Several months ago Fr. Mark Payne, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, was suspended from his duties as pastor of St. Monica parish in Whitefish Bay and St Eugene's in Fox Point. He was also the Judicial Vicar--chief Canon Law dude--for the Archdiocese.
That suspension followed revelations that the priest had a 'long-term relationship' with another man, including sharing a condo residence with him, vacationing with him, and bar-hopping with him. Many pictures of the pair could easily be found on social media(!!!)
A spokesperson for Archbishop Jerome Listecki of Milwaukee told The Pillar that the archdiocese has “spoken with” judicial vicar Fr. Mark Payne, who hired as a parish schoolteacher last year a layperson with whom he had maintained a public romantic relationship, and with whom he has shared a condo for decades.
While Payne’s move has caused concern among some Wisconsin Catholics, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee told The Pillar it has given the priest verbal warnings about his “lifestyle,” but has indicated that it does not plan to initiate canonical investigations into the priest’s conduct, or to use other canonical mechanisms to address the concerns. ...
Oh, there's more.....
...In October, Payne announced to families at St. Monica’s School that he had hired as a middle school theology teacher a man who “comes to us with a degree in theology, high school teaching experience, and was in formation to join the Jesuit order.” ...
Guess who that was?
(Informed readers would have mild coronaries when "Jesuit formation" was mentioned, but we digress......)
Yah, so how did this end?
The Archdiocese reprimanded Fr. Payne, ended the suspension and moved Fr. Payne to St Anthony on the Lake parish in Pewaukee as an associate pastor.
He was reprimanded for 'poor HR practices'--namely, hiring his lover as a teacher.
At least he's not an ephebophile.
Meantime, his lover quit the job at St Monica's grade school to 'care for his family.'
We are not making that up.
41 comments:
St. Anthony on the Lake has a school. AND they're a "welcoming" parish. So of course, he's assigned there!
In better days, Sunday donations would dry up.
In other words, he’s a typical Francispriest of the “who am I to judge” mentality.
….Judicial Vicar--chief Canon Law dude--for the Archdiocese.…….
What a sad state of affairs.
What do you mean a "Francispriest?" This has been going on under "Saint" John Paul II and Pope Benedict. Also, Weakland/Sklba, Dolan and Listecki have tolerated this behavior.
I watch Heart Of The Nation as a disabled housebound individual, and Father Payne's warm smile, thoughtful homilies and caring demeanor touched me. None of the other priests on this channel, or the Bishop, have his aura of friendliness, calm, and reassurance. I noticed that he had 'vanished' and was surprised when I googled and learned what was going on. However, I do not see any favoritism in the teaching assignment if the person was qualified, which he apparently was. I cannot speak to the breaking of the celibacy vows or possible rationalization behind that, but that is Father Payne's burden and his confession to make and his life to amend. I say 'Live and let live,' and maybe Father Payne could find peace by leaving the priesthood. But I don't see his 'lifestyle' affecting me in any way, except to make me ponder on the frailties of all men.
Amen
You are very wise. God bless you.
I've been praying for Father Mark and he has been vindicated! I'm so thankful God has placed him with another parish to shine his light...
I am from Massachusetts, and Fr. Mark along with Fr. Chuck were always my favorite priests to watch on the Heart of the Nation masses. I miss Fr. Mark and his warm smile and friendly demeanor. I am glad he is back serving the people he so obviously loves. I wish he were back on tv. Why the church doesn’t allow priests to marry or have relationships is beyond me. Churches in our diocese are closing left & right because of the shortage of priests. If women were allowed to be ordained or men were allowed to marry, this wouldn’t be happening. Welcome back Fr. Mark. I, for one, support you and wish you well.
Does anyone care about what the Bible tells us? The Book of Leviticus says, "For a man to lay with a man is an abomination. God detests such behavior."
As a young person trying to decide to stay with the church, I find it disheartening to see the lack of inclusivity in some parts of the Catholic Church, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. Religion, at its core, should be about love, compassion, and understanding. However, the exclusionary attitudes I’ve observed often feel unwelcoming and at odds with these principles. This makes it difficult for me to see myself as part of a faith that seems to prioritize judgment over acceptance. I hope for a future where the Church embraces all people with open arms, reflecting the true spirit of Christ's teachings.
I am grateful Father Mark has been vindicated. He has greatly ministered to our family. His vindication has broken forth like the noonday sun, nations behold his vindication, like today's reading from Isaiah 62 says. I praise God the internet
Pharisees with their online defamation and slanderous crusade have failed. When a man is called by God, those gifts and callings are irrevocable and no one can disqualify those whom God has qualified.
I remembered when he took a leave of absence, very sad what went on, but I prayed for him, and on twitter I encouraged all catholics to pray for him also, it was such a joy for me to see him back, I know he will not see this, but just in case, I love you fr. mark, I've learned so much about our faith through you, Blessed be GOD, and Blessed be HIS HOLY NAME
I understand the church forgiveness for Father Mark as we all make mistakes. That being said I don't think he should be the face of Heart of the Nation if he is living with and partnering with a man.
I concur.
So do I.
I was totally surprised to see Fr Payne back on Heart of Nation. The church does not condone such activities but does not disconnect one from such feelings.i too do not think he should be the face of Heart of the Nation. I have noticed a big difference in the congregation. It will be interesting to see future programs. Maybe the church needs to start a new separate ministry.
With the present Pope what else would you expect from the Catholic Church. His liberal teachings makes this possible. He downs walls but lives behind one of the biggest. Like the US the Catholic Church needs to be overhauled.
Who said he had a sexual relationship with another man? Just because he's sharing a condo with a male friend of his, does that necessarily mean the relationship is a sexual one? I think that your comment is pretty darned judgemental!
Wholeheartedly agree 👍
Don’t eat anymore shellfish
Yes, let's get rid of the CINO's (Catholics in Name Only) who go to mass but outside of mass they show hatred, rascism, sexism and hypocrisy.
You're absolutely correct. Let's start with getting rid of you first.
If that's what you believe, you should become a Protestant, leave the Catholic Church, and join any one of the 40,000 Protestant houses of worship.
If that's what you believe, you should become a Protestant, leave the Catholic Church, and join any one of the 40,000 Protestant houses of worship.
If you think he didn't have a sexual relationship with the other man, you are either naïve, stupid or both.
A great number of Protestant sects were founded in response to the corruption within the Roman Catholic Church. Christ loves us all, Christ admonished the Samaritan woman but did not condemn her..wherever two or three are gathered in my name there am I
Wow! Even in a church setting there is hate and judgement. Both Pope Francis and in the 70’s Pope John XXIII, il papà buono, faced criticism because of their courage to make much needed changes in the church. We live by what Jesus taught us. Not to judge but to love and understand. To have compassion. There is so much hate and intolerance in our country now. Hatred is every where. People are quick with comments a slurs. God bless this community and priests and parishes everywhere so we can become instruments of peace
Amen
Pope John XXIII in the 60’s. Sorry for the typo
The church needs to catch up with the times. Fr Mark got me through Covid. He has a delightful personality and clearly loves being a priest. The judgements people make are inexcusable. Welcome back Fr Mark. I’m sorry you aren’t at a parish closer to where I live.
I too agree with the comment threlationshipsat he should no longer be the face of the Heart of the Nation
While Pope Francis has just proclaimed his willingness to allow homosexual relationships without sex among the premises in Italy I don't believe that they should be poster boys for recruiting
I know we should be Christian and forgive his indiscretions. I was a member of Blessed Sacrament church when he served there. While he appears to be heaven sent on the surface in reality he was very pompous and clicky with the parish. It wasn’t under he lied to my face that led me to leave the parish. His holier than thou attitude was more than I could take. After his transfer he was found to be “living” with his partner was more than I could bare. If he can be reassigned how can the Catholic Church have any issues with the LBGTQ community?
Funny how sins of the flesh are seen as worse than homicide battery and all sins of violence upon another. I'm glad so many have never committed a romantic error n kept their jobs n marriages. The other guys sin always seems worse than ours? Hum
It's not unusual for 2 priests to share a rectory? Is that romantic? Many priests have shared a rectory w a lay woman/full time housekeeper/ cook. Romantic?
I know priests who travel w other priests n who go fishing, attend conferences w The their housekeeper. Romance? No!
Not everyone is a sex addict! Jesus loved John. Women followed Jesus. Romance. No!
It is not good for man to be alone.
That's scripture.
Wanting the Church to be more welcoming doesn’t mean I should leave—it means I care. The Church has evolved over time, often because people spoke up against injustice. Ostracizing others isn’t a sign of faith, and questioning doesn’t make me any less Catholic.
Amen
Well said.
It appears that the MAGAts are trying to turn back the clock regarding Catholic doctrine and traditions rather than moving forward. These modern day Pharisees would have Jesus killed today for being woke.
Why politics here?
I dont understand how mark pope is a priest and saying mass. This has never been allowed. What is going on?
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