Reinstatement for Rothrock?

Reinstatement for Rothrock?

A formal announcement is expected regarding Fr. Theodore Rothrock, who has been serving out the suspension imposed by Bishop Timothy Doherty since July, following Rothrock’s sharp critique of the organizations BLM & ANTIFA.

Bishop Doherty lifted the suspension on October 22 (incidentally the final day of our 9 Days of Prayer), allowing for Fr. Rothrock to use his faculties as a priest again and to be considered a priest in good standing in the diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.

Where and how he will serve in the diocese has not been announced. Fr. Rothrock was previously pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Carmel.

News of the bishop’s decision to rescind the suspension comes after his column in the October 18 edition of The Catholic Moment, in which he sought to reassure potential seminarians and their families that a vocation to priesthood in our diocese will not lead to “poverty or a total lack of autonomy.”

Let’s continue to pray for the Church, her priests and bishops, that they remain pastors imbued with the spirit of Jesus Christ and that they be defended from all danger, both material and spiritual.

47 Replies to “Reinstatement for Rothrock?”

  1. Just finished watching the documentary expose on financial corruption of BLM: The Greatest Lie Ever Sold. I thought it would be shocking but it was worse than I imagined. 90 million dollars, line by line item examined, showing these funds funneled into shell organizations, paid to enrich friends of the founders, buy lavish mansions, throw themselves parties and make absurdly high payouts for relatives and cronies. Worst of all was how much money went straight into orgs promoting all sorts of sexual perversion! So much of this! Nothing to help the poor. Floyds neighborhood still looks like a war zone, his roomates left paying his back rent for years, all sorts of innocent people hurt, extorted and bullied, their lives and careers destroyed by the propaganda machine of BLM and the mob mentality.

    I think about what Father Rothrock said: “The only lives that matter are their own and the only power they seek is their own. They are wolves in sheeps clothing, masked thieves and bandits, seeking only to devour the life of the poor and profit from the fear of others. They are maggots and parasites at best feeding off the isolation and addiction of broken families, and offering to replace any current frustration and anxiety with more misery and greater resentment.”

    Where is the lie?

    You were 100% correct, Father… And too bad our diocese cared more about looking good than telling the truth about this abuse of people.

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      1. Get in line. The bishop still needs to apologize for:

        – Covid church closures and depriving the faithful of the sacraments
        – Unleashing the VG and his stupid UIH plan on the faithful
        – Neglecting and ignoring his priests
        – The empty Tipton Center
        – Signing the “Eucharistic Coherence” opposition letter
        – Heretical book recommendations
        – Confusing, rambling writings
        – Lousy Homilies

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  2. “But do those black lives really matter to the community organizers promoting their agenda?” “The only lives that matter are their own and the only power they seek is their own. They are wolves in wolves clothing, masked thieves and bandits, seeking only to devour the life of the poor and profit from the fear of others. They are maggots and parasites at best, feeding off the isolation of addiction and broken families, and offering to replace any current frustration and anxiety with more misery and greater resentment.”

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9456145/Shell-pick-white-people-complain-BLM-founder-buys-1-4M-LA-home.html

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    1. Those that push the Marxist agenda ultimately end in Communism that includes the elite privileged class of rulers and their oppression over those that fell for the Marxist lie.

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    2. Well, this is one Catholic who officially ignores anything the Useless Conference of Catholic Bishops has to say about anything. I’m a little too busy trying to get through to the narrow gate to be bothered with a bunch of phonies in miters skipping through the wide gate, arm-in-arm, down that ever-descending broad way. Say hi to Judas Iscariot for me, boys! Blind guides all!

      Come, Lord Jesus.

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  4. Unless I’m misunderstanding that column it seems to be confirming that priests who encounter difficulties seek a third party for support whenever possible. There’s also no mention of the huge pay reduction for priests outlined in the new policies.

    And the reality for priests in any diocese who find themselves “on the outs” for whatever reason is the risk of dire poverty.

    Any man commiting his life to the Church must question if the Church is also commited to him.

