Report: Students at Fall River school to walk out wanting answers over removal of priest

Fall River, MA – October 30, 2024 – According to a press release, students at a Fall River school will walk out in protest this week.

The release states that on Friday, children from St. Michael’s School will join their parents and parishioners in a peaceful demonstration at the Fall River Diocese office.

The group states that the demonstration is in regard to “demanding answers regarding the sudden removal of Father Jay Mello from St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s Parishes and calls for clarity from Church leadership surrounding alleged accusations of sexual misconduct.”

The release goes on to say that ” lack of communication from the Diocese has left parents, students, and parishioners in turmoil. Many children at SMS have been emotionally impacted by Father Jay’s abrupt absence, a trusted figure in their lives, and the failure of Church leadership to address the situation is causing growing distress. All children, families, and parishioners uniting in this peaceful demonstration believe the message is clear: Silence is no longer acceptable.”

The message and concerns from the group is as follows:
Parents. Peers. Parishioners. People in the community deserve answers. We come in peace. We move with purpose. We will not be silenced or ignored by Church leaders. The parents and parishioners are deeply concerned about the well-being of the children and the lack of transparency regarding Father Jay Mello’s removal. “We’ve reached a breaking point,” said one parent involved in the planning. “We cannot give our children answers, and this uncertainty is unbearable for every family affected. All the children will leave school (Friday) and head to the Diocese for this peaceful expression because we are desperate for clarity and action from the Diocese.”

Key Concerns:
● The Diocese’s silence on Father Jay Mello’s removal has caused confusion and
emotional distress, particularly among the students of SMS, many of whom had close
relationships with Father Jay.
● Organizers are demanding transparency and answers regarding alleged accusations of
sexual misconduct that may have led to his removal.
● The peaceful expression is a direct call for accountability and communication from the
Church, whose continued silence is no longer acceptable to the community.

The release stated that “the peaceful demonstration will feature clear messaging such as, “Where is Father Jay?” and “We Demand Answers,” with students holding posters that express the emotional impact of Father Jay’s absence in their own words. The demonstration will remain peaceful, respectful, and focused on the well-being of the children under the Diocese’s care.”

“These are our children, and their confusion and distress are heartbreaking. If we don’t get answers, this pain will only deepen,” said one of the organizing parents. “We need action, and we need it now. The Diocese’s silence has only added to the emotional toll, and we will not stand by quietly any longer.”

The group states that adult supervisors and community volunteers will be on-site to ensure the safety of all participants, particularly the children involved. The event will follow local laws and peaceful assembly guidelines, with permits in place to ensure the demonstration remains orderly.

All organizers of this peaceful expression said, “This is not just about Father Jay Mello’s removal; it’s about the leadership’s responsibility to communicate and protect the integrity of our faith community. We demand transparency, and we won’t stop until we have answers.”