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Index of Clergy Abuse in the Worcester Diocese.
INTRODUCTION
This report has been
assembled so the truth can be exposed and a collective copy of all clergy abuse
information can be produced.
Due to the quantity of
information it was determined that the House of Affirmation would not be
included. That facility would encompass an enormous report alone. The
hyperlink located on the web site Worcestervoice.com does contain information
concerning the facility.
The original format to
this document is electronic. All verifications of information are located on
hyperlinks on the web site at Worcestervoice.com. This document is a collection
of newspaper articles, personal accounts, factual evidence, and information
provided by concerned Catholics.
Worcester Diocese
original actions
In the Diocese of
Worcester in the late 80’s, clergy abuse became almost epidemic. Father Justin Steponaitis, a former Worcester parish priest, and Father Victor Frobas, who had
served a Worcester parish years before while receiving treatment at the House of
Affirmation, were accused of molesting young boys; Fathers Joseph Fredette and
David Holley were formally charged in multi-count indictments with sexually
abusing many young boys. Father Robert Kelley, of Gardner, received a
five-to-seven-year prison sentence, in 1990, Monsignor Leo Bartista, of
Worcester, was accused by a nun, who had gone to him for counseling, of
exploiting her sexually-she claimed that on one occasion he had sex with her
just after she attempted suicide.
The diocese responded to
this spate of cases by publishing a chancery phone number that could be called
to report suspected child abuse. Bishop Harrington set up a pastoral care
committee to overview the abuse situation.
Bishop Harrington proclaimed that no child abuser would be assigned to
parish work, but that promise, while welcome, seemed hollow. Obviously, no
convicted child molester would be assigned to a parish, but what of other
priests, who only had "ghosts"? The burden of proof was still on the victim.
While the diocese promised an approach that was "personal and pastoral," there
were no offers of counseling or therapy to alleged victims.
All the stories of sexual
molestation by priests were on the front pages of the Worcester Telegram &
Gazette.
With the ability to
project an illusion of utmost concern by Bishop Harrington, the majority of
Worcester Catholic’s were outraged at the media for exposing such heinous crimes
committed by clergy against children. The exposing of these priestly sins were
seen as sacrilegious by most Catholics. The media received numerous complaints
about printing the stories.
In 1990 after Rev Kelley
was convicted in Worcester Superior court and his picture appeared handcuffed
and in tears on the front page of the telegram, 100
priests sent a letter which they paid to have printed in the telegram to
show dissatisfaction with the actions of the news media. If they had been told
the truth that Rev Kelley admitted to 50-100 incidents just at St Cecelia, would
they have signed their name? Had they known on Rev Kelley’s first assignment in
Notre Dame sexual abuse accusations were made, but were discarded as the ranting
of a child? Perhaps if they had known the truth or had the courage to expose
the truth, we would not be faced with the magnitude of abuse we see today.
But what of those who did
attempt to seek accountability from the church? Many were given stores and sent
on their way. Others faced grueling accusations from legal council representing
the church. Some were asked if they enjoyed the abuse. Other were left to deal
with the pain and isolation shunned from their Christian community.
The following are some
real life accounts of early interaction with the Worcester diocese and Bishop
Timothy J. Harrington concerning clergy abuse:
The
mother of the alleged victim said that Rev. Messier was caught sexually abusing
her 9-year-old son in 1980 at a camp in Charlton that was owned by the priest's
family. The mother, who lived in Worcester at the time, reported the alleged
abuse
The woman, who declined to be named publicly, said that Bishop Harrington
assured her and the therapist that Rev. Messier would never be in a position to
have contact with children again and would receive treatment. The priest was
removed from Sacred Heart Parish in Worcester, but later was assigned to three
other parishes. He has been serving at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Athol and
St. Peter's Parish in Petersham. He also is chaplain of the Athol Fire
Department.
He (Mr.
Allen) said he reported the situation to the “hot
line'' established by the diocese in the early 1990’s. “I got no help
there,'' he said. “They just wanted to know who I had told and when and whether
any other priests knew about it,'' according to Mr. Allen.
A
Worcester Superior Court judge barred Mr. Reardon (Worcester diocese attorney)
who is now deceased … from future depositions in the Gagne case, finding the
lawyer ``repeatedly disrupted the depositions by raising improper objections,
instructing the witnesses not to answer questions without justification and
even, on one occasion, by threatening the witness ... with legal consequences if
he answered the particular questions.''
Mr.
Houle said last week that the Catholic Diocese of Worcester had known of Rev.
Frobas' tendencies since at least the fall of 1978. After Rev. Frobas sexually
molested him in the St. Rose rectory, Mr. Houle said, he told his parents that
night. Mr. Houle said he and his parents spoke the next day to then-Auxiliary
Bishop Timothy J. Harrington and, a few days later, to the director of the House
of Affirmation.
“I told
them exactly what Frobas had done to me,'' Mr. Houle said. “Harrington said,
`You don't have to go to the authorities.' He promised that he would deal with
the matter. I never was an altar boy again. I found out much later that Frobas
stayed several more months and molested more boys.''
Judge
Daniel Toomey had affirmed that “the diocese is liable for the acts and
omissions of defendants O'Donoghue, Flanagan, Inzerillo and Harrington.''
criticized the diocese for having “no formalized procedures for dealing with
allegations of sexual misconduct by priests from 1959 through 1994.''
Worcester
Diocese current actions
It is
the conclusion of this report that the Worcester dioceses, under the direction
of Bishop Daniel P. Reilly has been actively hiding past and present clergy
abuse since his ordination in the Worcester Dioceses in 1994. It has become
vividly apparent that this clergy abuse crisis has been occurring for more than
20 years within our diocese.
During
the quiet years from 1992 to 2002 until the scandal broke again nationally. The
Worcester Dioceses aggressively dissuaded some victims with threats and
intimidations from coming forward. Others were given monetary settlements with
conditions of forced silence. Sadly, others were lied to about the reassigning
of clergy member who were simply transferred to another Dioceses. All
horrendous enough at face value but most despicable is the fact that through the
years the Worcester Dioceses funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars of
Diocesan money to protect abusive clergy members, not for the safety of children
but for the self serving protection of their own members and the reputation of
the Catholic Church.
With the full knowledge
that no legal means of accountability was available for his prosecution, Bishop
Reilly reigned within the Worcester
diocese with uncharitable supremacy leaving many a devastated Catholic soul in
his wake.
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly
upon the breaking of the current clergy abuse crisis in the Catholic Church
initiated the standard action of projecting false information.
Sunday February 10, 2002, Bishop Reilly issued a letter showing remorse and concern. The
reality is on February 12, 2002 Bishop Reilly presented
erroneous facts to Pastor John
Doran of St Leo about the reassignment of Rev. Peter Inzerillo. With full
knowledge this information was false, Bishop Reilly
allowed Father Doran to recall incorrect information to his parish.
Monsignor F. Stephen Pedone, a canon lawyer who serves as diocesan judicial
vicar in the Worcester dioceses said he knows of no active priests in the
diocese who are suspected of sexual abuse, on January 15, 2002.
The
removals:
Rev
John J. Bagley
The bishop
(Reilly) said he learned in this conversation with the man that the late Bishop
Timothy J. Harrington was told of the sexual misconduct in 1994 ``but that was
as far as either party had taken it.'' Rev. Bagley in 1994 was reassigned by
Bishop Harrington from Our Lady of the Angels parish in the city to the North
Grafton parish.
