LifeTeen founder Msgr. Dale Fushek excommunicated

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Monsignor Dale Fushek, founder of LifeTeen

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Phoenix, Ariz., Dec 16, 2008 / 07:23 pm (CNA).- Bishop of Phoenix Thomas J. Olmsted has issued a decree of excommunication to Monsignor Dale Fushek, founder of LifeTeen, and Father Mark Dippre for their establishment of and leadership in an "opposing ecclesial community."

Fushek, one of three founders of LifeTeen, has not been active in the youth ministry for four years.

The priests had served together in the 1990s at St. Timothy’s Catholic Community in Mesa, Arizona, the East Valley Tribune reports. A year ago, they founded the non-denominational Praise and Worship Center, which meets Sundays at the Fiesta Fountains Recreation Center in Mesa.

Their meetings regularly draw 250 to 300 people. The priests’ 90-minute services begin at 10 am each Sunday and feature much music but do not include sacraments. Reportedly, the priests have repeatedly said their services are not to be considered "Catholic" in any way.

"They always claim that they are not doing something in opposition to any denomination, but they are always holding their worship services at a time that coincides with a lot of Catholic Masses." Jim Dwyer, a Diocese of Phoenix spokesman, told the East Valley Tribune.

The East Valley Tribune quoted two attendees of Monsignor Fushek’s service who also attend Catholic Mass.

"I go to Mass for my sacraments, and I go to Praise and Worship for my Christian fulfillment," Stan Nicpon said, adding that it has a "good community feeling."

His wife Jan described her reaction to the service, saying "It is kind of a fulfillment beyond church. It is just a lot of great music that kind of fills you with a good spirit, inspiration and hope — a lot of hope."

Monsignor Fushek, the former vicar general of the Diocese of Phoenix, is also awaiting trial on seven misdemeanor counts including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, indecent exposure and assault.

A statement from the Diocese of Phoenix explained the excommunications, saying that the two priests refused to comply with Bishop Olmsted’s "explicit directions" to discontinue public ministry.

"The excommunications were incurred after repeated offers of reconciliation were ignored," the diocese said.

The diocese’s statement remarks that the priests brought the excommunication upon themselves and explains that the priests cannot celebrate Mass or participate in any other ceremonies of worship.

"They are also prohibited from celebrating or receiving any of the sacraments. In addition, they forfeit the benefits of dignity, office, or any function that they had previously acquired in the Catholic Church," the diocese statement reads.

The diocese said that Bishop Olmsted continues to express "grave concern" for Catholics who may be "misled or confused" by the priests’ actions. The statement encouraged Catholics not to attend or support the Praise and Worship Center and reminded Catholics that "the ultimate form of praise and worship is and always will be the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass."

"There is no substitution for the graces received at Mass and no prayer more edifying," the diocese said.

Comments: 23

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Adriene
Chandler, AZ 07/30/2009 03:23 AM EST

All for the Glory of God. All Fame and Glory are for the Lord. Humans tend to exalt themselves and take undue privilege upon themselves when they forget that God must be not only the focus, but also recognized as the true Author of All Goodness. We like the attention, the flattery, and the acclaim. However, it often puts us in a position where we fail to remember that we are not God. Our purpose is to know Him, love Him, and to serve Him.

Published by: E. M. Braga
Charleston SC 01/20/2009 08:33 PM EST

Sad but telling-- the comments of the former priest's supporters are rife with misspellings and grammatical errors; those who support the Church and its bishop are not.

It was the early Church Father St. Ireneius who taught us "Where he bishop is, there is the Church". That's not quite the same as 'where the youth minister with cool music is', is it? The whole case is sad, and typical of our modern idea that the Church should follow whatever direction the culture may lead us in. It's the same thing that's destroyed the Episcopal Church in the US. If we have no foundation in Scripture, in the Sacraments, in the Church's teachings, then when the first storm comes we shall indeed be washed away. LifeTeen may have provided a good time, and even some Christian Education, but it provided its members with no foundation. As former priest Dale Fushek has learned to his dismay, without the foundation, the house cannot stand.

