Father Rene Labelle
Rene Paul Emile Labelle
Rene P. E. Labelle
Priest, Archdiocese of Kingston, Ontario. Ordained 1978. Served as chaplain at various schools, including Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (Kingston), Holy Name Catholic School (Kingston) and Nicholson Catholic College (Belleville). January 2012 stepped down as pastor at St. Barnaby (Brewers Mill) amid news of an on-going police investigation and word of allegations of some form of ‘inappropriate activity.’ 21 February 2012 charged sexual assault, sexual exploitation and invitation to sexual exploitation involving a teenage boy in the summer of 2004.
______________________________
Archbishops of the Archdiocese of Kingston from time of Father Labelle’s ordination: Joseph Lawrence Wilhelm (14 December 1966 – 12 March 1982); Francis John Spence (24 April 1982 – 27 April 2002 ); Anthony Giroux Meagher (27 April 2002 Appointed – 14 January 2007 ); Brendan Michael O’Brien (01 June 2007 – )
________________________________
Next court appearance: 05 June 2012: pre-trial conference, 09:30 am, courtroom #1, Kingston Courthouse, 279 Wellington St. Kingston; 15 May 2012: 09:00 am, Kingston Courthouse, 279 Wellington St. Kingston; 24 April 2012: 09:00 am, Kingston Courthouse, 279 Wellington St. Kingston; 27 March 2012: 09:00 am, Kingston Courthouse, 279 Wellington St. Kingston, First appearance, Bail hearing, Ontario Court of Justice, Kingston, Ontario
_______________________________
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Leeds County OPP Crime Unit at 613-345-1790 or 1-888-310-1122.
________________________________________
22 February 2012: Counselling available to students
22 February 2012: Former Read priest charged
21 February 2012: Police charge priest (with comments from Sylvia’s Site)
31 January 2012: “Priest steps down” with comments
________________________________
Unless otherwise indicated the following information is drawn from Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD) which I have on hand, the 1980 Ontario Catholic Directory (OCD) and media (M)
20 February 2012: charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and invitation to sexual exploitation involving a teenage boy in the summer of 2004 (M)
2012 (?): Chaplain at Holy Cross High School in Kingston from Wednesday to Friday. According to HC website:
“Fr. René Labelle is the priest chaplain for Holy Cross, and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Kingston in 1977. He is currently pastor of St. Barnaby’s Parish in Brewer’s Mills and works at the school from Wednesday to Friday. He provides priestly ministry to the school community including confession, spiritual counselling and daily Mass in the school chapel.” (he was ordained 1978)
- listed as staff at Holy Name Catholic School, Kingston
2011, 2010: Saint Barnaby Roman Catholic Church in Brewers Mill (Seeley’s Bay), Ontario – address (CCCD)
2006: St. Barnaby’s, Brewers Mill
2005: on sabbatical for first semester of the school year. From Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School September 2005 newsletter:
Our pastoral theme this year, “Come, Let Us Adore Christ”,
challenges us to reflect on how every aspect of our lives can
lead us to worship Christ in a deeper way. We look forward to
meeting new students and staff as they join us in making this
theme come alive in our classrooms, in the gym, at school
Masses, and in every aspect of our life as a school community.
Our school chaplain, Fr. Rene Labelle, will be away on
sabbatical for first semester. We are pleased to have Fr. Rod
McNeil and Fr. Michael Reed, two local parish priests replacing
Fr. LaBelle. Fr. McNeil will be with us on Tuesdays and
Fr. Reed will be here on Thursdays, which means he will celebrate
our Opening School Mass on Thursday, September
15.
June 2005: Said Mass for Grade 8 graduation at Sacred Heart School in Wolf Island. That probably means he was Pastor at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Wolf Island at that time?
