To: Bishop Mulvey October 14, 2017

From: Members of St. Joseph Church, Port Aransas, TX

Subj: Removal of Fr. Kris Bauta

We received word that Fr. Kris had been removed as our beloved parish priest on
October 13, 2017, exactly seven weeks after our physical and spiritual community had been
ripped apart by a Cat 4 Hurricane Harvey. This is exactly the time when we need the absolute
stability of our church, led by Fr. Kris Bauta. From the day we began straggling back, Fr. Kris has
been there for us; he too suffering, but he has remained focused on keeping us together. He
knows us, and the broader community. He is exactly who we need as we begin our long road to
recovery.
So now, when we are at our lowest, and are the most vulnerable you have determined
that it was time for the removal of Fr. Kris. The timing is brutal, and is seemingly a calculated
move to inflict the most pain on a parish family that is still reeling from the devastation
wrought by Hurricane Harvey. As if this insult was not enough, you and your legal team then
directed parish staff to advise parishioners that you do not wish to be the contact for St
Josephs needs, thus leaving us adrift in our time of greatest need. Your actions are not one of
a caring and loving human being, and instead serve to inflame and anger us instead of providing
comfort.
Also, of note your callous disregard for our members needs reflects a complete
disconnect with the realities of this community, as you direct us to seek our pastoral needs
elsewhere. Many of our members lost homes, personal belongings, and even their carshow
will they seek solace when you have personally removed our rock and our stability in this tragic
time.
Let it be known that the St Josephs family is steadfast in our support for Fr. Kris; and
believe that this action is patently wrong and unjust, and clearly is not in alignment with the
teachings of the church.
This letter is not the last that the dioceses will receive from us as we seek answers to
this action to strip us of our leader. We will pursue answers and the reinstatement of Fr. Kris
and a public apology from you. Our love, faith and trust in Fr. Kris as our Priest and as our
friend is unquestionable.

//// SIGNED ////

See attached additional signatories