See what can be had when the pastor isn't embezzling millions of dollars?^1,2

New-look Holy Cross ready - Asbury Park Press, 12/31/06:

"We've been talking about it for a decade. We had children who, when they were going into the fourth grade, were told they'd be in a new school."

Under the $3.5 million project, a new gymnasium / auditorium was built, which allowed for a two-story classroom wing for seventh- and eighth-graders.

Each classroom is set up for wireless computer access. Laptops are brought into any classroom as needed.

The room originally planned as a computer lab was changed to a presentation room with a state-of-the-art sound system, video projection and filming capabilities. It will be used for everything from student presentations to adult seminars.

Each classroom has an interactive center with screens and projectors hooked up to video and DVD systems.

"The next project is the church, but it will be a good year or so before we start."

¹ "Rumson priest faces 27-count indictment" - The Hub, 6/23/05

The alleged theft of more than $2 million has resulted in a 27-count grand jury indictment for the Rev. Joseph Hughes, former pastor of Holy Cross Church, Rumson.

² "Hughes released early, must make restitution" - The Hub, 12/14/06

Hughes was released on Nov. 29 after serving 180 days of a five-year sentence related to his conviction for filing fraudulent tax returns, failure to pay taxes and theft by deception.

Although Hughes did not admit to misappropriating more than $2 million of church funds between Jan. 1, 1997, and November 2004, he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Hughes had given much of the unaccounted-for money to others in need, such as David Rogers and his family.

Hughes reportedly paid for vacations for Rogers and his family, on which Hughes went along.

Hughes allegedly spent the money on expensive cars, lavish vacations, pricey dinners and jewelry.

The audit by the Diocese of Trenton, which led to the subsequent discovery of the financial discrepancies, was a result of Hughes’ decade-long plan to expand Holy Cross Church.

Hughes is still a priest but that he currently is not assigned to a parish.