Rev
Lee F Bartlett
Mr. Cote
said Father Bartlett would invite about a half-dozen young boys to the rectory,
where they would watch Monty Python movies and drink beer and mixed drinks. On
weekends, he began bringing the boys to his home in Eastham, where he would set
up a projector in the living room and show X-rated movies. In addition Rev Lee
F Bartlett also took Mr. Cote and another boy to an X-rated drive-in and
encouraged the boy to masturbate in the back seat
Rev
Gerard Walsh
Raymond L.
Delisle, spokesman for the diocese, said Mr. Bedard made an allegation in 1998
that was investigated by the diocese. Rev. Walsh ``vehemently denied'' the
allegation at that time, he said. ``It became a he said versus he said
situation,'' Mr. Delisle said. The diocese did not have enough information to
warrant removing Rev. Walsh at that time, he said.
Rev. Walsh
admitted to the abuse in a letter he signed last Friday. Mr. Bedard said Rev.
Walsh showed him a sexually explicit picture, gave him alcoholic beverages to
drink and touched his genitals on more than one occasion while they were
involved in what he called "friendly wrestling.''
Rev
Peter J. Inzerillo
In his deposition
in 1996, Rev. LaBaire said that a man who did not wish to be publicly identified
spoke of an “inappropriate interaction'' with Rev. Inzerillo that repulsed him
and made him uncomfortable.
Rev. LaBaire also
recalled that, before his deposition, he asked Rev. Sullivan whether Bishop
Reilly wanted to speak to him about it.
The answer was,
“Absolutely not”, Rev. LaBaire said, adding that the bishop apparently was
concerned with legal ramifications. Since then, he said he was disappointed that
no diocesan leader has ever spoken to him about his testimony regarding Rev.
Inzerillo.
Mr.
Gagne released a copy of the settlement agreement to the parents that showed the
diocese paid $150,000 to Mr. Gagne, while Travelers Insurance paid another
$150,000 as settlement.
Rev
Chester Devlin
The incidents are alleged
to have happened in the early 1980’s,
According to the suit, Rev. Devlin gave Mr.
Laconte alcoholic beverages and "used his position as a priest and a teacher" to
gain Mr. Laconte's confidence……..Rev. Devlin is the third priest to be named by
former male students of Holy Name as an alleged sexual abuser.
Rev Raymond P Messier
Messier was caught
sexually abusing her 9-year-old son in 1980 at a camp in Charlton that was owned
by the priest's family. The woman, who declined to be named publicly, said that
Bishop Harrington assured her and the therapist that Rev. Messier would never be
in a position to have contact with children again and would receive treatment.
The priest was removed from Sacred Heart Parish in Worcester, but later was
assigned to three other parishes.
She was recently
shocked to learn that Rev. Messier was a pastor in Athol and Petersham.
Rev. Joseph A. Coonan
The Diocese of Worcester has placed the
Rev. Joseph A. Coonan, pastor of St. John parish in Worcester, on administrative
leave, based on allegations of sexual abuse of minors dating back to the 1970s
before he entered the priesthood. 15 victims have made police reports presenting
inappropriate behavior.
Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon
A
Westboro priest says he reported a parishioner's sexual abuse claim against Rev.
Jean-Paul Gagnon to his superiors 16 years ago and never heard another word
about it until the alleged victim filed a lawsuit over the matter late last
year.
Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger
The Worcester diocese is
the only diocese in the United States
that has a current active bishop with sexual abuse allegations pending. The
Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger remains in good standings.
The upcoming release of both Bishop George E. Rueger and
Bishop
Daniel P. Reilly’s depositions will illuminate the real attitude of our bishops
towards acknowledging the responsibility of the priest with regards to having
sex with children. Attorney Daniel J. Shea with his theological law approach
presents a religiously dangerous opponent. This is why the Worcester Diocese
filed the emergency protective order. The testimony is protected under a court
order issued by Superior Court Judge Mary Lou Rupp and we await her ruling on
the release of public information. We had hoped to have the ruling previous to
the release of this report however that was legally possible.
Presented evidence now proves that Bishop Reilly and the Worcester Diocese did
have previous knowledge of sexual abuse allegation against five (5) of the seven
(7) priest removed but took no action to protect children until the information
became public. His predecessor, Bishop Harrington took the same actions. This
protection of the church reputation in direct contradiction to the safety of
children is inexcusable by any Bishop in the Catholic Church.
Operation of the
chancery
Bishop
Daniel P. Reilly
Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger
Msgr
Edmond T. Tinsley Director of Fiscal Affairs
Msgr
Thomas Sullivan is chancellor and Director of Vocations
Sadly,
though the Worcester Diocese bishops may have changed, the
operational structure
of the Worcester diocese had not. Acknowledging a greater degree of shamefulness
for actions from within the chancery. This clergy sexual abuse was well known
and our chancery officials who used every tactic available to protect
themselves and not the children.
Bishop
Daniel P. Reilly is a very smooth and polished public relations man. For years
this charisma has allowed his projection of false information regarding child
sexual abuse allegations, with a blessing and a smile. Bishop Reilly’s
involvement in sexual abuse allegations can also be traced back to his two
earlier assignments in Norwich Connecticut and Providence Rhode Island. Bishop
Reilly in March of 2002 steadfastly refused to remove reassigned Rev Inzerillo.
Bishop Reilly projected false information to Pastor Doran in a calculated
attempt to deceive the St Leo parish. It was not until Mr. Edward Gagne took
the courageous step of releasing his confidential settlement, proving Rev
Inzerillo was a named defendant did Bishop Reilly grant Rev Inzerillo’s removal.
Bishop Reilly’s deceleration that the abuse of a young adult would be any less a
violation was an insult to every honorable parent in the St Leo parish. Bishop
Reilly has continued to fail to address the local advocates request to release
all personnel records so real and meaningful healing may begin. Bishop Reilly
having first given his word to establishing open lines of communication, has
recently refused association with all local advocates.
Msgr
Edmond T. Tinsley Director of Fiscal Affairs, and registered social worker had
been traced back twenty years in Worcester Diocese clergy abuse history. His
name appears on clergy abuse settlements, depositions, visitation records in the
Gardner prison, meetings with victims, and on documents placed in personnel
files in reference to clergy sexual abuse. Msgr Tinsley as a mandated reporter
chose not to notify the Department of Social Service in reference to clergy
sexual abuse. Rather Msgr Tinsley protected the reputation of the Catholic
Church with all due diligence. Msgr Tinsley for many years turned a blind eye to
the pain and suffering of our children. From all documentation available Msgr
Tinsley involvement in covering up of the clergy abuse scandal within the
Worcester Diocese is the most notable.
Msgr
Thomas Sullivan has been identified as approaching clergy abuse victims and
offering monetary payments in return for the signing of confidential agreements,
resolving the individual priest and the Worcester Dioceses Catholic Church of
all legal responsibilities. Meticulously Msgr. Sullivan would spin a version of
personal sickness, unknown previous sexual violations to the diocese all with
the deliberate purpose to entice the victim to sign. The “Voice” in conjunction
to the victim’s statements have received independent verification of this action
by Msgr. Sullivan from the Massachusetts State Police. In addition, as his
position of liaison to the district attorney’s office currently Msgr Sullivan is
involved in a legal controversy questioning the truthfulness of his statements
recently made under oath involving clergy abuse allegations.
Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger who is the official keeper of the
records for the
Worcester diocese would bear the responsibility to record accusations of clergy
abuse accusation. With a complete understanding that a clergy member from
within the Worcester diocese had made sexual accusations against a fellow
priest, Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger failed to see that this information
was place in the proper personal record. This failure then becomes paramount in
the ability of the church to be held responsible for previous knowledge that
accusations were made. In addition Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger wrote a
letter to a diocese in forth Worth, Texas, in 1988 to accept Rev. Thomas Teczar
a priest from the Worcester diocese who had been
accused of sexual abuse “Our diocesan attorney has advised
that Father Teczar be incardinated immediately in the diocese of
Fort
Worth. Pursuant to this advice, the bishop would be anxious for us to undertake
this process." The lawyer he referred to in the Sept. 13, 1988,
letter was the late James Reardon of Worcester. Today Rev. Thomas Teczar sits in
Texas awaiting trial on charges on sexual abuse of a minor.
Earlier civil cases
against Priest in the Worcester Diocese
Jennifer
Kraskouskas Rev Robert E. Kelley
Sacred Heart in
Gardner
David Lewcon
Rev Thomas Tezar
St
Mary in Uxbridge
Mark D. Barry
Rev.Thomas A. Kane
St. Mary's Church
in Uxbridge
Edward
Gagne
Rev Brendan W. O'Donoghue
Our Lady of the
Rosary in Spencer
Rev Peter Inzerillo
St Anthony in
Fitchburg
Barry
Houle
Rev. Victor A. Frobas,
St. Rose of Lima in
Northboro
Robert
Marlo
Rev. Victor
A. Frobas
St. Rose of Lima in
Northboro
Philip A. Saviano
Rev. David A.
Holley
St. Denis Parish in
East Douglas
Jim Kane
Rev. Robert A.
Shauris
St Bernard's
Central High School in Fitchburg
Anonymous Female
Rev.
Thaddeus J. Kardas
St. George Church
in Worcester
Carol McCormick
Rev. Thaddeus J.
Kardas
St. George Church
in Worcester
Cynthia
Desrosiers
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
Notre Dame Parish
in Southbridge
Anonymous Male
Rev. Justin Steponaitis
St. Francis of
Assisi Church in Athol
Anonymous Female
Monsignor Leo Battista
Director of Catholic
Charities in Worcester
Anonymous Male
Father Provost
St Joseph's youth
group in Gardner pool
Criminal, Civil or
Public accusation since January 2002
Joseph
Cote
Rev Lee F Bartlett
St Leo in Leominster
Kevin
Donnelly
Rev Lee
F Bartlett
St Leo in Leominster
Craig Lecaire
Rev. Brendan W. O'Donoghue
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Spencer
Rev. Norman Jalbert
Holy Name Central
Catholic High School
William Allen
Rev. David L. Blizard
St. Roch parish in
Oxford
Stephen J. Saucier
Rev. David L. Blizard
Holy Angles in Upton
John Doe
Rev Raymond P Messier
St. Joan of Arc Parish
in Worcester
James Coe
Rev Raymond P Messier
St. Joan of Arc Parish
in Worcester
Robert Roe
Rev Raymond P Messier
St. Joan of Arc Parish
in Worcester
Simie Brario
Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger
Our Lady of
Lourdes Church
in Worcester
Robert Marlo
Rev. David L. Blizard
St. Roch parish in Oxford
Todd
Hammond
Rev.
Joseph A. Coonan
High
school teacher in Worcester
Kevin Miller
Rev.
Joseph A. Coonan
Summer
camp in Oxford
Ken
Miller
Rev.
Joseph A. Coonan
Summer
camp, in Oxford
Nicolas
O. Ledu
Rev. Joseph A. Coonan
Crisis
Center in Oxford
Kevin Doe
Monsignor Richard J. Carelli
Sacred
Heart Academy in Worcester
Joseph M. Laconte
Rev
Chester Devlin
Holy Name in Worcester
Tim Staney,
Joseph & Corinne Staney
Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon,
Holy Name of Jesus parish
Raymond Tremblay
Holy
Name of Jesus parish in Wrocester
John Doe
Rev. Rev. Henry S. Banach
St. Hedwig's parish in
Southbridg
Robert
Roe
Rev. Rev. Henry S. Banach
Richard Roe
Rev. Rev. Henry S. Banach
St Hedwig's parish in
Southbridge
Claire
Baillargeon Groccia
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
Notre Dame Parish in
Southbridge
Jane
Martin
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
Notre Dame Parish in
Southbridge
Anonymous
Female
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
St. Bonafice Parish in
Lunenburg
Karen Pedersen
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
St Bonafice Parish in
Lunenburg
Heather Mackey
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
St Cecilia Parish in
Leominster
Nicole Cormier
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
St Cecilia Parish in
Leominster
Debbie A. Doucet
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
St Cecilia Parish in
Leominster
Diane Gallian
Rev Robert E.
Kelley
St Cecilia Parish in
Leominster
Denise Hanrahan
Rev Robert E. Kelley
St Cecilia Parish in
Leominster
Anonymous Male
Rev. Raymond P. Messier
Family camp in Charlton
Anonymous Male
Rev. John J. Bagley
Christ the King in
Worcester
Thomas
Bedard
Rev
Gerard Walsh
Our
Lady of the Lake parish in Leominster
Bryan
Smith
Rev.
Donald J. Rebokus,
Holy Name High school in Worcester
Anonymous Male
Rev. Paul Desilets
Bellingham
Anonymous Male
Rev
William H. Ducharme
St Joseph in Worcester
Anonymous Female
Brother Lewis Laperle
Notre Dame in Fitchburg
Joseph
M. Laconte
Rev. Chester Devlin
Anonymous Male
Rev. John J. Szantyr
Our Lady of Czestochowa in Worcester
Anonymous Male
Rev Lee F. Bartlett
St Leo in Leominster
Jim Kane
Rev. Robert A. Shauris
St.
Bernard's High School in Fitchburg
Raymond Plante Jr.
Norman Jalbert
Holy Name Central Catholic
High School
Criminal
or civil accusations Worcester Diocese
Rev. Henry Banach Rev. Leo Batisita
Rev. Thomas Teczar Rev. Donald Rebokus
Rev. Edward Nicewicz Rev. Robert Kelley
Rev. Norman Jalbert Rev. Brion Ares
Rev. Gerald Walsh Rev. Ronald
Provost
Rev. Chester Devlin Rev. Donalt Jette
Rev. David Blizzard Rev. Bernared
Bissonette
Rev. Lee Bartlett Rev. Justin
Steponaitis
Raymond
Tremblay Rev. William H. Duchame
Rev.
Jean-Paul Gagnon Brother Lewis Leperel
Rev. Joseph Coonan
Monsignor Richard J. Carelli
Rev. Raymond Messier Rev. Victor Frobas
Rev. John Szantyr Rev. David Holley
Rev. Lee Barlett Rev. Thaddeus
Kardas
Br Joseph Fredette Rev. Brendan
O’Donoghue
Rev. John Bagley Rev. Thomas Kane
Rev. Peter Inzerillo Rev. Robert
Shauris
Auxiliary Bishop George Rueger
Worcester Diocese
policies
The office of healing is
directed by Ms Patricia O’Leary Enghdal and came into operation June of 2002.
