Priest removed after admitting sexual abuse

WWMT News, Michigan/January 9, 2007

Caledonia – The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids has removed another priest from active ministry for sexually abusing young boys.

Father David LeBlanc admitted to the incident in the early 1990's but until now has served at a church in Caledonia.

The Holy Family Parish canceled Monday night's activities because of the startling news.

Father LeBlanc began his ministry in 1961 at Blessed Sacrament in Grand Rapids. The incident of abuse happened 10 years later in Muskegon. He moved to St. Francis Xavier and then the Holy Spirit Parish.

The victim came forward in 1993 and in a meeting with the diocese, Father LeBlanc admitted to what happened.

The church kept quiet about the abuse and Father LeBlanc later became a pastor. The victim moved overseas. But church procedures for dealing with sexual abuse allegations changed in 2002 and the diocese no longer had discretion. The bishop reviewed Father LeBlanc's file and decided he could no longer serve.