CT Priest Resigns After Being Put On Leave

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Rev. Frank Gomez decided to resign from the priesthood instead of undergo treatment at a facility after he was found to have violated diocesan rules regarding boundaries with children.

Bishop Frank Caggiano released a statement regarding Gomez's resignation. In it he said that Gomez violated code of conduct rules including, "texting of minors over a significant period of time without parental knowledge or consent, offering gifts to minors without prior parental consent and some physical interaction that, while not sexual in nature, made both the minors and adults present uncomfortable."

Gomez was most recently the pastor of Saint Charles Parish in Bridgeport.

A team of professionals recommended Gomez continue treatment at Southdown Institute in Canada.

"In light of this, Father Gomez has been suspended a divinis and does not enjoy priestly facilities," Caggiano said. He won't be allowed to exercise priestly duties.

Caggiano reiterated that Gomez's conduct wasn't immoral or illegal, but did violate the diocese's Safe Environment rules.

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