The Diocese of London has dismissed two Windsor area priests.
Bishop Ronald Fabbro made the announcement on December 21.
"It is with great sadness that I apprise you of the following dismissals," said Fabbro to parishioners in a letter.
Fabbro said allegations came forward in October of 2017 about inappropriate sexual activity by Maurice Charbonneau, who was ordained in 1994. Then in September of 2018, Andrew Dwyer, who was ordained in 1979, was accused of engaging in sexually abusive behaviour several years ago. The Diocese said both priests were immediately relieved of their duties and had their power and authority withdrawn.
Charbonneau was a pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Windsor, St. Mary in Maidstone and St. John the Evangelist in Woodslee and attended Ridgetown College.
Dwyer was a pastor at St. Vincent de Paul and St. Theresa parishes in Windsor and was a chaplain with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.
Father Andrew Dwyer. Jan 4, 2019. (Photo courtesy of St Clair Catholic District School Board)
"After separate investigations and consultations with various groups, including our diocesan Safe Environment Advisory Committee, I determined that Maurice Charbonneau and Andrew Dwyer would not be able to return to ministry at any time," the Bishop added. "Their faculties have been permanently removed. This was made known to them in person and by virtue of decrees which I issued to each of them, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law."
That means Charbonneau and Dwyer can never again perform their duties as priests and may not present themselves as clerics or, in any way, represent the Diocese of London. Bishop Fabbro is asking anyone who sees them acting in a manner that is inconsistent with this directive to call his office immediately.
The Diocese of London now has a “zero tolerance” policy regarding sexual abuse and continues to work to rule out all forms of sexual abuse and to support victims.
Those with questions or concerns should contact the Diocese of London at 519-433-0658. The director of Safe Environment Services is Sharon Wright-Evans (ext. 271). The bishop’s delegate for abuse cases is Father John Comiskey (ext. 275).
Neither Charbonneau nor Dwyer have been charged with a crime.
