St. Mary's Responds to Parishioners

Rev. Michael Fugee has been working with church youth groups unofficially at the St. Mary's Parish in Colts Neck for years, even after admitting in 2001 to touching a 14-year-old boy inappropriately. 

According to The Star Ledger, Fugee confessed in 2001 to groping a 14-year-old boy while working at the Church of St. Elizabeth in Wyckoff. 

As a result, Fugee was put on 5 years probation and underwent therapy. Fugee also signed a binding agreement to stop any work with children, in any capacity.

However, The Ledger reports Fugee has been seen on youth retreats in Marlboro where he allegedly heard young children and teen's confessions in private.

Read more of the story on Patch.

A parishioner at St. Mary's sent Patch this email, sent to church members, from Fr. Tom Triggs on April 29:

Dear Parishioner,

You may have heard of the article in the Star Ledger concerning the involvement of a priest in our youth ministry.

This priest is not a member of our staff and has had limited exposure to our youth ministry, always under supervision. 

I have been a priest for 37 years and 18 of those years were in youth ministry; the safety of our children is of utmost importance and I would never jeopardize their safety. 

Please know that this priest will never be involved in any ministry at St. Mary's.   Further, the Diocese of Trenton has informed us that Father Michael Fugee may not exercise any ministry, especially any ministry with youth.

We are reviewing all diocesan policies and procedures concerning child safety to be certain they are fully implemented and will take any corrective measures deemed necessary. 

As Pastor I am held accountable, please be assured this will not happen again.

  Fr. Tom