07 July 2004: Pastor, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Wolf Island, Ontario (online)
was serving at St. Anthony of Padua until his appointment in July 2004. Had also been chaplain at Holy Cross High School at time of his appointment to Wolf Island
2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996: Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Centreville, Ontario (CCCD)
1988- 1995: Pastor, St. Charles Borromeo, Shannonville (Read) Ontario (online)
1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991: Pastor, St. Charles Borromeo, Shannonville (Read) Ontario (CCCD)
1984-1988: Chaplain at Nicholson Catholic College, Belleville, Ontario and Pastor at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Flinton, (M)
1985-1986: Pastor, St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Flinton, Ontario (CCCD)
1980: 392 Palace Rd. St. Joseph Roman Catholci Church with Monsignor B. J. Walsh (OCD)
Born in Brockville, Ontario
_________________________
Priest steps down
Kingston Whig Stanard
31 January 2012
By Elliot Ferguson/The Whig-Standard
A Roman Catholic priest who worked as a school chaplain at Holy Cross Secondary School in Kingston has stepped down from his parish because of alleged involvement in inappropriate activity.
Members of the congregation at St. Barnaby Catholic Church on Hwy. 15 near Brewers Mills were told Sunday their parish priest, Father Rene Labelle, had voluntarily stepped down from his position.
Brendan Michael O’Brien, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kingston, made a short statement informing the church’s congregation of Labelle’s removal.
“There has been an allegation of misconduct involving Father Rene Labelle,” O’Brien said.
“Father Labelle has voluntarily withdrawn from ministry while the allegation is being investigated and until the matter is resolved.
“I ask for your prayers for all concerned.
“The Archdiocese will be looking for ways to continue providing pastoral ministry at St. Barnaby’s.”
According to a biography on the Holy Cross website, Labelle was ordained for the Archdiocese of Kingston in 1977.
He worked as a priest chaplain at Holy Cross from Wednesday to Friday, providing priestly ministry to the school community including confession, spiritual counselling and daily mass in the school chapel.
“Because of the allegation, and while the allegation is being investigated, he has been withdrawn from that role,” said Jody DiRocco, director of Education for the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.
DiRocco said there were no Holy Cross pupils involved in the alleged incident.
“No,” DiRocco said. “I am not aware of that.”
Kay Weerasooriya, a canon lawyer for the archdiocese, said Monday the allegations against Labelle came to the archdiocese’s attention in the middle of last week.
“It is a recent allegation,” said Weerasooriya, adding that the archdiocese’s protocol is to contact police immediately of allegations against priests.
Weerasooriya said she did not know if there were any other priests involved in the investigation, nor did she say what was the nature of the allegation against Labelle.
“Until we hear back from the police there is nothing more we can say,” she said.
“We’re kind of waiting.”
Police were tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding Labelle’s removal from the parish.
“I can confirm there is an ongoing police investigation,” OPP Sgt. Kristine Rae said Monday afternoon.
Rae would reveal no additional details about the nature of the investigation.
eferguson@thewhig.com
___________________________________
Local priest steps down
Quinte News (quintenews.com)
Tue, Jan 31st, 2012 – 7:38 am
A Priest who used to serve in Tyendinaga Township has stepped down after allegations of inappropriate activity.
According to the Kingston Whig Standard, Father Rene Labelle, who used to serve in the late 80′s and early 90′s locally, left a church near Kingston this week after allegations were forwarded to the local Archdiocese.
Labelle used to serve as the Priest at Saint Charles Borromeo church in Tyendinaga Township, and has also served at a number of other Parishes around the Diocese.
It has not been made clear what the allegations are, however police have confirmed there is an ongoing investigation.
The allegations come on the heels of a slew accusations against two other Priests and the Archdiocese earlier this month.
___________________________________
Kingston archbishop appoints 6 pastors
The Ottawa Citizen
16 July 2012
Kingston Archbishop Francis Spence has appointed six pastors and three associate pastors effective Aug. 10 for parishes in the archdiocese.
Appointed pastors are Rev. Francis O’Neill, who takes over the parishes of St. Laurence O’Toole in Spencerville and St. Theresa’s in Augusta; Rev. Peter Murphy in Annunciation parish in Enterprise; Rev. Patrick Kelly, St. Mary’s parish in Carleton Place; and Rev. Brian McNally, who will serve in Sacred Heart parish in Lanark and St. Columkill’s parish in McDonald’s Corners.
