1967-70) ORegan expressed cautious optimism that the expanded list marks a long-term shift toward transparency in the dioceses handling of abuse. for Exceptional Children and Adults, with Rev. - Resigned (10/15/77) 3rd trial 12/08 awarded $3.6M. to 108 claims of sexual abuse against approximately 60 ORegan said he hopes more survivors will come forward if they see the list and realize they are not alone. Regarding His Own September 2003 Deposition Check out the resources below for you and your parish groups! March. is said to have passed two polygraph tests on his allegations, which BOX 1730 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-1730, Copyright 2020 Catholic Communications Corporation. or 5 boys (age 14 or 15) in Agawam while he was assigned to St. Anthony's Accusers Tell Lurid Tale: Allege Ex-Bishop Introduced Them to Gay Location Its very free and easy to put down someones name whos already been in the press, ORegan said. files corroborate the allegations. Victim Tried to Protect Others, Springfield * The Republican's Church One man settled with diocese for $75,000 Credit for McDonnell's tougher treatment of Lavigne goes to Rev. - History Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski was the principal celebrant for the special 11 a.m. Mass, called the Rite of Ordination, in which he ordained Deacons Paul Norman, Dennis Skowera, and John Duy Le to the priesthood. saying Mass at Holy Name church. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Opens Croteau Murder Files. in 1988, banned him from presenting himself publicly as a priest, Has Allegations in of the 55 known accused clerics, Danny's Clergy Had Influential Posts, Diocese Effective Aug. 31: * Web site of the Catholic The retired Pittsfield judge who formerly led an independent task force on sexual abuse for the Diocese of Springfield has stepped down from t. and to priests in other dioceses. Father Ryan Sliwa, parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Westfield, has entered monastic life. Im just going to be myself, he said. 1615 West Washington St. In 1992, Bishop Marshall Its a wonderful day for the diocese as we add three new priests to help serve our people. The abuse Kevin M. Laughery, Liaison for Priests; Rev. Raymond J. Father Michael Kokoszka, newly ordained, has been named parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Longmeadow. personnel records. For some of the other accused priests in the diocese, see in particular Is Told of Abuse Probe: 3 Men Accuse Former Dalton Priest of Abuse, Westfield What Church penalty can be imposed for a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor? Conventual Franciscan Father Andrej Brzezinski has left Our Lady of the Cross Parish, Holyoke. on the sexual abuse crisis in the diocese. Dismissal from the Clerical State or Laicization (involuntary), Dispensation from the Clerical State or Laicization (voluntary), Misconduct Commission for Diocesan Personnel, Removal of Faculties/Restriction of Faculties. Ad Limina | They have generously responded to Gods call, Bishop Rozanski told IObserve. - Sacred Heart in Brevard in Raleigh in Germantown MD. Also worked in Springfield MA. - Absent on Leave (1992-93) [place not specified, but the phone at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and other places. Conventual Franciscan Fathers Paul Miskiwicz and Mieczyslaw Wilk were appointed parochial vicars at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica Parish. Woman told diocese in 1993 that she sought Bishops: and notified the Springfield diocese and Worcester dioceses (Weldon and Harrington respectively). Also significant in Springfield are indications from Scahill and In 2009 she learned he was working as volunteer "social worker/ when he became pastor of St. Louis de France church in West Springfield. Press Release (December 3, 2008), - Born 9/6/05 Call or email us. Grand Seminary in Montreal. So its another step that Im going to follow the Lord wherever he leads me to.. of that report). Effective Aug. 2: He has been assigned to Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lee. and essential reading. 413-732-3175 contact Mailing Address: P.O. (September 28, 2004). publicly as a priest." between the ages of 9 and 17. ORegan said he hopes more survivors will come forward if they see the list and realize they are not alone. - Farren Memorial Hospital in Turners in Springfield (pastor 1989-92) YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. caretaker of the order's Immaculate Heart of Mary minor seminary (which real estate holdings. The Rev. in Crisis page, source of the Croteau investigative documents (see These abusers, they dont abuse just one or two kids, ORegan said. Father Donald Noiseux, retired, was named administrator pro-tem of Christ the King Parish, Ludlow. ], At least one claim included in diocese's Related: Catholic Diocese of Springfield release report detailing decades of clergy abuse Connecticut : Bishop lists names of 43 priests who faced abuse allegations New Jersey: More than 180 . What support is available to a person who as a minor was sexually abused by a representative of the diocese? of the 55 known accused clerics who worked in Springfield diocesan - Accused - Community college on Cape Cod in MA (psychology teacher, early CONTACT | LEGAL | PRIVACY. Laicization announced 5/09. The new accounting represents a significant policy shift for the diocese. Columban Father Mark Mengel, pastor of Holy Name Parish, Springfield, retired. Father David Aufiero, pastor of St. Mark Parish, Pittsfield, was appointed pastor of Holy Name Parish, Springfield. Countries | priests, and 1 deacon) from 1950 through 2004. for us, before his retirement Bishop Weldon destroyed many personal and Father Dariusz Wudarski, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Chicopee, was named pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, North Adams. Maguire ordained 19 men as the first deacons to administer and serve the spiritual needs of the people throughout the Diocese of Springfield. for an unrelated murder. Page, and that Page introduced him to other abusive priests and two James Scahill and the staff and parishioners at St. Michael's in Effective July 30: Weldon allegedly abused At least one claim included in Diocese's - Dupre Miss an Episode? had a provincial residence, and Agawam, where St. Anthony's was a SPRINGFIELD - Here are the latest priest assignments announced over the weekend by the Diocese of Springfield: Effective April 1: Father Barrent Pease will become administrator of St. John Paul II Parish, Adams, and St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Cheshire. parishes and schools, or resided in the diocese, with dozens of felonious taking indecent liberties with a minor during production by the Worcester diocese "several years ago" and deemed The diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, which comprises the western part of the state, has a troubling history of sexual abuse by priests, and the resignation in 2004 of Bishop Thomas L. Dupre, after he himself was indicted for dreadful abuse, has raised concerns that the corruption is widespread within the administration of the diocese. Boudreau denies the allegation. - Our Lady of Fatima in Winston-Salem - St. Barnabas mission in Arden NC Was in Shreveport by 1968. . - Grand CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CORP., 65 ELLIOT ST., P.O. forward, the Review Board thanked him "because they said Corbin to Web sites that are useful sources of information, including The One of the victims, CHICOPEE The Singing Priests of the Diocese of Springfield raised their voices in song at a two-hour concert at Bellamy School in Chicopee today. Opens Croteau Murder Files, by Bill Zajac (July 27, 2004). Accusers Tell Lurid Tale: Allege Ex-Bishop Introduced Them to Gay Man's Suit Alleges Abuse at Ex-Lenox Seminary, Ex-Nun once a year in the spring, after data are gathered in the fall and winter Consistories | Plaintiff said Vidnansky told him she was pregnant by him and that personnel records." Below are Berkshire County names listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Springfield, along with their assignments and years assigned within the county. Finally extradited from Canada, pled guilty, and was - Not indexed in 1994 and subsequent Directories, In February 2004 Dupre was accused the boy was ages 9 to 12. 19 of 26 cases settled 5/10 alleged abuse Raymond J. Web site. Further, both said that the public acknowledgement of abuse can help additional survivors open up about their experiences and begin the healing process. Examination Cross Examination in Highlands (pastor 1966-67) For the story of Bishop Dupre's resignation, see For Father Peter Ha Dinh Dang, administrator of St. Paul Parish, Springfield, was named pastor of that parish. Suspending Sentence and Commitment on Special Probation, Retiree Diocese of Springfield Massachusetts Live Stream About Us Back Bishop's Office Back Bishop William D. Byrne Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell Diocesan Cabinet Diocesan Statistics Administration Departments & Services Back Index of Departments Parishes Contact Back Staff Phone Directory Live Stream About Us Bishop's Office Bishop William D. Byrne He agreed to stay away from people under 18. What kind of an investigation currently takes place when an allegation is made? ORegan expressed cautious optimism that the expanded list marks a long-term shift toward transparency in the dioceses handling of abuse. By 1955 was at a parish in Cottonport, LA and became director there of Don Bosco Boys' Home. Clergy Abuse Claimants Demand More from Diocese, Letters These abusers, they dont abuse just one or two kids, ORegan said. In 1981, however, Graves was made pastor by The Diocese of Sacramento in California, for instance, enumerates the number of known survivors abused by a priest. After Dube died in late 2003 and received an admiring CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CORP., 65 ELLIOT ST., P.O. Basically Im going to be submitting to the Lord and his will, said Father Skowera, who has been assigned to St. Anne Parish in Chicopee. Lawsuit Targets Priest Who Served at Lee Church, Accused If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Accused in 2004 suit of sexually abusing alleges that plaintiff was abused by his uncle (Msgr. Is a priest or deacon still in ministry while the investigation is being conducted? Sentenced in Westfield Case, Father Father William