Parishioners of a priest convicted of helping a paedophile groom a 12-year-old girl for sex have been told his future will be decided by his religious order.
In a statement read at Vigil Mass in the Co Fermanagh village of Roslea yesterday, the Bishop of Clogher, Joseph Duffy, said everyone felt let down by 64-year-old Fr Jeremiah McGrath who was jailed on Thursday for five years after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of facilitating the abuse of the girl.
He gave more than €20,000 to his friend, convicted child rapist Billy Adams, who used the cash to shower a 12-year-old with treats and gifts.
Having bought her silence and trust, 38-year-old Adams, originally from Belfast but latterly of Bootle, Merseyside, raped her repeatedly over a six-month period in 2005.
Adams was given a life sentence last week after pleading guilty to rape and abuse of the child. The judge ordered that he serve a minimum of seven years and six months.
McGrath was alleged to have had a sexual relationship with Adams since meeting in a hostel in Dublin in 1998.
The priest denied all charges against him, claiming he had no idea Adams, who previously served time in jail in the Republic, was abusing the girl and thought the money was going towards his gambling habit.
Bishop Duffy told parishioners he was limited to what he could say because he understood McGrath intended to appeal. However, he said the Catholic Church intended to learn from the case.
"This is a very sad and tragic case and I ask you to keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers," his statement said. "However difficult we find it, we must all, each in our way, learn from what has happened.
"Fr McGrath's future as a priest will now be considered by his Order, St Patrick's Missionary Society. They will have to deal with this when the judicial process has concluded."
Bishop Duffy added: "The Church is committed to the protection of children. For my part, I will see what lessons can be learned from this case.
"I am committed to and support without reservation, the child protection policy of the Church."
PA