This office had claimed interaction with eight (8) clergy abuse victims only.
Victim support is directed by Ms Frankie Nugent. The office is designed to
follow the charter presented by the American Bishops.
Charter for the
Protection Of Children And Young People
With a firm determination to
resolve this crisis, we bishops commit ourselves to a pastoral outreach to
repair the breach with those who have suffered sexual abuse and with all the
people of the Church. We renew our determination to provide safety and
protection for children and young people in our church ministries and
institutions. We pledge ourselves to act in a way that manifests our
accountability to God, to his people, and to one another in this grave matter.
We commit ourselves to do all we can to heal the trauma that victims/survivors
and their families are suffering and the wound that the whole Church is
experiencing. We acknowledge our need to be in dialogue with all Catholics,
especially victims and parents, around this issue. By these actions, we want to
demonstrate to the wider community that we comprehend the gravity of the sexual
abuse of minors.
The pastoral review
committee, which was set up by Bishop Reilly to review clergy abuse allegation,
this committee has no actual power and serves in an advisory capacity only.
Pastoral
Care Committee
Mr. Raymond Delisle,
Diocesan Director of Communications
Dr John Duggan M.D.,
retired pediatrician
Sr Rose Clarisse
Gadoury, SSA,
*Mr David Higgins, Exc
Dir Community Health link
*Sr Paula Kelleher, SSJ
Dr. John Madonna, ED.D
*Mrs. Francis Nugent,
M.A. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
*Msgr. F. Stephen Pedone,
Judicial Vicar
*Mrs. Sylvia Pusateri,
Esq.
*Most Reverend George E.
Rueger
*Mrs. Elizabeth Reidy
M.S.W.., LICSW
*Mrs. Eileen Scannell DSS
retired
*Msgr Thomas Sullivan,
chancellor and Director of Vocations
*Msgr Edmond T. Tinsley
Director of Fiscal Affairs
Consultant to the
Committee
Mrs. Patricia Enghdal,
Director Office of Healing
*denotes members of the
initial review board also.
This information will be
submitted to the Pastoral Care Committee at the next meeting. It will be the
responsibility of the Pastoral Care Committee to study the report and to advise
the bishop with reference to the specific allegation and the recommended act to
be taken.
The
Initial Review Committee
In consultation with the
Pastoral Care Committee, the Bishop has established an Initial Review Committee,
which will receive initial complaints or report of the sexual abuse for minors
by diocesan and parochial personnel. They will support and assist complainants
in preparing a signed, written report of the allegation being made. The members
of the Initial Review Committee are also responsible for making all
notifications as outline in the procedure that follow.
Two members of the
Initial Review Committee will meet with the complainant, and a written report of
the allegation will be prepared. The report will then be signed by the
complainant.
The members of this
committee are selected by the Bishop of Worcester from the larger Pastoral Care
Committee
Policy Review Board:
There will be an
independent Policy Review Board appointed by the Bishop, This Policy Review
Board will assist the Bishop in supervising and assuring the effective
functioning of the Pastoral Care Committee and The Initial Review Committee, as
well as the effectiveness of The Diocesan Policy and the Sexual Abuse of
Minors.
The Policy Review Board
will evaluate, at least annually, the performance of the Pastoral Care Committee
and its Initial Review Committee. The Policy Review Board will review annually
The Diocesan Policy and the Sexual Abuse of Minors and recommend appropriate
revisions and amendments.
The Worcester diocese
doe not list the names of the members of this committee.
Chronological
outline of events January 13, 2002 to July 12, 2003
January:
The Boston Globe spotlight team breaks the story of Fr Paul Stanley in the
archdiocese of Boston beginning the national exposure to clergy abuse crises of
American bishops who have engaged in a pattern of
conspiracy that covered up sexual abuse of children and teenagers for decades
within the Catholic Church. January 13, 2002 the first Worcester Telegram
article appears reminding us in a deposition in 1995, the late Bishop Timothy J.
Harrington admitted that he had received some 30 complaints of sexual
abuse—involving about 20 priests. When asked if he did anything to ensure that
these priests had no unsupervised contact with children. The bishop offered this
awkward response: “I took them from active ministry when—when they admitted
their misbehavior, or when—let me see what other reasons I’d say—or their—their
cases became public.”
February: Bishop Reilly
issues letter to all parishes to show the illusion of corrective actions and
remorse. Diocese refuses to forward names to DA. Bishop Reilly makes erroneous
statement to Pastor at St Leo to hide reassignment of Rev Peter Inzerillo.
2/10 Faced with mounting media coverage of the clergy abuse
scandal Bishop Reilly issues a letter to all parishes to be read Sunday Bishop
Reilly states, “it is important that I write to you about a serious matter
troubling our Church that is being widely discussed in the media, that is, child
sexual abuse by some priests. I do so with a sad heart and a sense of duty but
also with great concern for your personal welfare and that of your families,
friends and fellow parishioners”.
2/10 Rev. Teczar, accused in a lawsuit filed in 1996 by Mr.
David Lewcon in Worcester Superior Court of repeated sexual abuse of a teen-age
boy more than 20 years earlier at St. Mary’s Church in Uxbridge.
2/12 The Catholic Diocese of Worcester announced that it
will not forward the names of priests accused of sexual abuse to the Worcester
District Attorney’s office.
2/14 District Attorney Conte, said he has not been
told by diocesan officials whether or not they will comply with his request. “I
expect to be hearing soon,” he said.
2/14 Rev. LaBaire
recalled that, before his deposition, he asked Rev. Sullivan whether Bishop
Reilly wanted to speak to him about it. “The answer was, ‘Absolutely not,’ “Rev.
LaBaire said, he was disappointed that no diocesan leader has ever spoken to him
about his testimony regarding Sexual abuse allegation against Rev. Inzerillo.
2/15 Worcester Dioceses Bishop
Daniel P. Reilly knowing mislead Fr John E. Doran, Pastor of St Leo parish by
projecting misleading and false information addressing the past sexual abuse
allegations against Rev Peter Inzerillo, by attempting
to blame the media for writing lies.
2/19 The Rev. John J. Bagley, former chancellor for
the Catholic Diocese of Worcester and a former official at the Vatican, was
removed from his pastorship at St. Mary’s parish in North Grafton
2/26 A lawsuit filed in 1993 by Mark D. Barry, who
accused the Rev. Thomas A. Kane of molesting him over several years, starting in
1968 when Mr. Barry was 9 years old…. The October 1995 settlement is signed by
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly and Monsignor Edmond T. Tinsley of the Worcester
Diocese. Mr. Barry was awarded $42,500.
March: Dioceses again refuses
to releases clergy information to the District Attorney John J. Conte. Three
Priests removed from active duty, Rev. Bartlett, Rev Walsh, and Rev Inzerillo
for inappropriate sexual abuse allegations.
3/1 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester has not
complied with a request to release the names of priests accused of sexual abuse
and their accusers, according to District Attorney John J. Conte.
3/17 The Rev. Lee F. Bartlett, the popular and
high-profile pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish on Cambridge Street in
Worcester is removed for sexual accusation dating back to 1977.
