Diocese: Fugee Had No Permission to Work With Youth Ministry

The Bishop of Trenton has officially accepted the resignation of Fr. Thomas Triggs, after an investigative story revealed a convicted sex-offender had been working with the St. Mary's Youth Ministry in Colts Neck.

The Star Ledger reported on Sunday that Triggs announced his resignation during  Saturday evening mass, following public outcry regarding Rev. Michael Fugee who had been working in the church youth ministry despite a court order to refrain from working with minors.

A statement from the Diocese of Trenton said "it was first made aware of the presence of Father Michael Fugee at a youth retreat held in St. Mary Parish through an inquiry from the media on April 23, 2013."

"Bishop O’Connell immediately contacted Father Triggs and indicated that Father Fugee may not exercise ministry there, including any ministry involving youth. Bishop O’Connell then contacted officials in the Archdiocese of Newark to inform them of developments concerning Father Fugee."

In an email to parishioners, Fr. Triggs said Fugee had never worked unsupervised with children and was not an official member of the staff.

Fugee resigned from a position with the church last week, and could face additional criminal charges in relation to violating his plea agreement, according to The Star Ledger.

Fr. Triggs resigned on Saturday, along with two Youth Ministers Michael and Amy Lenehan. The Star Ledger reported it was not clear whether the three left voluntarily or were asked to leave.

Fr. Triggs has been granted a sabbatical by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., and will be given a new assignment in the future.