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    1. The faithful laity are committed to our good priests and always will be. The long history of the Church under persecution has proven this time and again. Especially if times get even darker in our country than they are now, our good priests are going to need us laity more than ever (and we’ll need them more than ever too). If the diocese becomes too stingy or too broke to house active/retired priests, I got a spare room. I bet other people do too. If practicing Catholicism becomes illegal one day and priests are being rounded up by the authorities, I’ll start making Priest Holes in my house and defend them to the last. It would be an honor.

      – Matthew 10:28

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      1. How many people actually contact priests who are kicked out to offer real assistance? The truth is that there are probably thousands of priests in need of help in our dioceses because no one is there for them.

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  5. https://stpaulcatholicmarion.com/news/st-paul-statement-regarding-new-missionary-pastor
    St. Paul Statement Regarding New Missionary Pastor

    October 28, 2020
    As we continue to grieve the loss of Father Christopher Roberts, we are looking forward to welcoming Father Theodore ‘Ted’ Rothrock as our new pastor. Father Ted is a kind and caring man, who brings many years of pastoral experience and a genuine love for Jesus Christ and His Church. The Bishop, in consultation with the Clergy Personnel Advisory Committee (which is comprised of both clergy and laity) appointed Father Ted as Missionary Pastor of St. Paul, Marion to begin November 1, 2020. A Missionary Pastor is someone who loves Jesus very deeply and desires to share the saving message of Jesus in his teaching office, sanctifying office, and his office of administration. These are all qualities that Father Ted embodies and is well known throughout the diocese for embodying. Father Ted’s pastoral experience is extensive; he has served in the diocese for over 35 years in many ways—as an associate pastor, as director of the pastoral office of worship and adult formation and as pastor of St. Patrick in Oxford. Most recently, Father Ted served as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton in Carmel for 22 years where he is known for overseeing tremendous growth in parishioners and in developing the parish campus. As a faith family, we desire a pastor that will be loving, genuine and who fully embraces the messages of the Gospel. Our very own Christian faith teaches us to have a heart of forgiveness and to love one another as Jesus loved us. None of us are without fault or imperfection and Father Ted is no exception; that is why we trust in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ and His salvation. We at St. Paul echo the same sentiments that Father Ted shared earlier this week—we wholeheartedly reject racism and anything that separates us from fully embracing the messages of the Gospel. We are confident that Father Ted will bring love, kindness and wisdom to the families and students of St. Paul. We are blessed to have received a new pastor during our time of tragedy. We ask that everyone remain prayerful, respectful and hopeful during our time of grief and transition.

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  6. Sounds like Father had the choice to apologize, and make Bp. Doherty look good, or find a job, apply for Medicaid and Social Security, and give most of what you make in your secular job back to the diocese. But don’t worry priests, seminarians and potential seminarians. The Bp. wrote in the Catholic Moment that he takes care of his priests.

    What a joke.

    This diocese is a sinking ship. It will take a few years for it go completely under. Hold your breath everybody. We just have to deal with a few more crappy years before the diocese hits rock bottom and new leadership is put into place (that will hopefully be better than the current leadership). Keep up your prayers, refuse to pay for UniTed in Heart via whatever they decided to name their new taxation scheme, reallocate your tithe to good Catholic universities, Focus missionaries, or anything else that is contributes to the Catholic Church that is NOT this diocese. We are not required to give a dime to our diocese. It is our obligation to tithe and give to the Church, not to the diocese. As laymen in this diocese, the only power we have is the power to withhold money, since we know we are not listened to in any other way.

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  7. https://stpaulcatholicmarion.com/news/bishop-announces-missionary-priest

    October 27, 2020
    Bishop Doherty is pleased to announce Father Theodore Rothrock as the new Missionary Pastor for the St. Paul, Marion Pastorate faith family. Father Rothrock will begin his service on Sunday, November 1. He most recently served for over 20 years as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton in Carmel, and prior to that he served in other diocesan and pastoral assignments. “Father Rothrock’s extensive pastoral experience in our diocese has allowed him to shepherd, guide and care for many people through a number of situations,” said Bishop Doherty. “I feel confident he will be able to help the St. Paul faith family work through the tragic loss of Father Roberts. Please join me in welcoming Father Rothrock with your prayers and kindness and allow the Holy Spirit to help you all through this time of transition.”

