In April 2024, Juan Chavajay, former pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Canton, was accused of violating canons 1384, 1385, and 1386 of the Code of Canon Law. After these allegations, Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson removed Chavajay from ministry according to diocesan protocols. This action was taken while a canonical process was pending. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome authorized the process.
A judge and two assessors, who were not part of the Diocese of Jackson, oversaw the canonical trial. After the investigation, Chavajay was found guilty of the charges. The judge imposed the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state, also known as laicization. This penalty permanently prohibits Chavajay from serving or presenting himself as a priest.
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith reviewed and upheld the penalty. The final decision was confirmed in correspondence received on November 5, 2025. This made the dismissal permanent. During the proceedings, Chavajay had a canon lawyer and continued to receive his salary and benefits from the diocese…