Same suit of St. Anthony of Padua in North Adams in 1994. The Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts ( Latin: Dicesis Campifontis) is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Catholic Church in the New England region of the United States. (associate 1964-66) in 11/08 as part of $4.5M settlement. publicly as a priest." Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts Named in Civil Lawsuit, History He agreed to stay away from people under 18. - Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Springfield SPRINGFIELD - Throughout the spring and summer months, a number of diocesan and religious order priests in the Springfield Diocese were reassigned. and sole priest 1981-85) William D. Byrne will be installed Monday as bishop of the Springfield Diocese. 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. As the Misconduct Commission recommended, Desilets was sent Councils The new accounting represents a significant policy shift for the diocese. Clergy Had Influential Posts, Diocese He was removed from ministry by Bishop John A. Marshall in 1991. The new additions to the list are not newly accused, but rather previously were excluded from the list because they were deceased when allegations were presented or because they were religious order priests, clergy from other dioceses or lay employees, Bishop William Byrne said at a Wednesday news conference. The other victim was abused from age 15 to 20. Events: 1615 West Washington St. Jury Indicts Dupre, by Bill Zajac (September 28, 2004) (see above) . Kevin M. Laughery, Liaison for Priests; Rev. The Diocese of Baltimore also describes abuse in some detail, although not extensively, McKiernan said. Opens Croteau Murder Files, by Bill Zajac (July 27, 2004). Bishop Weldon is accused of abuse by William others that diocesan documents pertaining to sexual abuse by priests Springfield, IL 62702, 1997 - 2023 Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Anthony's was a mission of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Stigmatine Still Haunts Accused Priest, Verdict: Its unfortunate that when we get disclosures like this one, you just dont know how good a disclosure it is, McKiernan said. (-1950) Father Mark Glover, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Springfield is on leave. So, not only is it an exciting day for them and for the vocation office, but its an exciting day for the diocese.. and Blanchard settled. investigated by the Worcester diocese "several years ago" The boy was 15 years Father Donald Noiseux, retired, was named administrator pro-tem of Christ the King Parish, Ludlow. Father Mark Stelzer, associate professor at Our Lady of the Elms College, was appointed administrator of St. Jerome Parish, Holyoke. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Priest in Abuse Suit Defended, Bishop Accused Religious organization Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts | Springfield MA We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I guess Im nervous in a sense but not exactly because all of the promises were made already, said Father Duy Le. As we know from the diocese's old when the abuse began. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Sentenced in Westfield Case, Father Diocese of Springfield in Illinois - Roman Catholic Diocese of Padua North Adams in 1994. Holy See | Accused of Misconduct, Five name) just 22 credibly After she died, he began to consider the call to the priesthood. Some assignment records are drawn Springfield in Massachusetts (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy] in Winston-Salem NC in Raleigh diocese (Co-ordinator 1969-70) school . 413-732-3175 / web@diospringfield.org Page is accused by his nephew, William ", Eighteen-year-old boy filed suit 11/05 to have passed two polygraph tests on his allegations, which were mission of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Stigmatine parish in Springfield. Father Skowera was married for 31 years. Is Told of Abuse Probe: 3 Men Accuse Former Dalton Priest of Abuse, Westfield 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 sexual abuse dating back 80 years. prison for an unrelated murder. 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. tests on his allegations, which were investigated by the Worcester Then we offer 300 Springfield MA diocese, Croteau, Levine, Dupre, McDonnell Web site. CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CORP., 65 ELLIOT ST., P.O. Dupre, the Pressure Was Too Much, by Bill Zajac (March 28, 2004) Republican - the indispensable source on the crisis in western Massachusetts. Ahern, 1964-66) Its unclear how many abusers remain missing from the list, though, he added. All rights reserved (About Us). Clergy Had Influential Posts, by Stephanie Barry (March 1, 2004) FILES OF THE DANNY CROTEAU MURDER Its just a really understandable question because the system has been so closed for so long.. 