By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist Pope Benedict XVI has dismissed Monsignor Dale Fushek, the founder of Life Teen, from the priesthood. Fushek is being investigated for alleged sexual abuse of minors. According to an article appearing in The Catholic Sun of the Diocese of Phoenix, Fushek’s “laicization” was announced by the diocese on Feb. 16. This move means Fushek, 57, who was ordained in 1978, no longer has the rights of a cleric under Church law, and cannot refer to himself as “reverend,” “monsignor,” or “father.” Fushek is perhaps best known for co-founding Life Teen, an international youth ministry program that bloomed during the 1980's and 1990s. However, Fushek's faculties were suspended in late 2004 by Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted after an allegation was made that Fushek engaged in inappropriate behavior in the presence of a minor at his parish in Mesa in 1985. Fushek resigned as pastor of the parish a year later. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which addresses "sexual sins" of clergy and deacons, later found the charges to be credible. In spite of having his faculties suspended in 2004, however, Fushek became involved in a small, Mesa-based faith assembly called the Praise and Worship Center which resulted in his being excommunicated from the Church in 2008. “There is no doubt that the Church has been scandalized by the abuse of minors by Catholic clergy,” said Fr. Chris Fraser, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Phoenix. “What makes this case unique is that there is an additional scandal related to the schismatic activities of the Praise and Worship Center. Consequently, those who support and promote Fushek’s public ministry must be mindful of the spiritual danger and grave harm their actions create by supporting and attending his services.” Diocesan officials are reminding Catholics that any ceremonies – baptisms, weddings, confessions or anointing of the sick – that were performed by Fushek or others at the Praise and Worship Center, are not considered valid in the Church. © All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com   In spite of having his faculties suspended in 2004, Fushek became involved in a small, Mesa-based faith assembly called the Praise and Worship Center which resulted in his being excommunicated from the Church in 2008. “There is no doubt that the Church has been scandalized by the abuse of minors by Catholic clergy,” said Fr. Chris Fraser, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Phoenix. “What makes this case unique is that there is an additional scandal related to the schismatic activities of the Praise and Worship Center. Consequently, those who support and promote Fushek’s public ministry must be mindful of the spiritual danger and grave harm their actions create by supporting and attending his services.” Diocesan officials are reminding Catholics that any ceremonies – baptisms, weddings, confessions or anointing of the sick – that were performed by Fushek or others at the Praise and Worship Center, are not considered valid in the Church. © All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com