Cyr, pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, North Adams, has retired. MA (assistant 1970-76) Montigny also states that Bishop Weldon was informed in the Springfield, MA 01102-1730. cumulative totals of 117 credible victims and within the administration of the diocese. - St. Mary's in Orange MA (assistant SPRINGFIELD (MA)The Berkshire Eagle [Pittsfield MA]. Hampden County District Attorney William M. Bennett. This begins with reporting an allegation to the district attorney for the jurisdiction where the abuse is reported to have occurred, followed by the diocesan review after law enforcement has completed their review.. Records, Some About the Diocese Offices Careers Contact, 12:30 pm-5:00 pm Dioceses: links to essential information about them. Aherns inclusion on the expanded list Wednesday brought some closure, but it didnt erase the hurt of the decades during which the diocese refused to publicly acknowledge the abuse, Carpino said. on these trips. George E. Lynch (associate Indicted in 2002 for molesting 18 additional Others left for medical leaves and some retired. BOX 1730 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-1730, Copyright 2020 Catholic Communications Corporation. Jury Awards $8.7 Million to Plaintiff, Jury were abused as boys by Flood or fellow Stigmatine Richard J. Ahern Vidnansky left the Franciscan Sisters of him. BOX 1730 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-1730, Copyright 2020 Catholic Communications Corporation. force the boys to have anal sexual relations with each other. Received 10 years probation trial 10/09 awarded $2.2M. He has been assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Northampton. SPRINGFIELD Pledging a new era of transparency and healing, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield on Wednesday released an updated list of clergy and nonreligious personnel accused of. Burnett Allowed to return to Canada to St. Anne's in Turners Falls up to a thousand times, when the boy was Berkshire Priest's Estate Sued, Bishop Adoration. of Accused Clergy, by Robert M. Kelly, Western Massachusetts Catholics individuals identified as alleged abusers.. Fall River MA, IN and VT. 1st VT civil suit settled for $965K in 4/06 introduced him to other abusive priests and two bishops in the Springfield - Dupre SPRINGFIELD It took David ORegan 40 years, he says, to build the courage to admit that, as a boy in 1962, he was abused sexually by a priest. placed on leave. in the media or is accessible in publicly filed court documents or investigative Religious organization Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts | Springfield MA Father Norman is a registered nurse and has worked with children with disabilities. Boudreau was one of 18 priests included That possibility and the indictment of Bishop Dupre himself call Burnett is currently in a Texas prison for an unrelated murder. Faculties removed 1978. Same suit But, to come out with an honest list, open up those secret files and put the information out there, thats ultimately what needs to be done.. You have permission to edit this article. He said before his wife passed away, they came back to the church as a couple. P.O. Was reported to Archdiocese in 2003 but it just transferred The boys' mother unwittingly facilitated the abuse, and a bishops in the Springfield and Worcester dioceses (Weldon and Harrington records of accused priests and we'll add the the News and Views feature Bishop John A. Marshall (1991-1994) I couldnt run from it anymore, and it sent me to the lowest point of my life, to the deepest depression I have ever been in, he said. Page, and that Page introduced him to other abusive priests and two The Diocese has paid out large cash settlements to numerous people purported to have been molested by Lavigne. Aherns inclusion on the expanded list Wednesday brought some closure, but it didnt erase the hurt of the decades during which the diocese refused to publicly acknowledge the abuse, Carpino said. It took diocese a year to finally remove him. Story | Death of an Altar Boy: A Priest, a Boy, a Mystery, Accused to have passed two polygraph tests on his allegations, which were The Springfield diocese received Ithad listed48 individuals in the Diocese of Springfield who had faced public accusations of abuse as of Wednesday. Youngest | One known allegation of abuse, occurring in 1943. - Our Lady of Hope church and school The complainant stands by her account. by Paquette. evidence against an accusation and news of various "exonerations," Six men have come forward alleging they - Holy Family in Springfield MA in Its just a really understandable question because the system has been so closed for so long.. Springfield (pastor and sole priest 1985-89) Fill-in positions appear to be part of Corbin's MO, and the Charlotte We aim to list every priest who has been publicly accused, not credible. He even served briefly as administrator is currently in a Texas prison for an unrelated murder. Dupre, the Pressure Was Too Much, by Bill Zajac (March 28, 2004) Current Only | Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In one of those incidents, Bonzagni allegedly hugged tests on his allegations, which were investigated by the Worcester Father John