Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of the Archbishop 77 Was Avene June 22,2018 ‘To Fr. Jonahan Hemel, Pastor and parishioners of Our Lady ofthe Rosary and the people of Godin our Archdiocese Dear Sisters and Brothers in Chis: This communication iso discuss with you allegations of sexual abuse by George Brignac. Mr. Brigne served at Our Lady ofthe Rosary afer his diaconate ordination asa descon from 1976 until 1988, The recent report relates to sn allegation that occured during this time period almost 40 years ago but repeted tothe Archdiocese of New ‘Orleans fou months ag. tis noted that there were other allegations and criminal charges brought against Mr. Brignac in the past, of which he was aequited or charges refused by the Dist Atorney"s Office at that time. Archbishop Hannan publicly removed hi from ministry in 1988. According to our records and files he worked as a teacher att. Pancis Cabrini School, St. Join Vianney Prep, and St Matthew the Apostle al inthe Archdiocese of New Orleans prior to his ordination. le served asa deacon and teacher at Our Lady of the Rosary from 1976 to 988 and for atime at (Cabrini High School unt he was removed from ministry. He had no othe assignment. Since 1988 he has not served asa deacon in a parish, school, or any ministry of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. ‘Our policy in regard tothe Protection of Children and Yours: People is online ad outlines the steps and processes taken when an allegation is received and isin alignment withthe US Catholic Bishops Charter forthe Protection of Children and Young People. Upon receiving the lawsuit detailing the allegations, we acted quickly and pastorally according to these policies and practices. No one should suffer abuse and expevally not by a church leader 1am fly commited to healing for vitims of abuse. Thave met with abuse victims and will always make the offer to meet with those who come forward with allegations of abuse, Lam also committed t continuing tobe transparent inthe handling of allegation oF abuse. I pray daly for those who have sTered abuse especially those affected by clergy anyone hes any information regarding abuse by a member ofthe clergy or anyone serving inthe Archdiocese of [New Orleans, l encourage yo to come forward and report this, We tak allegation seriously and investigate them thoroughly. We, and T personally, are committed to making our parishes, schools, and ministries a safe place for al, ‘especially the young church. We desire to provide eal opportunities for healing for chose hurt by the Catholic ‘Chureh,Iextod my pastoral care and compassion to Fr. Hemel: and parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary, ly Rosary School community, St. Mathew the Apostle Stool community, and Cabrini High School community ‘Toll who have been abused, I pray tht you know the healing of Christ [ft you tothe Lord that you may know Gods peace Wishing you God's blessings, ! am Sincerely in Christ, + Bano “Most Reverend Grogory M. Aymond ‘Arelbishop of New Orleans