Also appointed pastor are Rev. Rene LaBelle in St. Charles Borromeo parish in Read and Rev. Richard Racine in St. John The Evangelist parish in Flinton and St. Killian’s parish in Ardoch.
O’Neill is a native of Read and was ordained in 1947. For the past three years he has associate pastor at St. Francis Xavier parish in Brockville.
Murphy, a native of Elgin, was ordained in 1957. For the past five years he has been pastor in St. Mary’s parish in Carleton Place.
Kelly was ordained in 1960. The Belleville native has been pastor of Read since 1976.
McNally has been chaplain and and director of pastoral services at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston for the past 13 years.
The Westport native was ordained in 1970.
Labelle was born in Brockville and ordained in 1978. During the past four years, he has been pastor of St. John’s, Flinton and chaplain at Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville.
Racine was born in Cornwall and, following a teaching career, was ordained in 1986 as a graduate of Saint Paul University Seminary in Ottawa.
For the past two years, he has has served as associate pastor of St. Peter’s Parish in Trenton. He receives his initial assignment as pastor of St. John’s, Flinton and St. Kilian’s, Ardoch.
He also will provide chaplaincy service to St. Paul’s High School in Trenton.
The following were appointed associate pastors:
Rev. William Powell, a Smiths Falls native who was ordained in 1957 as a member of the Capuchin Fathers. He will serve in St. Joseph’s parish in Kingston.
Rev. Robin Gwyn, of Montreal, was ordained in May. He becomes an associate pastor in Brockville’s St. Francis Xavier parish, where had been assigned temporarily.
Rev. Joseph McAuley of Prescott, a former teacher and principal, becomes associate pastor at St. Peter’s, Trenton.
Isn’t someone innocent until proven guilty? There have been many false accusations. There is nothing commendable about lying, especially for financial gain. If charges are laid and a trial then we’ll know whether this priest is guilty or not.
Boom, charges laid. The catholic church is a joke. I am completely fine with people having their own faith, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I certainly have no problem with people practicing that faith either or gathering to do so together. What I can’t wrap my head around is the prejudices that the church openly have, specifically against homosexuality. Very sad. I am not a religious person, nor a homosexual, but I take pride in living a good life, caring and helping others especially those in need whenever I can because I feel that is the right thing to do, not because some crooked organization tells me to. I also have friends and family members who have been shunned by the church for their sexual orientation (how ironic…). I have always been an Atheist, and I went to this high school because I lived near by only. The priest in question was there for all four of my years. It just goes to show you that it is really dangerous to put all of one’s faith into something so corrupt, without knowing all the facts. One must look at what they are being taught in a critical way and really think before blindly following and trusting strangers in a position of authority.
Baud,
Your words:
“…I take pride in living a good life, caring and helping others especially those in need whenever I can because I feel that is the right thing to do…”
You understand very clearly…
More “Christians” should understand that “Message” as you say you do…and you don’t need a “label”, a “frontier” or a “flag” for that…
Better to say you don’t know Him and do what is right than to pretend you do for the “wrong reasons”..
Good for you and don’t play the labels game…
You’re alright and sincere. That means a lot more…
jg
Yeah, Father Labelle was there for all four of my years too, he was an amazing priest. I’m not religious in any way shape or form, but school was closest. He was hilarious, but after finding this out, I’m shocked =\.
…
“There is nothing commendable about lying, especially for financial gain.”
A very fitting ,”Historical” quote to describe the actions of “the church”…
jg
jg, Are you familiar with the line that comes after “and forgive us our trespasses as…”
Yes crimes were committed, but the gates of Hell will never prevail against the Church. It is the path to Salvation.
Glen, and the road to Hell is paved with good intentions!
Whoever you are trolling for, tell them you are not successful. Should you be addressed as Father, or are you perhaps acting on behalf of a certain Bishop who is presently feeling some heat ?
…yes, and further…”lead not into temptation and deliver us from evil”…
Christ is the Path and the Way. You have forgotten that?!!…
You and so many others are so quick to attempt to intimidate with “the gates of hell”…
because His Love has been misused by the church for its own worldly purposes…
Because you have been unable to “surrender”…Because you serve two masters!
The catholic church with all the arrogance of the servant chosen to look after His house and instead decided to call that house its own, will get its just reward.