3/18 The days of pay, pray and obey are over, He
will be gone or there will be consequences,'' Mr. Shea said as to the continued
assignment of associate pastor Rev. Peter J. Inzerillo. Parents were misled by
the Rev. John E. Doran, pastor of St. Leo's, who allegedly told them the diocese
never paid a settlement involving Rev. Inzerillo. Bishop
Reilly’s falsehood was exposed with the release of the confidentiality
settlement by Mr. Edward Gagene
3/20
In a prepared statement, Mr. Delisle said that during the past three weeks,
‘senior staff people at the bishop's office … along with the pastor of St. Leo
parish and the principal of St. Leo school, have been speaking with parents and
parishioners about …Fr. Peter Inzerillo. It is apparent with Fr Doran’s note of
February 15, 2002, that Bishop Reilly made erroneous statements to Fr Doran,
3/21 The Rev. Gerard P. Walsh, a Catholic chaplain
of the Massachusetts State Police, and assignment at St. Roch’s Church in Oxford
was removed from duty by the Worcester diocese. Rev. Walsh Confession was faxed
to Bishop by DA. The Diocese of Worcester had been notified years earlier of
these sexual abuse allegations but took no action.
3/27
Bishop Reilly places Rev. Inzerillo on leave.
APRIL: Indictment of a Bellingham Priest Rev. Paul Desilets
in Canada.
Two victims of Rev David Blizzard come forward. Worcester Priest Rev. Chester J.
Devlin removed for sexual abuse allegations.
4/5,
William Allen, who once intended to become a priest in the Catholic Diocese of
Worcester, has told the Telegram & Gazette that he was sexually abused by the
Rev. David L. Blizard when the priest was assigned to St. Roch parish in Oxford
4/13 The Rev. Paul Desilets, 78, now living in a
Canadian rest home, was indicted by a Worcester County grand jury yesterday on
charges that he sexually assaulted 18 young men and boys in Bellingham.
4/13 Naval Chief Petty Officer Stephen J. Saucier of
Upton told the Telegram & Gazette this week that Rev. Blizard attempted to
sexually assault him during an overnight stay at Holy Angels rectory in Upton.
4/21
Conte, refuses to disclose clergy abuse numbers.
To me
it doesn’t matter if there’s one or 100. If there is one, that is bad enough,”
said Ann Mangold, who has a child enrolled at St. Leo Elementary School in
Leominster. “They should let the people know how many there are.”
4/25 Hours after Bishop Daniel P. Reilly was subpoenaed to
a state Department of Social Services hearing where he would have faced
questions about sexual abuse by priests, the DSS cancelled the hearing and
dropped a yearlong inquiry into child neglect charges against a Leominster family.
4/30 The Rev. Chester J. Devlin, who headed the Respect
Life office for the Catholic Diocese of Worcester, has been removed by Bishop
Daniel P. Reilly from his assignment at St. Bernadette parish in Northboro.
MAY: Worcester
DA gains the release of clergy abuse records by the issuing of a grand Jury
subpoena. Rev Kelley arraigned, held on bail then released on personal
recognizance. E-mail address is set up for communication with the Worcester
Voice. Rev. Raymond P. Messier is accused of inappropriate sexual behavior.
Bishop Reilly is subpoenaed in the Rev Kelley case. First attempt to depose
Bishop Reilly since the clergy abuse crisis broke.
5/3 DA Conte said the diocese turned over a large amount of
information in the past 21/2 weeks after being issued a grand jury subpoena.
57 The Rev. Robert E. Kelley, a former priest in the
Catholic Diocese of Worcester who went to jail in 1990 after pleading guilty to
raping a young girl, was charged yesterday with raping another girl when he was
assigned to St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster.
5/9
Three women have filed a civil suit against the Catholic Diocese of Worcester
and two priests who served at St. Cecilia by Rev. Robert E. Kelley. They are
Nicole Cormier of Fitchburg, Debbie A. Doucet of Leominster and Heather Mackey
of Tewksbury.
5/12
Central Mass. priest abuse victims band together “I think once it starts, it
will really get rolling,” Mrs. Jean said. “I think the more that people get
together; the more stories
will
come out. There’s definitely comfort in numbers.”
5/16
The Rev. Raymond P. Messier, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Athol and
St. Peter’s Church in Petersham, is accused of having had inappropriate sexual
contact with a 9-year-old boy when he was serving at Sacred Heart Church in
Worcester in the early 1980s
5/17
Rev. Kelley’s bail set high, then gone Assistant District Attorney William M.
McGourty was willing to accept personal recognizance, but Judge Vito A. Virzi
said he was setting $200,000 cash bail. In an emergency bail hearing Superior
Court Judge Fecteau released Mr. Kelley on Personal recognizance. http://telegram.com/static/crisisinthechurch/052102.htlm
5/18
Bishop Reilly subpoenaed in Rev. Kelley case as part of the blanket subpoena,
Mr. Shea has also asked the bishop for all records having to do with other
officials of the House of Affirmation.
JUNE: Rev. Raymond P. Messier removed from his assignments.
Rev Kelley again released. Bishop Reilly gains postponement for deposition in
Rev. Kelley case. Diocese of Worcester said it has agreed to turn over records
to District Attorney. DA Conte claimed last month he issued grand jury subpoena
to received information.
6/8
The Rev. Raymond P. Messier, who has been the subject of investigation by the
Catholic Diocese of Worcester, was removed yesterday from his assignments as
pastor in Athol and Petersham.
6/14
Convicted rapist Rev. Robert E. Kelley was released on personal recognizance for
the second time in a month.
6/20
Bishop seeks question limit in deposition for Rev. Kelley case. Deposition has
been postponed pending a court ruling on a motion filed by Bishop Reilly’s
lawyer, Joanne L. Goulka, that would restrict the areas of inquiry and the
number of documents the bishop would be required to produce. This deposition is
never rescheduled.
6/25
The Catholic Diocese of Worcester has agreed to turn over to District Attorney
John J. Conte any information he seeks about current and past allegations of
sexual abuse of children by members of the clergy or other workers and
volunteers. The district attorney is to receive information on all such
allegations within two weeks, according to diocesan spokesman Raymond L. Delisle.
JULY:
Mr. Sime J. Braio
files suit against the diocese and Bishop Rueger. Diocese claimed Mr. Brario
tried to extort $10K from church. Voice launches site for victims of abuse. DA
Conte claims he will prosecute clergy abuse.
7/12
Area man sues Bishop Sime J. Braio, now 52, filed suit against the diocese and
Bishop Rueger. Diocese says Mr. Sime J. Braio tried to extort $10K from church.
7/13
Worcester Diocese investigation finds charges lack substance against Auxiliary
Bishop Rueger. Officials said that only the pope could remove or suspend Bishop
Rueger.
7/17
Diocese clarifies extortion claim “The monsignor in no way meant to say attorney
James J. Gribouski was involved in extortion
7/20
Worcester Voice launches web site for victims of abuse. Mary Jean of
Leominster, who directs the site at www.worcestervoice.com, said the site gives
news and information about the issue of priest abuse in the Worcester Diocese.
7/25
Mr. Conte said he has had to add two more state police troopers to his staff to
handle the number of clergy abuse investigations in progress. “We do prosecute
and we are prosecuting priests.
