Thursday, September 23, 2021
Dear Saint Charles Family,
I write to inform you that Bishop Barber has appointed an additional priest to join me as a parochial vicar (associate pastor) of Saint Charles Borromeo with specific pastoral duties. The newly assigned priest is Fr. Christopher Berbena, a former Franciscan priest. The appointment is effective October 1, 2021.
There is, however, a difficulty regarding Fr. Berbena's past, and I want to be fully transparent with you about it. Approximately forty years ago, Fr. Berbina was accused of sexual abuse of a minor. After a thorough investigation by authorities, Fr. Berbena was fully cleared. He was reinstated to ministry in 2008 and recently has been the parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.
For our faith community and family, this appointment poses a challenge because of the numerous stories about Fr. Berbena’s past case in the media. Please click HERE to read more about the issue.
My dear Saint Charles family, you know how we have struggled to hold our parish family together through thick and thin and over these pandemic years. We are finally seeing so many of our family members coming back and feeling hopeful for our growth together.
I would like you to know that, as much as I have needed clergy help, I feel the burden, challenge, and concern this appointment places on me. I foresee that the stories of Fr. Berbena’s past case can bring a painful reminder for some of us. For others, his case may bring fear and distrust. Still, for others, it may bring grief, confusion, disappointment, distress, and loss.
My family, I ask for your help, participation, and support to ensure we hold our family and our faith together. I will do everything I can to protect our St. Charles family.
Therefore, I have set up an advisory committee from our parish leadership. The purpose of this committee is to provide help in managing the difficulties and problems we may experience due to Fr. Berbena’s stories in the media. Additionally, the committee will negotiate the terms involved in Fr. Berbena’s assignment.
The advisory committee and I will keep you posted on our way forward in this matter and decide the appropriate means by which your questions and reactions will be answered or addressed.
May God keep us strong in faith, hope, and love.
Fr. Kwame Assenyoh
Parochial Administrator
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
"Not a Place Where...But a People Who"