You can pretend with the church to be the chosen but you should have remained the loyal servant and she the “Faithful” chosen.
The Church has been writing its own script, rewriting the words and failing the Spirit.
The Gates of Hell threat is used by the very ones who are looking in that direction…
I do not fear, am not intrigued nor do I see what your eyes contemplate in your empty distraction…Because it feeds off your dark spirit!
Yes, crimes were committed against the Master of the House! He will be furious!…
You who are looking for forgiveness should start to repent and stop trying to explain away unspeakable crimes against the “first” chosen, chosen by Christ before “the Bride”…
..the “children” will trump anything “the church” will ever claim. If you couldn’t look after the most vulnerable in your charge, imagine His fury at the sight of all your denials ,excuses…The church is asking for the benevolence it has not shown…You can relate that to the right passages of the Bible I’m sure…Reading is not your problem: understanding is the gift.
I know of Christ and he is my contemplation and my guide, MY salvation… You wish to speak of Hell.., does that mean you are looking away???…in the wrong direction! Go down on your knees, head to the ground and be the servant you claim to be.
Then you may be forgiven your trespasses. Then you will feel His presence “above” the church…
I feel His Love and Try to be better every day. I ask for nothing and I am overwhelmed by His care… He gave you everything and you are here always asking for more! Blind and selfish!…
Serve, repent and be quiet until He speaks to you. Find Respect… the church is no longer in a position to have “demands”. It was supposed to be the “Giver”…not the “Taker”.
Forgiveness is earned, given freely! Not ever requested! or expected. It is a gift!…Understand if you can.
Seek the Light or the darkness will consume you.
jg
wtf?
This site is being taken over by nutbars
Funny stuff…
You had me at “Mr. T.”…with the hair cut, 5 foot two…But, come on! Lighten up on the senior citizen with cabin fever.!
Nutbar!! third biggest laugh for me this year…after some precious ones from Cheryl…You are down to earth, obviously, Mr. T….
Remember when in Rome, speak and do as the Romans…otherwise, they don’t figure it out.
My diatribe was in answer to “Father Glen’s” repeated rationalizing…
Tell me I’m wrong, you are not really like Mr. T of the “A” team…
WWT!
jg
Nutbars, a.k.a. people with issues.
Of course some of the criticisms are valid and deserved. However, many Church critics use any scandal as fodder for their personal vendettas due to their disagreement with doctrine on things like homosexuality.
Bottom line: yes crimes/sins have been committed but the Church goes on. Crimes/sins get committed by our politicians; do we condemn them or democracy? The Church isn’t a haven for saints, but a hospital for sinners.
Glen, ooops, sorry, Father Glen, you really do protest too much. Is it getting too close to your home?
Father Glenn,
…and the “father” is not to show respect but to see your face for what you are. Sad you need to hide and continue to look for excuses…rationalizing, minimizing, deflecting, towing the line at all “costs”…
…and always repeating that everyone is doing it! That doesn’t make it alright…
Politicians? We have known for ever that they are at the bottom of the barrel…and we thought priests were sitting on the top of it.
…”doctrine on homosexuality…” Church priorities have certainly progressed in the wrong direction. This one seems to be yours repeatedly!…your issue!
Aren’t you quick to jump on the “nutbar”…Include generosity in your next hypocritical sermon!!
A lot of the Saints, unfortunately, have been used by the church, conveniently!
A lot of people with “issues” have spent too much time in your “hospital”…
Now you don’t have to hide anymore!
Speak up. Share “your” wisdom!…
jg
That’s rich a hospital for the sinners..more like a haven for criminals..The children and people in your pews are not being helped at all with rationalization or minimizing or hiding or abetting men and women who target children for their own selfish criminal ends.. Unless your maybe indicating that the hospital staff’s purpose is to create a world in their own likeness one that feels it has a monopoly on guilt and shame and tries to make everyone feel like they did something wrong by standing up to such tragic crimes. I am sorry my spiritual life is filled with love, kindness and compassion..I do not tolerate criminals who hurt and hinder a child’s spiritual development and neither did Christ. I bristle at this kind of stupid commentary.