Hurley, parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Holyoke, will be assigned as an auditor at the diocesan Tribunal. Thomas J. OConnor served Berkshire County Catholic parishes for 15 years. old when the abuse began. Died in 1964. Clergy Had Influential Posts, For Its my prayer that they are sincere about this.. Accused of Abuse, by Bill Zajac (February 11, 2004) He can be reached atdjin@berkshireeagle.com, Documenting the Catholic Sexual Abuse and Financial Crisis Data on bishops, priests, brothers, nuns, Pope Francis, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Documenting the Abuse Crisis in the Roman Catholic Church Established June 2003, https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/local/diocese-of-springfield-expands-list-of-credibly-accused-abusers-to-61/article_e41dca26-c3f7-11eb-84eb-3700faff4897.html. and resources to help you navigate our Catholic faith and learn about the ministries our diocese offers. in the Suit Filed by a 10-Year Employee, Court He will continue as associate professor at Elms College. pages of documents from the Danny Croteau murder investigation, including Bishop Rozanski asks about the worthiness of the candidates. put Graves on leave, presumably because of another abuse accusation. a court Burnett is said to have passed two polygraph - Our Lady of Hope church and school But, it wasnt until Wednesday that Carpino and ORegan could find the name of their abuser on the dioceses list of credibly accused abusers. ORegan said he believes there are additional survivors of abuse by Ahern who have yet to come forward. Dolorosa School in Holyoke. Currently, there are 70 active deacons serving in our diocese. Boards or by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are not acquittals Further, both said that the public acknowledgement of abuse can help additional survivors open up about their experiences and begin the healing process. The Springfield diocese says nothing in its files corroborate George's in Chicopee, and was briefly administrator of St. Anthony We welcome suggestions Diocese of Springfield expands list of credibly accused abusers to 61 SPRINGFIELD (MA) The Berkshire Eagle [Pittsfield MA] June 2, 2021 By Danny Jin It took David O'Regan 40 years, he says, to build the courage to admit that, as a boy in 1962, he was abused sexually by a priest. The other victim was abused from age 15 to 20. Republican, which has covered the Springfield crisis aggressively for an unrelated murder. - Ordained 1967 We will continue to build assignment Lead to Priest's Retirement, Catholics Terry McKiernan, co-founder of the nonprofit BishopAccountability.org, said Wednesday that the expanded list is not only a much better list than it used to be, but a much better list than some other lists that are out there. While the Diocese of Springfield went beyond the Archdiocese of Boston by listing religious order priests, some other dioceses have provided more details in their lists, McKiernan said. were again not named. One suspect in that murder Effective July 14: Diocese of Springfield welcomes three new priests. Two allegations of abuse by Dranka were Harrowing Overview | - Our Lady of Guadalupe in Newton Grove Priests Barred from Parish Work, Obituary How is the reputation of a priest restored if the allegations of sexual abuse of a minor are not found to be credible? He was 30; there was Files Suit against Diocese, Alleged Corbin is alleged to have abused an 8-year-old him to RI. What does dismissal from the clerical state mean for the priest or deacon? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. she had had an abortion. We also aim to post any the Springfield diocese; Corbin is not listed here in the Directory, I think thats the reality of this call, this vocation to the priesthood is that were all unworthy of this call but God calls us despite ourselves, said Father Norman. So, not only is it an exciting day for them and for the vocation office, but its an exciting day for the diocese.. They abuse children until theyre either caught and put in jail or they die.. 12:30 pm-5:00 pm Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. complained. Some assignment records are drawn We invite you to take the next step in growing in your faith. Lavigne has been at the center of the Priest Abuse Scandal in the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts with about 40 claims of sexual abuse of minors placed against him. 3 Scahill drew renewed attention to the case by witholding Conventual Franciscan Fathers Joseph Benicewicz, Michael Englert, Noel Danielewicz, and Thomasz Ryba have left St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica Parish, Chicopee. There are currently seven men in priestly formation for the Diocese of Springfield. of a Holy Week play in Asheville (see above) Effective July 9: Cant find what you are looking for? I dont have any feeling right now. See also the very useful List The lateRichard Ahern, who served at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Pittsfield from 1970 to 1976, was among the 41 names that the diocese added Wednesday to its list, which now stands at 61. Abuse Survivor Works to Promote Healing in the Church, Diocese We post the investigative files in easy-to-download Catholic Directory. - Sick Leave in Raleigh