I hate Robert Kelley for what he has done not only to Heather and Diane but to so many other young girls. I despise the Worcester Diocese for their lack of compassion, sensitivity, loyalty, honesty, concern and their total indifference to victims.
This altar was purchased by my mother-in-law Alexina Dionne for Saint Cecelia’s church in Leominster approximately twenty-two years ago for $30,000. The picture was taken by Robert Kelly and presented to my mother-in-law by then Pastor George Denome. My family and I refer to it as the altar of abandonment. A symbol of the Worcester Diocese’ love, dedication and commitment to itself at the expense of others. Their propensity to move silently into the future with little to no regard for the damaged children and families they leave behind.
My wife Barbara and I met with Bishop Harrington three times in the evenings at his Worcester home when Heather was in the eighth grade. Heather met with him there on two of those occasions. Bishop Harrington told us that he believed Heather’s story stating that her story was similar to others he had heard. Bishop Harrington also said that the church was responsible for her and that they would therefore provide psychological counseling. That agreement was sealed with a handshake. A short time later when we retained legal counsel to protect Heather’s interests, the Worcester Diocese reneged on their agreement and notified us that they would not pay for any more counseling sessions.
When Heather’s civil case originally came up, in her teenage years, she was unable to proceed because of her vulnerable state. In Heather’s most recent action Attorney James Gavin Reardon, a lawyer for the diocese, stated that Mackey voluntarily dropped and case. Contrary to Mr. Reardon’s remarks, Heather withdrew her suit with prejudice on the advice of her attorney. She was devastated that she would never have her opportunity to present her case against the Worcester Diocese and hold them accountable for their actions.
The reasons for the withdrawal of the case are twofold:
        1. A statute of limitations that protects the church at the expense of children
        2. The threat that the Worcester Diocese would sue Heather for triple their legal costs if she were not successful in dealing with the statue of limitations’ issue and being victorious.
If this case went to trial, we are confident that she would have prevailed. Unfortunately she will never have the opportunity to hold the Worcester Diocese accountable in a court of law. If you are a victim of sexual abuse in the Worcester Diocese, refrain from making the cardinal sin of victims by going to the Worcester Diocese for help. They are not your friend or advocates as they proclaim. Attain the best legal counsel you can find, preferably an attorney who is familiar with the inner workings of the church and the Worcester Diocese. Please find a counselor who is in no way associated to the Worcester Diocese.
Father Goguen, the present pastor of Saint Cecilia’s church, was recently asked about Kelley and he responded in part with the following: “It is a thing of the past, the church is on the road to healing” My response to his statement is: If only it could be that simple for the victims and their families.
I wasn’t surprised that Father Goguen has never mentioned the victims, nor did anyone else from the Worcester Diocese. The answer is a simple one. They don’t care. The Catholic church mentality has allowed this horrendous behavior by priests to exist. That’s why I am no longer a Catholic.
In retrospect, the criminal case has concluded and Heather has sadly, with great reluctance withdrawn her civil case against the Worcester Diocese. However, this is not the end but a continuation of Heather’s journey. We and others are committed to exposing the Worcester Diocese and the Catholic church for what it is, and we will prove, to be worthy of the challenge.

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