Published by: John M. Telles
Oceanside, CA 01/08/2009 05:31 PM EST

I support the bishop, yet I get the impression some of you think that singing praise and worship, and listening to God's Word outside of mass is some kind of sin! You might have condemned St. Francis of Assisi for doing the same, had you lived in his day. Giving God glory is CATHOLIC. Singing contemporary praise songs and announcing God's Word is CATHOLIC. Even if you're not at mass, you can praise. "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Published by: Anne
Carmel, IN USA 01/07/2009 01:02 PM EST

The most profound lesson Msgr. Dale taught me was "Obedience to the Bishop". All of the things that have led up to this are tragic. The man is innocent until proven guilty on the charges. His wisdom in teaching obedience is painfully borne out in his life as he now reaps the consequences of disobedience. I pray for you Msgr. Dale, with all Catholic Christian love. I pray you will be restored to the sacramental life, regardless of how your lawsuits play out.

Published by: Jack Kriegel
Gilbert, AZ 01/03/2009 01:49 PM EST

Former Monsignor Dale Fushek, the former vicar general of the Diocese of Phoenix, is also awaiting trial on seven misdemeanor counts"

I read this and wonder, What the hell is wrong with you people????

Inocent until proven guilty....

A man, gave up his life to spread the word of GOD and accomplished more in his short time than most of us ever accomplish!

He turned the Catholic Church upside down and brough parisheners back to the Church in groves. Especially young folks.

He did it with dignaty, determination and service to GOD , the Church he was part of.

A priest confronts some of the most difficult behavior in the world every day.

This one helped more young people, the future of the church one might say, and so many from so many life styles jumped in to obtain what GOD had to give that one must believe there was a lot of strange circumstances and behavior that he had to deal with every day.

The teen program is still one of the best attributes the Catholic Church ever came up with and the same for so many good people that copied it around the world from so many religions, and all you can say is GUILTY????

BEFORE TRIAL?

WHEN DID YOU ALL STOP BEATING YOUR CHILDREN AND RELATIVES???

So, the calling to GOD is so strong that he goes out and respectfully shares his beliefs and training with others??? Sounds like he still is a Peter or a Paul to me. A true apostle of the word of GOD.

Give him prayer and a chance! Thanks

Published by: John
Ann Arbor, MI 12/30/2008 06:05 AM EST

Sad day for all. We ought to weep for our Church and for our brother, Dale.

Dale is a gifted preacher, and he was an inspiration to many youth and their youth ministers throughout the country. I was one of them, and I am grateful for the good he did. I am sad for any sins he may have committed and for any boy he may have hurt.

May God have mercy and bring our brother home. May a spirit of love and humility and compassion be us the good Bishop, his wayward priest, and we the faithful who all proclaim Jesus Christ.

Published by: Deborah
Chandler 12/24/2008 11:27 AM EST

People should follow the Lord God not "men". Priests, bishops, pastors, etc. are all simply "men" who claim to follow Christ. Only God truly knows what's in their hearts and minds. Therefore it is important to pray and trust that the Lord leads each and every one of us. The "church" is fallible because it is led by men - to forget this is truly a sin. God wants us to continually question and search our hearts and souls but, most importantly to trust in him fully. What Dale and Mark have created is an avenue for all people regardless of religious background to gather and worship the Lord which is what we are all called to do. They have always stated that these worship services are a supplement not a substitute for mass or any other church service attended. Bishop Olmstead does what he is told - by other "men" because he is part of a chain of command - again claiming to be of God. Let us all pray for understanding and personal enlightenment from the Lord and forgivness towards those whose actions seem unjustified and misunderstood. Most importantly pray that we all follow Christ alone not to be misguided by any man on earth regardless of title or charisma.

