On its website, St. Michael Catholic Church in Livermore, CA, says that they “Celebrate the Sacraments, Grow Disciples and Bring Christ to People” but one of their Deacons, Rob Federle tweets the exact opposite, tweeting obscenities, espousing MAGA talking points and conspiracy theories, and most egregiously telling a gay person who was hurting in the wake of the Colorado Springs mass shooting that “being gravely disordered shouldn’t be a piece of cake.”
This is not only callous and cruel, it is antithetical to Pope Francis’ call for clergy to “smell like sheep.” While Deacon Federle has apologized, he has not deleted the tweet and he should be removed from ministry. His lack of compassion and empathy prove that he is incapable of preaching love for God and one another.
Contact Bishop Barber and Rev. Arcosa and ask that they remove Deacon Federle from ministry.
Fr. Carl Arcosa
Verónica Rosas, Executive Assistant to Bishop Barber
Suggested email:
Dear Bishop Barber and Rev. Arcosa,
Once again, our nation faces the tragedy of another mass shooting, this time at the Club Q nightclub in Colorado Springs, CO. This appears to be a targeted attack on the LGBTQ community. Instead of offering pastoral support to a gay person who was hurting, Deacon Rob Federle took it upon himself to tweet that “being gravely disordered shouldn’t be a piece of cake.”
There is absolutely no reason why Deacon Federle should be tweeting this and in fact this is a pattern of rude behavior and obscenity on the social media website. The tweet is not only callous and cruel, it is antithetical to Pope Francis’ call for clergy to “smell like sheep.” While Deacon Federle has apologized, he has not deleted the tweet and ultimately due to this tweet and past behavior on Twitter, he should be removed from ministry. His lack of compassion and empathy prove that he is incapable of preaching love for God and one another.
Thank you,
Name
Address