AUGUST:
Joseph A. Coonan, pastor of St. John parish in
Worcester, placed on administrative leave. Rev. John J. Szantyr fled 15 years
ago when a father brought sexual accusations to police. Voice of Faithful
working to form Worcester
chapter. Members of St. John Church continued their support for Joseph A. Coonan. Dueling candlelight
walks are on the horizon and a redesigned Web site up and running.
8/3
The Diocese of Worcester has placed the Rev. Joseph A. Coonan, pastor of St.
John parish in Worcester, on administrative leave, based on allegations of
sexual abuse of minors dating back to the 1970’s before he entered the
priesthood.
8/9
Two more Oxford natives have come forward with details of alleged sexual
misconduct by the Rev. Joseph A. Coonan of St. John Church in Worcester.
8/17 The Rev. John J. Szantyr, who had been assigned
to Our Lady of Czestochowa parish, left the parish 15 years ago after Worcester
police were notified he might have molested a boy in the parish. Father of
victim seeks prosecution.
8/21
Voice of Faithful working to form Worcester chapter. The planning committee will
meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 in Smith Hall at the College of the Holy Cross to plan a
general membership meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Holy Cross
8/27 Members of St. John Church continued their
support of the Rev. Joseph A. Coonan even as another person made allegations
against the priest.
8/29 Sides are drawn over Coonan. With dueling
candlelight walks on the horizon and a redesigned Web site up and running, the
debate about Rev. Joseph A. Coonan’s removal from St. John Church
over allegations of sexual abuse is becoming more intense. More than 15 men have
made reports to state police alleging that Rev. Coonan abused them in various
ways when he was a teacher at Oxford High School.
September:
Bishop claims little knowledge. Two more say Messier assaulted them. Sexual
abuse victims rally at St. John. Trial starts in sex civil abuse suit against Rev. Teczar. Worcester
Diocese, subpoena’s abuse records from SNAP, then withdraws request. Witness
against diocese testifies in Sime Brario case.
9/1What did the bishop know, and when? Bishop Reilly has denied ever knowingly
transferring a priest amid allegations of sexual abuse, but he faces a number of
allegations that suggest otherwise.
9/4
Two more say Messier assaulted them. The incidents allegedly happened in the
late 1970s, when Rev. Messier was assigned to St. Joan of Arc Parish and they
were boys involved with the parish-based Boy Scout troop.
9/6
Sexual abuse victims rally. St. John Church was lighted only with candles last
night as about 200 people gathered to pray, listen to music and keep their own
thoughts about the removal of Rev. Joseph A. Coonan as their pastor.
9/18
Trial starts in sex-abuse civil suit against Rev. Teczar. Rev. Teczar, 61, has
denied engaging Mr. Lewcon in any acts of sexual abuse or mistreatment
9/22
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, through his lawyers, has subpoenaed the confidential
records of all alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse from the Worcester Diocese
who have contacted the organization SNAP.
9/24
Daniel P. Reilly said yesterday he had no knowledge that Travelers insurance
company lawyer had subpoenaed confidential records. Bishop Reilly has the
request withdrawn.
9/25
A sworn deposition given earlier this month disputes assertions by Catholic
Diocese of Worcester officials that Sime Braio attempted to extort money from
the diocese before he filed a lawsuit accusing Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger
of sexual abuse
9/27
John Daignault,
Psychologist testifies in David L Lewcon sexual-abuse case. Mr Lewcon would not
have been able to consent to sexual contacts with the Rev. Thomas Teczar because
he was only 16 or 17 at the time, according to a psychologist from McLean
Hospital in Belmont.
OCTOBER: Rev.Teczar admits serving liquor to Mr. Lewcon.
The Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon, Raymond Tremblay and the Rev. Henry S. Banach named
in civil suites for sexual abuse. Court orders rape charge overturned against
Rev. Fredette. Bishop Reilly plans council of laity.
Diocese to depose
former Sime lawyer. James J. Gribouski, of Worcester.
10/1The Rev. Thomas Teczar yesterday acknowledged once serving hard liquor to a
teenage boy while assigned to St. Mary’s parish in Uxbridge.
10/2
Priests, teacher named in new sex-abuse suits The Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon, a
priest in Millville; Raymond Tremblay of Worcester, a religious education
teacher; and the Rev. Henry S. Banach, a retired diocesan priest, have been
named in civil suits filed this week.
10/4
Worcester jury decides that the Rev. Thomas Teczar sexually abused David A.
Lewcon and caused him harm, but it declines to award him any money.
10/10
Boston lawyer Carmen L. Durso said another person is being added to a civil suit
against the Rev. Henry S. Banach, a retired diocesan priest, and the Worcester
Diocese.
10/12
Court orders rape charge overturned Rev. Fredette, 70, who fled to Canada in
1974 after Worcester police issued warrants for his arrest. Rev. Fredette served
time in a state prison and was released in 1999. The basis of Rev. Fredette's
appeal was a juror who, during the trial, watched a televised interview of Mrs.
Melanson, victim’s mother.
10/13
Worcester Diocese subpoenas T&G staff member in reference to Auxiliary Bishop
George E. Rueger being sued for sexual abuse. The Telegram & Gazette will
challenge a subpoena issued to reporter Kathleen A. Shaw.
10/15
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly is proposing a 25-member Diocesan Pastoral Council of
laity, clergy and
religious leaders to advise him on issues of concern to the diocese.
10/17
The Catholic Diocese of Worcester will be taking the deposition next week of a
lawyer who once represented a man who claims he was molested by Auxiliary Bishop
George E. Rueger.
James J. Gribouski, of Worcester,
10/22
The Rev. Paul M. Desilets, 78, accused of molesting several boys in Bellingham
was arrested in Canada.
10/24
A motion to stop a scheduled deposition of lawyer James J. Gribouski in
connection with a lawsuit against the Catholic diocese and Auxiliary Bishop
George E. Rueger is rejected. Judge rules lawyer in Rueger suit can be deposed
November: Bishop Reilly offers church trials to seven
priests. Diocese attempt to depose telegram reporter Kathleen Shaw. Rev.Desilets
case is continued. T&G lawyer argues reporter doesn’t have to testify. No
ruling has been issued by Worcester Superior Court Judge C. Brian McDonald.
11/15
Bishop Bishop Daniel P. Reilly offers church trials to seven priests removed
from ministry this year.
11/20
Diocese, newspaper square off The Worcester Catholic Diocese is opposing a
Worcester Telegram & Gazette effort to prevent reporter Kathleen A. Shaw from
being deposed
11/23
Rev. Desilets was indicted on a total of 32 charges. His case is continued.
11/26
Dioceses subpoena directs Ms. Shaw to bring with her to a deposition “any and
all correspondence, notes, memoranda, photographs, charts, drawings and any and
all materials” in her possession regarding Mr. Braio, Bishop Rueger, lawyer
Daniel J. Shea of Houston and the allegations made against the auxiliary Bishop
Rueger.
11/29
The Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon, who is alleged to have sexually abused a boy when he
was assigned to Holy Name of Jesus parish during the 1980s, remains on personal
leave as the diocesan Pastoral Care Committee considers allegations made against
him last month.
December: Alleged victims to be allowed to testify before
church tribunals.
12/2
Church to let victims testify. Alleged victims of sexual abuse by priests and
church workers will be allowed to testify before church tribunals
January 2003, Rev. Desilets released for appeal period.