Published by: Michele
Arizona 12/23/2008 11:59 AM EST

Claire, Mass is never mediocre. Mass is NOT about the priest. Mass is not about your entertainment pleasure...Mass is where we come HUMBLY to partake in His Body and Blood. Who the priest is or what the priest says is far less of importance as the sacrament we partake in. I think you need a primer in what the Mass REALLY is.

Published by: Claire
Mesa, AZ 12/19/2008 03:08 PM EST

Bishop Olmstead needs to focus on his entire flock. When listening to mediocre homilies by DEACONS during Mass I consider going to Praise and Worship after Mass for ADDITIONAL spiritual growth. There are bigger problems in our beloved Catholic Church than Dale and Mark.

Published by: Maredith Clack
Queen Creek, AZ 12/19/2008 01:18 AM EST

First of all I would like to reiderate with Randy Raus, President of Life Teen. Please state the true and corret facts about Life Teen and the awesome growth that this ministry has encounterd over the last 4 years without Dale Fushek. To me that emplies the holy spirit is at work - not one man! I have been in "Catholic" Church ministry over 15 years and have personaly experienced the good that Life Teen does. It is a "LIVING" encounter with Jesus Christ through the Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. Our young people who are alive and active in Life Teen are not only the future of the Church! The Bishop needed to do what he felt was needed I'm sure under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All those who are baptized in the Roman Catholic Church are called to uphold it's teachings and to protect her at all costs - look at our saints! All of us will be judged Clergy and non clergy. May the loving, forgiving, merciful God be with all of us!

Maredith Clack
Catholic in Word and Deed

Published by: Franco
Italy 12/18/2008 10:11 AM EST

Why do you need backings comments?
Do The Church Authorities have still Some doubts?
If so. - Why then excommunicating them?

Published by: adriana
mesa,az,usa 12/17/2008 02:33 PM EST

I fully support the Bishop in this mess. He did not create this situation. These men excommunicated themselves by and sinful disobedience. The Bishop is merely living up to his responsibility to deal with this public scandal in the only way he can. I am certain the Bishop is suffering greatly over this. I pray for his strength and peace and I pray for the conversion of these deluded "priests". I pray for those involved in the "Dale Cult" as well. God will not be mocked. May he have mercy on us all.

Published by: Jack
NY 12/17/2008 01:15 PM EST

It seems that priests are more concerned with things that aren't really Catholic. I didn't think for a minute that they'd be concerned about celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass, instead they focus on offset things instead of what's important and authentic Catholic issues that truly nourish the soul.

Published by: water
Round Rock, TX, USA 12/17/2008 12:18 PM EST

Please pray for the two priests and those who support them that they may recognize God's will in being obedient to the Church.

Published by: Barb
Indiana 12/17/2008 11:25 AM EST

This is very sad indeed but it is not unexpected. The housecleaning is underway now and many "newchurch" types are indeed going to have to make a choice. Pride will lead many in the wrong direction I fear. They will choose to separate rather than have God's Will "forced" on them.
This "I will not serve!" mentality has grown to hideous proportions in the church for the last 40+ years. The fruit of such apostasy is now in full force.
Obedience is the watchword. Those who obey are faithful, those who refuse obedience are unfaithful. It is that simple.

Fiat Voluntas Tua

Published by: Ted
Lewiston, ID, USA 12/17/2008 11:04 AM EST

".... the service, .... is kind of a fulfillment beyond church. It is just a lot of great music that kind of fills you with a good spirit, inspiration and hope — a lot of hope."

"Monsignor Fushek, the former vicar general of the Diocese of Phoenix, is also awaiting trial on seven misdemeanor counts including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, indecent exposure and assault."

Reading between the lines, the criminal charges and the nature of the alternative religious service suggest an opportunity for the recruitment of children for wrong activity.

Unsafe environment, folks.

