Archbishop removes two pastors from ministry

A Statement from Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond
October 1, 2020

It is with grave disappointment and sorrow that I inform you of the removal of two priests from active ministry effective immediately.

Reverend Patrick Wattigny disclosed today his sexual abuse of a minor in 2013. His name will be added to the list of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Clergy Abuse Report. Law enforcement has been notified. His full assignment history is below.

PATRICK WATTIGNY
Date of Birth: September 9, 1967
Ordination: June 4, 1994
Time of Abuse: 2013
Abuse Reported: October 1, 2020
Removed from Ministry: October 1, 2020
Pastoral Assignments:
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Kenner
St. Benilde, Metaire
St. Luke the Evangelist, Slidell
St. Peter, Covington
The Visitation of Our Lady, Marrero
Archbishop Rummel High School, Metairie
Pope John Paul II, Slidell

If there are any victims, please call me so that we can accompany you in healing.

Reverend Travis Clark has been charged with obscenity with women. This charge does not involve abuse of a minor. Father Clark was serving as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul in Pearl River.

Both of these situations are very troubling to me. When a priest does not live out his vocation faithfully he suffers consequences and I must notify the parishioners, school families, and public in general.
Please pray for all those affected, especially the parishioners of the parishes and school communities where they have served.

I will preside in Pearl River for the Vigil Mass on Saturday, October 3, to pray with the parishioners, and at St. Luke in Slidell for the Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses.

May God strengthen us in these times of darkness.