Father Glenn,
Kingston priests are the worst priests I have ever seen, including Joe Lynch [deleted]. I know very well some of the priests like you are wolves in sheep cloths!
Helena, I deleted a few words there. Even in the heat of the moment try to choose words with care. What you say may or may not be true – I don’t know. I think you were just venting.
Where has ‘Glen’ identified himself as a priest or are you just calling him ‘Father’ because of the defensive nature of his posts? If he is a priest, I hope he will say so openly as I do.
Fr. Tim
To Helena
Has Fr Joe Lynch been convicted of a crime? If not be careful!
Wait and see and stop trowing rocks at each other the articles state
It has not been made clear what the allegations are, however police have confirmed there is an ongoing investigation.
Yes something s amiss yet we don’t know what….if it’s impropriety and crimes against children t will be reported soon enough..
Common people now smile on your brother everybody come together try to love one another right now..Youngbloods.. as much as the commentary is entertaining it presents no positive manner to protect kids..
Sylvia
You better be careful – you are hosting a site where people have be libeling others!
Certainly shows the character of some of these people.
Not to worry Jon – people are usually careful – sometimes there’s a minor slip of the tongue/keyboard which can be all too readily misinterpreted as bad will by some. I will keep on eye on that.
Bishop Brendan O’Brien served as archbishop in St. John’s, NL archdiocese.
Bishop Douglas Crosby served as bishop of St. George’s Diocese, NL. He changed the name of our diocese after bankruptcy. They all do the same political coverups and play the mind games like “pray for him”, subtly meaning it’s our fault because we’re not praying for him/them? If prayer would change them, we’d have a holy, catholic church. God cannot change anyone who doesn’t want to be changed or feel there is anything wrong with them – and if they haven’t done anything wrong, what’s there to forgive? We shouldn’t play with God’s Word (Scripture) to justify any of this. This is truly diabolical, reprensible acts by “men of the cloth”, a darkness that must be brought into the light. I thank those of you who came forward about your abuse.
I sure do pray for you. Many I’m sure were threatened, coerced, given money, etc. to remain silent. What a sad history our church has!
What power the church has had! How they have abused that power!
Helena
Fr. Joe Lynch is one of the most caring, intelligent people, let alone priest that I have ever been privilidged to know. His kindness to greiving families is unsurpassed and despite the pressure of holding so many positions, he always has a kind word or smile for you. I have not aptly articulated just how kind and gentle this man is, but one thing is certain, to let a negative comment pass unrefuted about this good soul, I cannot abide.
Charges laid yesterday. Article posted.
A lot of people thought he looked like a duck and now that he is charged he looks like he walks and talks like a duck..now we only need the court to confirm by due process that he is in fact a duck. No disrespect meant to ducks.
Quack – Quack! I agree! Mike
Re: Fr. Rene Labelle;
I think we might find that Sister Leona Fitzgerald has something to say about Fr. Rene Labelle. Mike
Hey Glen;
You seem sudennly very silent! Have any prayers for Fr. Rene Labelle? Mike
Father Rene Labelle’s first appearance in court is at 9 am, Tuesday 27 March at the Kingston Courthouse on 279 Wellington St., Kingston, Ontario. It was previously listed as bail hearing, but I just checked and was told that it is his “first appearance.”
I too, have nothing but the highest regard for Fr. Joe Lynch. His care and compassion for my extended family when my nephew committed suicide was remarkable in every way.
Father Rene Labelle did not appear in court this morning. His next court date is 9 am, 24 April 2012.
why didn’t he appear?
I don’t know John, but I do know that it is not at all uncommon for the accused not to appear for any number of countless court dates which generally transpire after charges are laid. I had thought he would be there today because it was supposed to be “first appearance” – obviously not the case.
They never show up for the first date, nothing can happen at the first date because it is for both side to disclose the information they have, and that is done by a lawyer and the crown.
I have been told the case was adjourned to 09:00 am, 15 May 2012 (Kingston)
Father Labelle’s next court-date is 05 June 2012, 9:30 am, courtroom #1 for a pre-trial conference (this is probably NOT open to the public)