Bishop Dewane’s Letter—Pastor’s Good Name Restored
Dear Parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish,
DIOCESE OF VENICE IN FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
March 14, 2024
In a letter dated January 26, 2024, you were informed of an allegation of sexual misconduct against Reverend Jerome Kaywell. The allegation was taken seriously and was acted upon in accord with the Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. At the time the allegation was made and announced, an independent investigator was also engaged. Since the allegation involved a minor, the State Attorney’s Office was necessarily notified. Throughout the process, Reverend Kaywell has maintained his innocence stating that the allegation could not have happened.
On February 13, 2024, the Diocese received notification from the Law Firm representing the alleged victim. The said letter in formed that the alleged victim withdrew his allegation, and an apology was written by the accuser declaring it was a false memory. As the matter was investigated and reported in accord with Diocesan policy, the Review Board met on March 13, 2024, examined the investigatory report and all aspects of the matter, unanimously concluding that there was no evidence to support the allegation.
The Diocesan Review Board recommended that Father Kaywell be returned to ministry. I have accepted their recommendation and inform you that Father Kaywell has been returned to ministry, effective immediately. Therefore, I consider the matter closed and the good name of Father Jerome Kaywell restored.
Thank you for your prayers and understanding.The Diocese of Venice and its entities take very seriously the safety of all young people and work to prevent any instances of abuse.
The Diocese continues to pray for the pain and suffering of all victims; praying that the Lord of Truth and Light will guide us all in His ways!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
✝ Frank J. Dewane
Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida
Father Jerry is the best priest we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. God bless him and so happy he is returning. He was missed.
Sincerely,
Ann and Earl Clark
I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome of clearing the Good name of our loved Fr Jerry . My husband and I watch Mass every week from Coventry UK . But we have missed him so much since January ..Thank God that normal service has been resumed and we never for One minute believed the allegations . . God Bless you all at Sacred Heart .Imelda and Donal Lydon .
We are so happy that Fr. Jerry has had his good name cleared! We have been blessed to have ‘attended’ Mass at Sacred Heart during the pandemic and afterwards on TV until the end of its programming. Fr Jerry is such a special person of God. We miss listening to his homilies and his kindness, humility and his love of Christ that comes through to each of us. We just knew he was innocent!!! Welcome back, Fr. Jerry!
Yours in Christ,
Neil and Patti Abel
Fr. Jerry, We missed you when we attended Mass at Sacred Heart during our vacation in March. We did not know the circumstances of why you were not there. On hearing now of your false accusations , we are so thankful you were totally cleared and are now back with the lovely parish of Sacred Heart. You are always in my daily prayers, even though I did not know how much you needed them. I am so happy your torture on earth is over! HAPPY EASTER, and I know it will be a most joyous one.
Praise God!!!