Diocesan personnel files requested in abuse suit. Hubbardston man claims sexual
abuse by The Rev. Donald J. Rebokus. Protesting starts at
St
Paul’s Cathedral. Worcester Voice sends letter
to Bishop Daniel P. Reilly
1/11
The Quebec Superior Court in Montreal yesterday granted Rev. Desilets a 30-day
appeal period under terms of Canadian law. He was allowed to go free pending the
appeal.
1/14
The Diocese of Worcester has received a subpoena which request the Diocese turn
over personnel files of any Catholic priests accused of misconduct from 1960 to
the present. This is the first blanket request for personnel files on priests in
this diocese.
1/16
Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester spokesman Raymond L. Delisle said Rev.
Coonan should not have sent memo.
1/22
Hubbardston man tells of long-ago abuse by priest. The Rev. Donald J. Rebokus,
who died during the 1980s, subjected Mr. Smith on several occasions during the
mid-1970s to sexual abuse sessions that involved a toy slot machine, wrestling
and super hot showers in his apartment at the school.
1/23 Worcester
Voice sends letter to Bishop Daniel P. Reilly,
requesting public proclamation of sins committed by the Catholic Church and its
Bishops against the innocent of the Worcester Dioceses.
Bishop Daniel Reilly.
1/24
SNAP to hold first Worcester meeting since clergy abuse crisis broke.
1/29
People from Speak Truth to Power, the Coalition of Concerned Catholics and
Survivors, Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, and Worcester Voice
will begin gathering at 9:30 a.m. They will demonstrate during the 10:15 a.m.
Mass at the cathedral, High and Chatham streets to seek files, and records from
the diocese.
February: Emotions run high at first demonstration at
St Paul’s. Rev. Norman
Jalbert accused of sexual abuse. Counterclaim filed against Tim Staney.
Advocate Mary T. Jean has meeting with Bishop Reilly and District Attorney
Conte.
Rev. Kardas abuse
documents are made public.
2/3
Emotions run high at demonstration About 20 members and supporters participate.
2/4
Mr. Plante said he was raped repeatedly by the Rev. Norman Jalbert, a priest who
was also a music teacher and guidance counselor at Holy Name Central Catholic
High School and who died in 1994.
2/4
A counterclaim, which was filed against Timothy P. Staney as part of Mr.
Tremblay’s answer to the suit, charges Mr. Staney with slander and asks for
compensatory damages.
2/7
Advocate Mary T. Jean, leader of Worcester Voice, will meet Wednesday with
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly to discuss her request that the Worcester Catholic
Diocese turn over the names of all priests accused of sexual misconduct in the
diocese
2/11
The Worcester County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of
Massachusetts will assist demonstrators at St. Paul’s Cathedral if police or
church officials try to curb the protest and the use of bullhorns.
2/14 The names of all priests accused of sexual
misconduct dating back to 1944 were turned over nearly a year ago by the
Catholic Diocese of Worcester to District Attorney John J. Conte. Mr. Conte
yesterday verified that he received them after issuing a grand jury subpoena.
The Worcester Voice seeks release of information.
2/15
Mr. Craig Lecaire wants to see all of the records on accused priests within the
Catholic Diocese of Worcester opened to public scrutiny, because he might get
answers to his own questions regarding his abuse he says was at the hands of two
priests.
2/20 Victim advocate Mary T. Jean of Leominster, who
operates the Web site www.worcestervoice.com, wants Mr. Conte to launch a grand
jury probe “so the truth can be exposed.” “Without the extraction of truth from
the Diocese of Worcester there will always be underlying questions (as) to the
criminal responsibility of the church,” she said.
2/22
The Catholic Free Press, the official newspaper of the Worcester Diocese, in an
editorial yesterday criticized those who are demonstrating in front of St.
Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester on Sundays and said all diocesan records should be
kept confidential.
2/24
On her first encounter, she went into the
kitchen of her Holden home to pour him a scotch; he came up behind her and
Rev.
Kardas gave her a kiss..……Worcester diocese
needs to open all its records on accused priests “and stop hiding behind the
veil of secrecy that has existed.’ People need to know what happened.
March:
List of 33 priests released on voice web site.
Catholic victim groups to work together, under the direction of Daniel Dick. Rev
Leblair testified, he informed Diocese about Rev Jean-Paul Gagon abuse. DA
states never received call. District Attorney contributor to the Worcester
Voice Web.
3/2
Thirty –Three priests are on list of accused in diocese
released by the Worcester Voice.
Mary T. Jean, leader of
Worcester last week met with District Attorney John J. Conte to ask him to
release the names that he received from the diocese. She had met earlier with
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, who also refused to give her any information.
“The Worcester Diocese, being
one-sixth the size of Boston with 33 known cases, sadly illustrates a greater
proportion of clergy sexual abuse cases,’ Mrs. Jean said.
3/7
Catholic victim groups
to work together are Voice of the Faithful, Worcester Voice, Survivors Network
of Those Abused by Priests, Survivors First, Speak Truth to Power, Coalition of
Catholics and Survivors and the Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts.
Patricia O’Leary Engdahl of the diocesan Office for Healing and Prevention
3/10
A Westboro priest, Rev Leblair says he reported a parishioner’s sexual abuse
claim against Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon to his superiors 16 years ago and never
heard another word about it until the alleged victim filed a lawsuit over the
matter late last year.
3/11
Call about Mr. Staney never happened. DA Conte says “He would had to have called
DSS,’ he said. The state Department of Social Services would then contact him if
officials substantiated the allegation and thought the case warranted
prosecution.
3/18
District Attorney John J. Conte has become a contributor to the Worcester Voice
Web site and is calling on victims of clergy abuse to contact his office even if
they signed confidentiality agreements in settling civil cases.
3/19
The Rev. Thomas H. Teczar was arrested yesterday on a governor’s warrant in
connection with a charge in Texas that he sexually abused an underage person.
3/21
The parish council of St. Anne and St. Patrick Church circulated Voice of
Faithful letter to parishioners a copy of a letter sent by Worcester Diocese
Voice of the Faithful to Bishop Daniel P. Reilly asking that he be forthcoming
with information on the sexual abuse scandal in this diocese.
3/30
A lawyer For the Catholic Diocese of Worcester will ask a Superior Court judge
to limit the scope of a deposition that Bishop Daniel P. Reilly is to give later
in the day in connection with a lawsuit that accuses Auxiliary Bishop George E.
Rueger of rape of a child.
APRIL: Judge Mary Lou Rupp rules against attempts by the
Diocese of Worcester
to limit questioning of Bishop Daniel P. Reilly. Diocese attempts to block
public access to the depositions of both Bishop Reilly and Bishop Rueger but
fails. John J. Conte donates through campaign fund to the Diocese of Worcester.
4/1 A
Superior Court judge yesterday ruled against attempts by the Diocese of
Worcester to limit questioning of Bishop Daniel P. Reilly in a coming deposition
and to prevent the release of transcripts to the media.
4/8
The Worcester Diocese attempted to block public access to the depositions of
both Bishop Reilly and Bishop Rueger but was overruled March 31 by Judge Mary
Lou Rupp in Worcester Superior Court. The diocese also filed a motion in
Worcester Superior Court to dismiss the suit, citing charitable immunity, among
other reasons. Bishop Reilly is set to give deposition.
