:
1. There is no mention of Fr. Briese. Nothing that he left. Nothing about why he left. No word of thanks. Nothing. Total silence.
2. There is quite a bit about how Fr. Woods is from southern Maryland, and so he is familiar with the area.
3. That they are searching for an "appropriate and permanent priest."
I do know, from a reliable source, is that he was running himself ragged attempting to help both parishioners and non-parishioners with food and other items during the summer, especially due to the job losses because the Wuhan Virus.
Considering that he was the only priest for that parish, could it be that he suffered a nervous breakdown? I do not know. Hopefully, they did not send him to St. Luke's.
If he was looking to do something else, such as work in the overseas missions, well, that would have been announced, as with Fr. Dan Leary.
Could it be that he in some way "displeased" +Gregory? It is a possibility but it is speculation.
So, if you know what has happened to Fr. Briese, please let me know at awashingtondccatholic@gmail.com.
If you are in contact with him, let him know that I will keep him in my prayers.
No comments:
Post a Comment