Archbishop plans to pursue laicization

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
The Archdiocese of Mobile published a question-and-answer document on its website regarding the laicization process and that included information which stated Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi is planning to pursue the dismissal of Alex Crow from the priesthood. 
Crow had been serving as parochial vicar of Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile when he suddenly left the country in late July with an 18-year-old woman who is a recent McGill-Toolen Catholic High School graduate. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office announced that the 30-year-old Crow and the young woman were located in Italy by a family member of the young woman. There has been no indication that either has returned to Mobile.
Archbishop Rodi removed the faculties of Crow – meaning Crow cannot currently function as a priest – in late July once it was discovered he abandoned his assignment. However, according to the Q-and-A document, canon law requires that the formal laicization process cannot begin until six months after Crow abandoned his assignment. 
A statement released Aug. 14 said “The Archdiocese joins those who are troubled and concerned about the recent behavior of Alex Crow. Upon learning that Crow had abandoned his parish and left the country with a recent McGill-Toolen graduate, the Archdiocese immediately reported this to the Mobile County District Attorney, who, based on this report, opened an investigation. 
“The Archdiocese has and will continue to cooperate fully with all requests for information from law enforcement. Additionally, the Archdiocese immediately informed Crow that he may no longer minister as a priest, tell people he is a priest, or dress as a priest.”
Crow was ordained a priest in June 2021 and had been assigned at Corpus Christi Parish since his ordination.
Questions and 
Answers about 
Alex Crow 
and the Laicization Process 
(reprinted from mobarch.org)


What has Archbishop Rodi done regarding Alex Crow? When it became clear that Alex Crow had intended to abandon his assignment, Archbishop Rodi removed the faculties of Alex Crow. He has also ordered him, under his promise of obedience, to return home immediately. 
What does it mean that his faculties have been removed? A faculty is the priest’s ability to function publicly as a priest. So that means Alex Crow is not able to function as a priest publicly. He cannot preach, publicly say Mass, do weddings or funerals, or even hear confessions, except if a person is in danger of death. 

Was he defrocked? Defrocking is not a term of canon law. 

What is canon law? Canon law is the law of the Church that developed over the Church’s 2000-year history. This law is for the Church and especially for ministers of the Church. It is not in conflict or competition with the civil laws of the state or country. It is mostly found in a book called The Code of Canon Law. Canon law seeks to restore justice and repair scandal. 

What can happen next with canon law and Alex Crow? There is a process called laicization or dismissal from the clerical state.

Can Archbishop Rodi do this process himself? The simple answer is no. He has to assemble a panel of three priests who examine what happened. These three priests would be impartial and objective experts in canon law. This process can start six months after when Alex abandoned his assignment.  

Why does it take so long? Canon law ensures that the rights of all parties are respected. The process also gives time for all the facts to be established. Finally, the process also gives everyone who needs to speak a chance to be heard. 

Is Archbishop Rodi planning to pursue the dismissal of Alex Crow from the priesthood? Yes.