    Message from Bishop Doherty & Father Rothrock
    The last few months have been filled with prayerful discernment for me and for Father Theodore Rothrock. Following his June bulletin article, Father Rothrock was asked to step away from public ministry. The pastoral care of the parish, the affected communities and Father Rothrock have been my main concern during this time of reflection. Throughout this time, Father Rothrock and I have met on multiple occasions to discuss his well-being and plans for his return to public ministry. Based on these conversations, and after consultation with the Clergy Personnel Advisory Committee, I have rescinded the suspension issued to Father Rothrock on July 1, 2020 hereby restoring his faculties as a priest in good standing in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. Looking forward, I have offered and Father Rothrock has accepted the appointment as Missionary Pastor of St. Paul, Marion to begin November 1, 2020.

    Father Rothrock’s extensive pastoral experience in our diocese has allowed him to shepherd, guide and care for many people through a number of situations. I feel confident he will be able to help the St. Paul community work through the unexpected death of their pastor.

    “I’ve had time to reflect on my word choices from the summer and deeply regret the hurt and division I have caused, most especially within my beloved Saint Elizabeth Seton parish family,” said Father Rothrock. “My time away has given me the opportunity to pray, read, and deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ. I wholeheartedly reject racism and anything that separates us from fully embracing the messages of the Gospel. I feel refreshed and reenergized for ministry. I am hopeful that I can bring healing and strength to the St. Paul parish community during this tragic time, especially through Christ’s presence in the sacraments. I look forward to using my gifts and charisms to help them deepen their relationship with Christ and to help us find hope in our grief.”

    I am pleased that Father Rothrock has been able to take the time that he himself requested to reflect on the events that transpired over the summer and used the time productively to rejuvenate his spirit for active ministry. In a time where it is difficult to engage in civil dialogue, I believe our approach has allowed God to provide grace and insight into our discussions. Jesus came to redeem humanity and it is through His grace that this situation continues to be redeemed.

    I know Father Rothrock will bring wisdom and grace to the people of St. Paul and I look forward to the ways he will continue to contribute to the people of our diocese.

    Bishop Timothy L. Doherty

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    1. Ehhh, he ASKED to be put under canonical suspension and removed from ministry? I cannot see a scenario where this makes sense, unless it was a “sophie’s choice” situation where the other option was worse. But okay…..Anyway, I’m glad people at St. Paul’s have a pastor again.

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      1. Maybe the choice was go away by himself for a while or else have a nice little trip to somewhere like St. Luke facility. Who knows any more.

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    2. Oh Fr. Rothrock wasn’t suspended and he “stepped away…”

      But his “suspension” was “lifted”

      Which means more word games by the bishop and Chancery and the kind of deception we’ve come to expect. Does the bishop think we’re stupid?!

      Poor priests. Poor priests. Poor us. Outrageous.

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      1. “Stepped aside” is a favorite euphemism at the diocese. They have lay staff who mysteriously “stepped aside” too. Code for demoted.

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    3. Snort. I am really glad that the blind acceptance from the laity of this man has gone away. What a dishonest representation of what went down.

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  8. Sorry. I don’t understand. If Fr. Rothrock was suspended, what was his crime?

    If he was suspended was a process followed?

    If he was NOT suspended, will his good name and reputation be restored?

    The whole country has read about him — a suspended priest. Either state his crime or restore his good name.

    It seems this diocese will stop at nothing to defame and punish its priests.

    Seminarians and priests: BEWARE!

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    1. In answer to your questions:

      His Crimes? The deadly modernist sins of “Poor Word Choice” and “Unambiguous Teaching”

      Suspension Process? It was more of a “Go away for a while until the story blows thoroughly out of the news cycle and the wannabe BLM mob has moved on and then we’ll bring you back once the dust settles…” kind of a process.

      Reputation Restoration? Read the bishop’s unapologetic statement on St. Paul’s website and you be the judge.

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    3. Father Rothrock is going to need a lot of prayer and support. An article today in Channel 27 News Grant County (on Facebook) has in the comment section where some people are already planning a protest Nov 8 called No Space for Hate. I read most of the comments. They are up to over a hundred right now. Some of the people saying they don’t want another racist in Marion. They do not see the hate in their own comments and will not listen to anyone else. Lord have mercy we are such a divided country.