Published by: Scott
Conway 12/17/2008 09:05 AM EST

The Catholic church is not a Protestant denomination. If the bishop says to do it and you are a priest, you do it if it incurs no sin. To not do so is to be a Protestant, to "protest." At that point you greatly risk being excommunicated. It's not rocket science, it is pretty cut and dried.

Published by: Jakob
Providence 12/17/2008 06:16 AM EST

Rate: Bad

Way to go Bishop. Nice job alienating more people because it's your way or the highway. Maybe they should just die... that would be theologically less complicated for Bishops.

JPII's greatest failure has been Bishop selections.

Published by: Kenneth
Owensboro, KY 12/17/2008 05:40 AM EST

Janessa, the Catholic Church, in union with the Seat of Peter, supports this. The Vatican was consulted before these excommunications were declared. This is a time where people who call themselves Catholics are going to have to decide whether they wish to be Catholics holding the full teachings of the Church, or to turn there faces and backs on Christ. These two priests have chosen the later. They chose to undergo excommunication rather than repent.

They have violated solemn vows they made. And they were ordered not to be involved in any public ministry due to previous sexual abuses in their last ministry (LifeTeen maybe?). I suggest everyone get a copy of the Catechism and read it before criticizing the Church on fulfilling its responsibility that has been largely neglected in the western world for the last half century.

Published by: Warren Anderson
Victoria, BC, Canada 12/17/2008 03:49 AM EST

The excommunications of the two (now ex-)priests are appropriate given their willful disobedience to the legitimate authority of the Church. In (now “Mr.”) Fushek's case, it would have been prudent on his part to avoid the spotlight until cleared of very serious charges (...seven misdemeanor counts!). His resistance to common sense counsel points to character or lack thereof. His brash actions only serve to increase suspicion with regards to his guilt.

No one should rejoice in the loss of a brother. However, the Church cannot shy away from the responsibility to confirm, for the good of all souls, that Mr. Fushek has excommunicated himself. The CNA News quote makes the seriousness of Mr. Fushek's actions plain enough - "The two priests refused to comply with Bishop Olmsted’s 'explicit directions' to discontinue public ministry." And, it is Mr. Fushek who has closed the door to reconciliation.

By disobeying his religious superior, a man to whom he has pledged an oath of obedience, Mr. Fushek has become a law unto himself (against the authority of the bishop and thus against God). He has become a contradiction of what a faithful priest should be (...and therefore not someone who should be seen as being on the "good side"). People should flee these wolves in albs!

One hopes Mr. Fushek finds his way back. Given his willful disregard of authority and entrenched attitude, he likely won't be returning anytime soon, if at all.

Published by: Randy Raus
Marietta, GA 12/16/2008 11:48 PM EST

A clarification please - Dale Fushek is one of three people who founded Life Teen, the article fails to mention he has not been involved with Life Teen for almost 4 years. Please clarify the story as the headline implies Life Teen is somehow involved and that is simply not the case. On behalf of the priests, youth leaders and teens who are growing closer to Christ through the faithful Catholic ministry of Life Teen I ask your charity to clarify that none of the actions of Dale Fushek that led to his excommunication are associated with Life Teen. Life Teen supports Bishop Olmsted and the diocese of Phoenix in this matter. Life Teen also remains faithful to the Catholic Church and our mission of leading teens closer to Christ. May we all work to build up youth ministry in the Church!

Peace,

Randy Raus
Life Teen President

Published by: Janessa
Mesa, AZ, USA 12/16/2008 10:58 PM EST

Rate: Regular

I think is quite possible the worst and most ridiculous thing I've heard all year. Where is the church going if they're getting rid of two of the best people that are fighting on and for the good side...the GOD side... I'm very disappointed in everyone who made and support this decision... What's this world coming to?

Published by: Robert Lockwood
Lafayette, CA 12/16/2008 08:26 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

A huge number of "Catholics" have been living in la la land for decades - now maybe we have turned the corner and with the help of a few good Bishops the Catholic faith will be taught to us as it should be.

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