On September 3, 2020, our diocese received a credible allegation of inappropriate conduct by Fr. Tristan Laforteza, Parochial Vicar of Holy Family Parish and newly installed chaplain at St. Francis High School. This allegation involved inappropriate conduct with an adult woman.
We take every allegation of this nature very seriously and act promptly to ensure the safety of parishioners and others with whom an accused priest may have been in contact. Accordingly, Fr. Laforteza was removed from ministry as of September 4, 2020, pending the outcome of an investigation into this matter.
The investigation has concluded. Fr. Tristan no longer has an assignment nor does he have faculties in the Diocese of Sacramento. He has been asked to return to his bishop in the Philippines effective today.
The rules of our Church and our diocese are clear on this topic. We do not tolerate any conduct that calls into question the sanctity of the relationship between a priest and the Faithful, and we will not allow anything to compromise the dignity or safety of parishioners, students or others who place their trust in our parishes, schools and programs.
Let us pray for everyone involved in this sad and troubling matter. In particular, we remind all Catholics in our diocese that it is our duty always to pray for the victims of sexual abuse and those whose trust has been exploited.