Contextual Background Regarding Reverend Monsignor Joseph C. McLoone

In early 2018, it came to the attention of Archdiocesan administration that Monsignor McLoone had established a bank account in the name of the parish that was not on the parish books. As such, activity from this account was not reflected in regular reports reviewed with the parish finance council or provided to the Archdiocese. This account was opened in November 2011. Monsignor McLoone was the only signer on this account and he acted alone with respect to all of the account’s activity.

Off book accounts are in violation of standard Archdiocesan financial control practices and procedures. This bank account was frozen in February 2018 and a review of parish financial records was then undertaken by personnel from the Archdiocesan Office for Parish Services and Support.

Based upon that work, it was determined that deposits to this account consisted of some donations as well as other revenue generated by the parish. Deposits into this account over the time that it was active totaled just over $110,000. Based on the review, the Archdiocese does not believe that Sunday collections, contributions to the parish capital campaign, or school and PREP tuition fees were deposited therein.

While certain expenditures appeared consistent with normal parish expenses, or could be documented as such, there were others that raised concern. Monsignor McLoone was questioned directly about these matters in the spring of 2018. At that time, he acknowledged that the existence of this account was in violation of established Archdiocesan financial controls and procedures. He further acknowledged that some  expenditures from this account were for personal expenses of an inappropriate nature.

Those expenses were related to relationships with adults that represented a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries established by the Archdiocese. None of this activity involved other members of the Saint Joseph Parish community.

Following those disclosures, and as a direct result of them, Monsignor McLoone was placed on administrative leave. At that time, Monsignor McLoone tendered his resignation as pastor of the parish. His resignation was accepted by the Archbishop. A parochial administrator pro-tem was assigned to care for the pastoral and administrative needs of Saint Joseph Parish and a new pastor was named in August of 2018.

While continuing to scrutinize payments and withdrawals from the off book account, the Archdiocese pledged to pursue full financial restitution on behalf of the parish for expenditures acknowledged or determined as inappropriate.

All of the information above was shared with the full Saint Joseph Parish Community last year over the course of multiple updates.

This matter was taken up by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office last spring. The Archdiocese and the parish cooperated fully with law enforcement agents throughout the course of their investigative work. Throughout the investigation Monsignor McLoone remained on administrative leave in a private residence. 

Update Regarding Reverend Monsignor Joseph C. McLoone

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was informed by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office that Monsignor McLoone was arrested on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. He faces charges of theft.

These charges are serious and disturbing. The Archdiocese and the parish will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as the criminal matter enters its next phase. Pending the outcome, Monsignor McLoone remains on administrative leave. Information regarding his arrest will be shared with the Saint Joseph Parish community.

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Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)