Priest Support Working Group Recognition – Fr. Richard Reissmann, VOTF Priest of Integrity

The Providence Convention provided the opportunity to honor three Priests of Integrity, each of whom will be highlighted in In the Vineyard.  Father Richard Reissmann, from Delaware, honored us with his presence and encouraging words at the presentation ceremony.

Carlene Sandella, Director of Worship at Saint John-Holy Angels Parish in Newark, Del., introduced Fr. Reissmann to the audience.  She was one of several nominators who know Fr. Reissmann not only as a friend, but as someone who has worked with him for nineteen years.  She spoke with humor and deep respect for his humility and for his dedication to the victims of clergy sexual abuse.

Father Reissmann is the only priest in his diocese who was willing to support VOTF in his parish, and who is a member himself.    His testimony before the Delaware State Legislature is credited with helping in the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 29, the strongest bill protecting children.  The bill eliminated the two-year statute of limitations and provided a two-year “look-back” window.

 As Sister Maureen Paul Turlish, SNDdN writes, “Long a supporter of the rights of the disenfranchised, Reissmann, a priest of 44 years in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, spoke out early and often against the sexual abuse of children in Delaware and especially when it was perpetrated by his own brother priests.  He was the only one to speak out so forcefully and with such depth of integrity behind his voice.”

In his remarks, Fr. Reissmann stated that his decision to testify produced one of the most rewarding moments of his ministry.  He affirmed that an absolute docile laity is not good for the Church, and that we, too, are integral actors in speaking out on issues of justice in charity and love.  He ended his remarks by saying that he is most grateful for this award, and that he is a better priest for his involvement with VOTF.  His greatest prayer is that VOTF not be simply a dot in history and that we will continue to be moved to decisive and bold action--slowly, carefully and with wisdom.  For, as he concluded, “There is much to do and we’ve only just begun.”