Batavia priest defies Diocese order of removal, refuses to leave Holy Cross

BATAVIA TOWNSHIP – While the Rockford Diocese might think it will successfully remove a beloved Batavia priest from his church – like a refrain from the hymn “We Shall Not Be Moved” – the priest is apparently refusing to be leave his flock.

Late last month, the Rockford Diocese announced it was removing Rev. James Parker, pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia Township, as part of its regular reassignment of priests.

Parker’s last day was supposed to be June 15, but parishioners protested, and no new assignment for him was announced.

“As pastor, I have a moral obligation to stay with my parish until the bishop puts something in writing to the effect that I am no longer pastor,” Parker announced in a June 1 Flock Note to parishioners posted on the church’s website. “In conscience, I will not abandon the flock until I receive a formal written notice. In fact, I have not signed any letters resigning my parish. And, until I do so, the pastorate of Holy Cross is not vacant.”

‘Father Parker refused to engage’

Now public statements between Parker and the Rockford Diocese offer completely different explanations for what is happening.

Parker did not respond to voicemail and email messages seeking comment.

The Kane County Chronicle published a story about Parker and his support from parishioners, as well as comments from a Rockford Diocese spokeswoman. The Diocese posted more details on its website May 31.

“Since last February, efforts have been made to address with Father Parker in a private manner various concerns that have arisen regarding his service as pastor,” according to the website. “Father Parker refused to engage in that dialogue and so a just resolution of those concerns has not been possible.”

At the same time Parker was informed that his time as pastor was concluding, he was given the option of accepting a diocesan offer of residence – which he declined, according to the website.

“Contrary to public commentary, at no point was Father Parker ever going to be left without residence,” the website stated. “Additionally, contrary to further public speculation, Father Parker was never informed that either his compensation or insurance would be terminated.”

‘I doubt the veracity’

However, Parker’s Flock Notes posted on the church’s website today refutes the diocese version of events.

“On February 3rd, I appeared at the chancery with my canonist, (canon lawyer) Marc Balestrieri, in response to the bishop’s request to meet for a discussion of his concerns about my ministry as pastor,” the Flock Notes stated.

“The bishop refused to meet with me because I exercised my right to have my canon lawyer present at the meeting,” Parker wrote. “After waiting in vain for two hours, my canon lawyer and I were informed that time had lapsed, and that I needed to schedule another time to meet with the bishop without my canon lawyer present.”

Parker wrote that he finally met with – the bishop – Rev. David Malloy – on Feb. 28, at the chancery office in Rockford.

Parker’s Flock Note states that his letter of appointment as pastor of Holy Cross did not state a term limit and no reason for his departure was given.

Msgr. Steve Knox, the Vicar for Clergy, called Parker on May 24 and and told him he did not have a new assignment beginning June 16, according to his Flock Note.

“I responded, ‘Then you are telling me, ‘I need a place to live.’”

“He responded, ‘Yes, and you cannot live in any rectory of the diocese.’ "

“No alternative housing was offered or mentioned to me,” Parker wrote.

All information that Parker received came by phone from Knox, nothing in writing, Parker wrote.

“Given the published narrative, I am now doubting the veracity of what I have been told, in particular, regarding the possibility of receiving a full salary after I leave Holy Cross,” Parker wrote.

On May 24 – the same day Knox told him he was being removed – Parker wrote that he offered multiple days to meet with the bishop, but none of the dates were accepted.

“A few days later Msgr. Knox said that I might have a potential discussion with the bishop after June 15th,” Parker wrote. “Again, this was not stated in writing.”

New priest assignments

The Rockford Diocese publication, “The Observer,” lists new priest assignments with Rev. Jared Twenty as parochial administrator for Holy Cross and Rev. Andrew Deitz as parochial vicar of Holy Cross, starting June 16.

According to an explanation of terms posted by the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau on its website, a bishop appoints a parochial administrator when there is no pastor or the pastor cannot serve.

“In general, an administrator has the same duties and scope of authority as a pastor; however, these may be limited by the bishop,” the website states.

A parochial vicar is assigned by the bishop to assist the pastor, also according to the website.