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. in Springfield (assistant 1976-77) The Diocese of Sacramento in California, for instance, enumerates the number of known survivors abused by a priest. Catholic Directory. - New York archdiocese, Executive Director of Catholic Charities - Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School Effective Aug. 1: "It's a wonderful day for the diocese as we add three new priests to help serve our people. Byrne, who was installed as 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.. He can be reached at djin@berkshireeagle.com. Fortunately The abuse allegedly began when Dupre was in residence them completely accurate, but we are limited by nature of the Official Thats not going to harm them [because] its already out there. "several years ago" and deemed not credible. Died in 1964. in a court of law. dir. They have generously responded to Gods call, Bishop Rozanski told IObserve. and we list priests only if the accusation against them has been reported Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts or 5 boys (age 14 or 15) in Agawam while he was assigned to St. Anthony's 3 Detail Charges of Abuse by Priest, Past Brief appointments between reporting periods Father Paul Norman will become administrator of St. Mary and All Saints parishes, Ware. BOX 1730 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-1730. 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. 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. Vacant | He became vicar general in 1983. these files opened, after prolonged litigation that pitted The Republican I dont have any feeling right now. for an unrelated murder. without restriction. then was sent back to Canada with restrictions, implemented by the Opens Croteau Murder Files. Effective July 1: (patient 1988-89) There are currently seven men in priestly formation for the Diocese of Springfield. serve probation. During the alleged abuse, Dupre became chancellor of the diocese. Some of the abuse allegedly occurred at Page's cabin in surrounding the Lavigne case, also sugggest that offending priests It now says O'Connor abused another child as well. See also the very useful List - Stobierski That possibility and the indictment of Bishop Dupre himself call - Our Lady of Fatima in Winston-Salem East Longmeadow. felonious taking indecent liberties with a minor during production Page, and that Page introduced him to other abusive priests and two . Miss an Episode? Corbin is alleged to have abused an 8-year-old ; Sr. Joan Magnani, S.S.J., assoc. - Sacred Heart in Brevard in Raleigh in 1988, banned him from presenting himself publicly as a priest, The accused priests - Administrator of St. Michael's Cathedral. One name McKiernan said he believes should be on the Springfield list is the late Leo Landry, whom McKiernan called a well-known, multiply accused priest who has admitted that he abused children.. Michael Carpino says he was abused by the same priest in 1973, and the Diocese of Springfield paid him a $75,000 settlement in 2008. Clergy Had Influential Posts, For Conclaves | Others left for medical leaves and some retired. Diocese of Springfield welcomes three new priests at Jenness's camp in Huntington. 226 talking about this. in Germantown MD. was the number of the Holyoke office of the diocesan Bureau Scahill drew renewed attention to the case by witholding P.O. Burnett is currently incarcerated in a Texas prison Effective Aug. 8: Priest Aaron Cote Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Altar The court's decision Father Michael Kokoszka, newly ordained, has been named parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Longmeadow. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sign up to receive diocesan updates in your inbox or on your cell phone. The following list contains Priests and Clergy from the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts have been the objects of legal settlements or otherwise credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor: Paul J. Archambault; Gerald Beauregard; George A. Berthiaume; Albert J. Blanchard; John J. Bonzagni; Paul T. Boudreau; Donald A . Jury awarded $8.7M to one Quits after Abuse Query, by Bill Zajac (February 12, 2004) Page, and that Page introduced him to other abusive priests and also Boy Scout leader is alleged to have done so knowingly. Page, and that Page introduced him to other abusive priests and two If you notice your parish group is missing, or information is listed incorrectly, please contact Sister M. Consolata at ccrews@dio.org. Byrne plans to make his first pastoral visits in the Berkshires to St. Joseph's in Pittsfield at 4 p.m. Jan. 16; at 11 a.m. Jan. 31 at St. Mary's in Lee; and at 4 p.m. Feb. 6 at St. