Archdiocese of Newark reassigns former priest accused of sexual misconduct to The Mercy House

The Mercy House is one of the ministries of the Archdiocese of Newark that aims to provide healing, support, and a conducive and faith-filled environment to those in need. (Photo by James on Unsplash)

The Archdiocese of Newark recently reassigned one of its former priests.

Surprisingly, the priest had a record of sexual assault charges before he took a leave of absence in his former church. Now, the archdiocese tasks him to lead The Mercy House, a shelter for abused women and children.

From Priest at Church of St. Andrew to The Mercy House

According to an article from the northjersey.com website, Rev. Jim Weiner, a former Catholic priest of the Church of St. Andrew, was recently reassigned to the Archdiocese of Newark's The Mercy House. This was despite his bad record.

Maria Margiotta, the archdiocese spokesperson, recently confirmed the news via email. She said that the Archdiocese of Newark had placed Father Weiner in the ministry to serve the poor and vulnerable people of the community.

The spokesperson also explained that the investigation on the alleged case of the priest 20 years ago is now closed.

So far, the archdiocese has not yet provided any more details rather than what their spokeswoman confirmed. The report did not say what Father Weiner did after filing a leave of absence at St. Andrew church.

The accused priest does not respond to any questions as well. Even The Mercy House Director Cheryl Riley, and Archdiocese's Director of Clergy Personnel, Rev. Charles Pinyan, have no comments.

Sexual Misconduct

Fr. Desmond Rossi, a local priest, argued against the reassignment of the accused priest.

Father Rossi reportedly filed the sexual allegations against Father Weiner and another priest in 1988 at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University. It was reported that the then-student Rossi was sexually assaulted by the priests, along with two other students at the time.

Father Fr. Rossi shared that he received a letter about the case in April. The church's review board reportedly said that they had not found enough evidence to pin Father Weiner on the charges. Thus, the archdiocese closed the case, as reported.

Father Rossi, now 60, narrated the sexual assault that reportedly happened to him. He said Father Weiner and another seminarian visited him in the St. Benedict Parish rectory.

The three allegedly drank that night, where the abuse started.

It reportedly took him about 10 years to have the courage to narrate and file a case to the Archdiocese of Newark against Weiner.

James Goodness, who was then an archdiocese spokesman, reportedly said that the case was reported to law enforcement. However, there were still no criminal charges released to Weiner.

Moreover, years later, after the agreement between Rossi and the church, he found out that the church review board did not interview his friend.

Still, Rossi pursued the fight against the two priests. He reportedly appealed to Cardinal Joseph Tobin, who was then the leader of the Archdiocese of Newark.

The case was re-opened, and Father Weiner filed a leave at St. Andrew church in 2018.

About The Mercy House

Based on its website, The Mercy House is one of the ministries of the Archdiocese of Newark that aims to provide healing, support, and a conducive and faith-filled environment to those in need.

As reported, the ministry helps women and families with their basic needs.