FATHER PAUL IS APPOINTED NEW SHERIFF'S CHAPLAIN

William Gralnick's prayers have been answered.

As manager of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Chaplaincy Unit, Gralnick's group of volunteers consisted of a rabbi, two women and Protestants from a variety of denominations. But there were no Catholic priests.

Last week, the Sheriff's Office announced the addition of Father Andrew Brierly, a former prosecutor in the London Courts, and Father Paul Wierichs, an FBI Chaplain since 1991, to the Chaplaincy Unit.

Gralnick said it was unacceptable for the unit to be without Catholic priests because the Catholic Church and law enforcement have shared a "long and glorious" history, and there is a need for Catholic priests on numerous occasions.

Gralnick said the sheriff's office has cases where people are in need of last rites, which can only be administered by a Catholic priest. That meant the unit had to call around in search of a priest willing to go to crime scenes, many times late at night.

Father Wierichs, the director of Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach, said his work with the FBI during high-pressure situations like the Sept. 11 tragedy was an asset he could add to the sheriff's office.

"I've had great familiarity with law enforcement, so when the letter came from the bishop's office asking for help for the sheriff's department, I figured that I was well credentialed, and I said yes to it."

Wierichs still does work for the FBI, and both priests have made it clear to the sheriff's office that their first priorities are to their respective churches, but that they will give this commitment their best effort, because they were ordained to serve people.

(Article excerpted from Palm Beach Post article by Toni-Ann Miller June 13, 2010)

Last Updated:  January 05, 2012   Report Broken Links      Site Map      Retreat Registration Form     2011-12 Brochure