Mount Pleasant priest on leave for 'boundary violations'
Father Denis Heames, priest at St. Mary's University Parish, has been placed on administrative leave according to a press release from the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw.
"It greatly distresses me to know that any person entrusted to our care has been harmed by the minister of our church," said Bishop Joseph Cistone.
Although the release does not disclose the details of why Heames was put on leave, Cistone points out that Heames' actions "in no way involve minors." He said the priest has been involved in "boundary violations" related to his priestly conduct. In the press release, Cistone said priests deal with weaknesses and sin as any other person.
Central Michigan Life reached out to St. Mary's, who referred them to the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw.
"We can't go into anything further," said Erin Carlson, director of communications at the diocese. "I think the bishop just wanted the parishioners to know that (the involvement of minors) didn't need to cross their minds."
Church officials contacted President George Ross. Vice President of University Communications Sherry Knight said they did this as a courtesy. She did not have any further information on what was discussed.
Heames, 42, was assigned as Parochial Administrator of St. Mary's in 2012. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2008 and his first assignment was as associate pastor at Most Sacred heart of Jesus Parish in Mount Pleasant. CM Life interviewed Heames about his life before priesthood in February 2015 at his house, which is attached to St. Mary's on CMU's campus.
In the article, Heames said his favorite part of his job is the people he works with.
"People--watching them grow and overcome difficulties," he said. "People, from babies to the elderly. You kind of have to love people to do this."
