Search
Corpus Christi Parish focuses on 'coming together'
-
August 11, 2023By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE – Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile took to prayer amidst a time of turmoil.
Led by pastor Fr. Pat Arensberg, the faithful began praying the Novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots on July 31 in the parish chapel, only days after Fr. Arensberg announced that Fr. Alex Crow was no longer the parish’s parochial vicar.
“As we process what has happened, we must remember to hold tightly to our faith,” Fr. Arensberg wrote. “Despite the mixed emotions we may all be feeling, we must remember that God is always with us. Now is the time to turn to prayer and to focus on coming together as we move forward.”
The Novena began after a whirlwind week of events for the parish and the archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Mobile announced July 26 that Fr. Crow “abandoned his assignment in the archdiocese.”
“His behavior is totally unbecoming of a priest. He has been informed by the archbishop that he may no longer exercise ministry as a priest, nor to tell people he is a priest, nor to dress as a priest.”
The statement also said the matter was referred to the district attorney.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office later announced on July 29 that the 30-year-old Fr. Crow suddenly left the U.S. accompanied by an 18-year-old woman. They were located in Italy by a family member of the young woman.
According to the sheriff's office, "the young woman stated she went with him on her own free will. … there does not appear to be any criminal charges.”
The sheriff’s office further stated that the woman “insisted there was no intimate relationship” and also that Fr. Crow “left a letter with the Archdiocese stating he would never return to America.”
Fr. Crow was ordained a priest in June 2021 and had been assigned at Corpus Christi Parish since his ordination.