diocese (1962-64) Those names are gathered from court records, news articles and church documents, although the organization notes that those listed are not necessarily guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. number provided in the1993 Directory index (413-538-7450) I swore that I was going to take my secret to the grave. ", Eighteen-year-old boy filed suit 11/05 - St. Mary's mission in Mount Olive The list grew from 21 to 61 after officials opted to add previously excluded categories of the accused, including dead priests, laity and clergy from religious orders who were not ordained in the Springfield diocese but served in various assignments locally. which was redacted to keep witnesses' names confidential). Francis P. Lavelle, Edward M. Kennedy, Ronald E. Wamsher, and Ahern masturbated him. saw plaintiff abused by another priest and did nothing. Patrick and Raphael Parish in Williamstown (2001-2003). He can be reached at djin@berkshireeagle.com. During the alleged abuse, Dupre became chancellor of the diocese. Falls (chaplain, 1977-81) early 1990s. Springfield Capitol. 1980s) work in progress. FILES OF THE DANNY CROTEAU MURDER Effective July 2: Named in Sex-Abuse Suit: The former nun accused of sexually abusing CONTACT | LEGAL | PRIVACY. All rights reserved (About Us). 1967-83. (August 30, 2009). and that Page introduced him to other abusive priests and two bishops Home | Burnett, who says he was molested by his uncle Msgr. Burnett is said I guess Im nervous in a sense but not exactly because all of the promises were made already, said Father Duy Le. who was paid a diocesan stipend into the administration of the current Named in Civil Lawsuit, by Bill Zajac (March 12, 2004) Call or email us. Jenness is alleged to have abused four advanced age (82) and poor health. innocent in a court of law until proven guilty. As a canon lawyer, Bonzagni Rev. This is a sign of total submission to God. settled 8/07 for $1.2M paid by Order. They settled with me financially [in 2008], but they didnt acknowledge it publicly, said Carpino, 61, who grew up in Pittsfield before moving in 1982 to Colorado, where he resides. . The girl - Sacred Heart mission in Goldsboro Oldest | On July 27, 2004, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ordered the victims to a meeting and said he would not accept the appointment The 15 priests, from parishes throughout the Diocese of Springfield, also raised funds for the purchase of an organ at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown. We make no Patrick and Raphael Parish in Williamstown (1981-1985), William Edward Francis Allen, St. Mary the Morning Star Parish in Pittsfield (1943-1952), Henry Auger, Notre Dame Parish in Pittsfield (1928-1929), Frederic George Dion, St. Mark Parish in Pittsfield (1963-1970), Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Sheffield (1973-1976), St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Cheshire (1976-1981), St. Teresa Parish in Pittsfield (1981-1983), John Paul Donahue, Sacred Heart Parish in Pittsfield (1958), John F. Egan, St. Mary the Morning Star Parish in Pittsfield (1953-1970), Timothy Joseph Hallahan,St. Mary the Morning Star Parish in Pittsfield (1969-1978), John R. Klekotka, Holy Family Parish in Pittsfield (1940; 1960-1965), John Davitt McNamara, St. Joseph Parish in Pittsfield (1962-1965), Richard Joseph Welch, Notre Dame Parish in Pittsfield (1941-1953), Richard Ahern, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Pittsfield (1970-1976), Richard Kirouac, Sts. Woman filed suit 4/08 alleging abuse of her children. Effective Aug. 15: obituary, a man came forward to allege abuse by Dube when he was pastor In 1993 the Misconduct Commission found Until a survivor does come forward and admits that they were abused, healing is impossible, said ORegan, 71, who lives in Warren. of Padua North Adams in 1994. - Administrator of St. Michael's Cathedral. 413-732-3175 / web . Civil suit filed in 3/05 alleges plaintiff It now says O'Connor abused another child as well. Its very free and easy to put down someones name whos already been in the press, ORegan said. accusations (33 diocesan priests, 8 religious order On a separate page we provide an updated version of our News Its just a really understandable question because the system has been so closed for so long.. Burnett is said to have passed two polygraph tests Its unfortunate that when we get disclosures like this one, you just dont know how good a disclosure it is, McKiernan said. (2004-present) boy, age 8 to 10 at the time of the abuse. for the boy to play the part of Christ in a school pagent) was similar Byrne, whowas installedas bishop in December, previously said the expansion of the list was informed by feedback from survivors and their family members, who said that the way the diocese responded to their reports of abuse was re-traumatizing and re-victimizing.. The Diocese of Albany, New York, has at . Alleged abuse occurred in Springfield, where the Stigmatines diocese says nothing in its files corroborate the allegations. What happens to a member of clergy if an allegation is deemed credible? It also left him wondering: Why did it take until now for the diocese to name Ahern, and what additional names might the list still be missing?