Reverend Nicholas Mishek was removed from his parish after asking middle schoolers if they’ve ever masturbated or watched pornography during weekly confession
A Catholic priest has been dismissed from his parish in Nebraska after asking middle schoolers if they’ve ever masturbated or watched pornography during weekly confession.
Reverend Nicholas Mishek was removed from his post at St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, but not from the priesthood, the Omaha World-Herald reported.
Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor and spokesman for the Archdiocese of Omaha, said the 26-year-old is an inexperienced priest who went overboard in his questioning and was probably just ‘trying to be too helpful.’
Though Mishek has never had any previous complaints, this line of questioning was ‘unacceptable,’ and will be dealt with accordingly, McNeil explained.
Additionally, as per Catholic custom, priests are not supposed to lead questioning during a confessional.
On Monday parents at the school received a letter about the incident which was signed by Principle Sandra Suiter and Reverend Steven Stillmunk, the parish pastor.
The letter explained that during confession Mishek asked seventh-and eighth-graders (ages 12 to 14 on average) if they have ever cheated, lied, watched pornography or masturbated.
The 26-year-old had just started at St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church after being ordained in June
Parents were told about the questioning by their parents, who in turn contacted the school and
Within 10 minutes of the first complaint from parents, the letter said the allegations were reported to Stillmunk.
Though he was out of town, the pastor immediately returned to the parish and contacted the archdiocese.
By 1pm on the day of the first complaint Mishek had been dismissed from his duties at St Robert Bellarmine.
Once the letter was distributed more parents came forward with similar stories about what was happening to their children.
On Monday parents at the school received a letter about the incident which was signed by Principle Sandra Suiter and Reverend Steven Stillmunk, the parish pastor. The letter explained that during confession Mishek (pictured) asked seventh-and eighth-graders (ages 12 to 14 on average) if they have ever cheated, lied, watched pornography or masturbated
Those parents revealed that he had asked fifth and sixth grade students (ages nine to 12) ‘similar inappropriate questions’ during their confession Wednesday.
However, those questions were thought to be more delicately worded as something like ‘have you ever viewed or watched inappropriate shows or videos’.
‘We are grateful to those parents who came forward and notified us in such a timely way,’ the letter reads.
‘Because of their quick response, we were able to take necessary steps immediately.
‘We especially want to thank our brave students who knew this was inappropriate and voiced their concerns to their parents.’
Teachers have also spoken to students to tell them they were available if anyone had any questions or concerns.
McNeil told the World Herald that confession is supposed to be a time for conversation and not an interrogation.
He also said that he thinks Mishek was trying to get students to ‘really discern and be in touch with any sinful behavior they had.’ Mishek, he said, was probably ‘trying to be too helpful.’
Mishek was just ordained in June with a favorable report from the seminary, and began his post at the school this year.
He has never had any previous complaints and hasn’t been involved in any prior incidents McNeill explained.
Because this was a first offence Mishek won’t be removed from priesthood, and a decision hasn’t yet been made about his next assignment.
‘There wasn’t a civil offence, not a canonical offence, not a criminal offense, none of that,’ McNeil claimed.