4/8
Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte, who has been investigating
allegations of sexual abuse by priests for 14 months, has given $750 to the
Diocese of Worcester through his campaign fund
4/21
Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger, who has been accused of sexual abuse by a
Shrewsbury man, asked the Fort Worth, Texas, diocese in 1988 to take a priest
from the Worcester diocese Rev Tezar who Auxiliary Bishop George E. Rueger knew
had past sexual abuse allegations.
4/23
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly told members of Worcester Diocese Voice of the Faithful
that he will not disclose information they requested on the numbers of sexual
abuse victims and abusers or the total financial costs associated with the
church scandal.
MAY: Bishop Reilly asks seven (7) priests for resignations.
Rev. Devlin, named in lawsuit. DA Conte campaign fund makes another bishop fund
donation.
5/4
Mr. Joseph M. Laconte of Worcester said in his suit that he first met Rev.
Devlin in the 1978-1979 academic years at Holy Name.
5/16
All
seven priests who were removed
last
year by Bishop Daniel P. Reilly for alleged sexual misconduct were asked to
resign.
5/21
Mr. Conte made his latest donation to the Bishop fund on April 29, 2003 his
second since launching an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by
priests.
JUNE: Judge Jeffrey A.
Locke ordered at least a portion of the psychological records of the Rev.
Jean-Paul Gagnon released. Monsignor Thomas J. Sullivan states Conte aide
reportedly briefed the diocese on
Bishop Rueger
investigation. David J. O’Brien
from the Holy
Cross College is calling on Catholics to become informed. DA Conte files
two criminal applications for prosecution against
Rev. John J. Szantyr and Brother Lewis Laperle.
6/13
Worcester Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Locke has ordered that at least a
portion of the psychological records of the Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon can be viewed
by Mr. Staney.
6/16
In a deposition last month, Monsignor Thomas J. Sullivan, diocesan chancellor
and liaison to Mr. Conte’s office, also testified that he was told by a first
assistant district attorney that Bishop Rueger’s accuser, Sime Braio of
Shrewsbury, has HIV.
6/19 DA Conte files
two criminal application for prosecution. A criminal complaint was issued on three counts of
indecent assault and battery against Rev. John J. Szantyr, who at the time was
assigned to Our Lady of Czestochowa parish, was filed today against Brother
Lewis Laperle who is charged with one count of assault
and battery at Notre Dame in Fitchburg.
6/26
David J. O’Brien, director of the Center for Religion, Ethics
and Culture at the College of the Holy Cross, is calling on Catholics to become
informed and ask questions about what American bishops are doing to resolve what
he calls a 20-year-old sexual abuse scandal.
JULY: Abuse victim Braio HIV test is negative. Kelley trial scheduled to
start. Bishop Lennon subpoenaed.
7/11
Alleged abuse victim says HIV test is negative
In pretrial deposition
testimony made public last month, Monsignor Thomas J. Sullivan, diocesan
chancellor and liaison to District Attorney John J. Conte’s office, said he was
told by First Assistant District Attorney James Reagon that Mr. Braio is
HIV-positive.
7/12 Bishop Richard G. Lennon of Boston has been subpoenaed
for a deposition in connection with a lawsuit that charges Worcester Auxiliary
Bishop George E. Rueger of rape.
The
Worcester Voice
May
12, 2002 the Worcester Voice e-mail address was announced to deal with the
incoming of clergy abuse allegations and information. Faced with an overwhelming
amount of information, on July 20, 2002 the Worcester Voice web site was
launched. The site disseminated truthful information on clergy abuse within the
Dioceses.
The Worcester Voice has
been in contact with fifty-eight (58) people who have identified themselves as
victims of clergy sexual abuse from within the Worcester Dioceses. Many clergy
abuse victims choose to tell of their abuse and have no criminal or civil action
pending in court. The abused come from all different social and economic
backgrounds. People have contacted the “Voice” from Japan, to Florida, out west
to California and Arizona and as close as two miles away.
Support is offered in
variety of choices. First is one on one mentoring by a volunteer from the
community, second the ability to have association with other victims of the same
perpetrator, and thirdly, contact through e-mails and phone conversations.
Many “Average
Catholics” choose to monitor the web site to follow the chronological order and
to feel unity in their outrage. Today the “Voice” receives as many e-mails from
concerned and frustrated Worcester Dioceses Catholics as it does from victims
seeking assistance. As of the release of this year’s report, the total number of
hits at our site since July 20, 2002 has been 5900. We do not advertise or
accept banner ads for payment.
In the wildest of
imaginations it could not be comprehended by anyone the volume of the violation
to the Catholic soul by the commission of this sexual abuse against children.
The influx of information and pain was so overwhelming at some points; initially
it seemed almost impossible to face another day. With a strong faith in God and
association with other Advocates it has become possible today to provide
meaningful support and options to clergy abuse and childhood injustice victims
in Worcester.
Proudly, today’s
reality is never again will any clergy abuse victim ever have to cope with the
colossal task of facing the Catholic Church or the legal authorities alone.
In
order to provide the best possible support to clergy abuse victims, the “Voice”
has collaborated with the following individuals and organizations who are
concerned with the clergy abuse crisis in Worcester.
Marianne
Winters Rape Crisis Center
Daniel
Dick Worcester VOTF Victim coordinator
Paul Baier
Survivors first
Joseph Gallagher
Coalition of Catholics and Survivors
Phil deAluquerque
The Lighthouse
Stephen
Lewis STTOP
John Socco
New England Link-up
Mary Keville
Worcester VOTF
Laurie Letourneau
Life Action League of Massachusetts
Louise Haggett
CITI
David Lewcon
Original SNAP Coordinator
Susan Renahan
Coalition of Catholics and Survivors
Frances J.
Nugent Office of Healing Worcester
Betty Reidy
Pastoral Care Committee
Bishop Daniel P.
Reilly Bishop Worcester
Msgr. Edmond T. Tinsley
Director of fiscal affairs
John J.
Conte Worcester District Attorney
Elizabeth Stamo Spokesperson, District Attorney
Thomas J. Ryan
Trooper, State Police
Frank
Moore Lieutenant, State Police
Thomas
Greene Captain, State Police
Bryan
Smith Worcester Chapter SNAP
Lory
Santoro Daybreak
Richard
Blanchard Defend the Faith
Elaine Lamoureux Abby's
House
Jeanne
Rosenblatt Abby's House
Msgr Thomas J.
Sullivan Chancellor and Director of Vocations
David
O’Brien Holy Cross
Patricia Engdahl
Office of Healing Worcester
Worcester
District Attorney’s Office
During the early
revelation of the clergy abuse sexual scandal the District Attorney of Worcester
did prosecute five priests for sexually related abuse, one died before the trial
could begin.
It can not be determined
the number of Worcester Dioceses clergy abuse cases that were not prosecuted.
It can be stated that in two known abuse incidents the Rev.
John J. Szantyr and Rev. Raymond P Messier case that the Worcester police
were notified and the parents did seek a legal resolution but no prosecution
occurred.
Rev. Edward Nicewicz
-- Jailed on October 31, 1986, after pleading guilty to charges of indecent
assault and rape of two Sutton girls, ages 11 and 12. Fr. Nicewicz was a
chaplain at Gardner State Prison when the offenses occurred.
Rev. Robert Kelley
-- Sentenced to 5 - 7 years in Walpole state prison on March 11, 1990, after
pleading guilty t |