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      1. Yes we are a divided country! But before that we were a divided church and divided families. We can’t even agree on the sanctity of life! Abortion and the “no tolerance” rule, and greed helped pave the way to this angry, hateful world we find ourselves in. Pray, pray, pray…

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  12. I see Father Rothrock being reinstated. The thing is I think he going to the northern parts of the diocese that border the diocese of FWSB or Gary. 70% of diocese of Lafayette Is in the Indianapolis media area and if word came out CAIR and other group would definitely interrupt his return.

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    1. You’re probably right … and this would be sad. It makes it look like the Church is easily bullied. And people who like to persecute and dox will find the person they hate wherever he is. Also I know many people at SEAS just miss their pastor. 🙁

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      1. There are people all over the Diocese missing their pastors these days. Uniting in Heart has made us all fatherless and orphaned.

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        1. This is so true. Having one pastor for multiple parishes is a very bad idea. It should only happen when necessary. That’s why the Church wisely has always had one pastor for one parish.

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        1. The bishop’s team is probably already writing up a re-suspension letter of Rothrock just in case some white, virtue-signaling, spoiled-brat, purple-haired, Carmel suburbanite teens show up at St. Paul’s with misspelled signs that read “No Jutise – No Peese!” and “BML 4-Evah!”

          Spiritual Note to Bishop: When you retreat, the enemy advances.

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  13. Looks like the Bishop is reading Red Wolf and trying to do damage control after the details of his new “sickness” policy were leaked. The article in the CM was ridiculous and everyone knew that it didn’t mean anything. We’ve seen the policy.

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    2. Dedicated priest-chaplains at our diocesan schools is not going to happen. You see, apart from needing our priests to do their most important job, fundraising, a big part of our diocesan leadership’s AMAZING Uniting in Heart plan is to reach out, like a joyful band of missionary disciples, to those poor souls on the margins of society. So, how can they do that in the future unless souls are pushed to the margins at an early age? I mean, who are they going to reach out too? A bunch of rosary-praying, Vatican 2-hating, Latin mass-going, sacrament-frequenting trads?!?! See how this AMAZING plan works? Heaven forbid our leadership permits faithful priest-chaplains to catechize Catholic school children in their formative years. Those children might become well-adjusted, happy, fearless defenders of the One True Faith. We can’t have that happen. That means less people on the margins! I mean, what’s the point of having an AMAZING plan that reaches out to the marginalized if there is no one on the margins?

      For far too long our diocesan schools have occasionally churned out marginally Catholic young people and, on very rare occasions thanks to those pesky priest-chaplains, “faithful” Catholic young people (With a few of those extreme weirdos actually finding priestly and religious vocations. Darn priest-chaplains!). Well no more! Thanks to Uniting in Heart, by stripping away dedicated priest-chaplains from our schools our leadership will be laying the groundwork for a steady succession of marginalized, “I was raised Catholic, but am now former Unitarian” young Catholic school grads who still aren’t sure what words come after “In the name of the…” and will be in desperate need of some AMAZING missionary discipleship.

      And our AMAZING joyful band of missionary disciples will be there, at a parish near you, to embrace them virtually or at the government-mandated level of social distancing; to make those souls feel better (for a while) about all the sins they keep piling-up, sing some songs together (if covid-restrictions ever lift), have a doughnut (probably virtually), and you know, “share a witness” (definitely virtually and likely pre-recorded). Our joyful band might even have a chance to tell those marginalized souls what words come after “In the name of the…” (The AMAZING joyful band is currently doing some research to find the answer, but I’m confident they’ll find it. They are so AMAZING!).

      And besides, even if those marginalized, Catholic-raised-but-now-former-Unitarian, Catholic school grads just stopped by the parish to use the bathroom and ask for directions to the “Stand With Planned Parenthood” rally going on downtown, our joyful band of missionary disciples will have had the pleasure (and the metrics) of knowing that someone actually walked in the door and, who knows, maybe later clicked the “Like” button on our AMAZING parish YouTube channel while marching and shrieking “My Body, My Choice!”

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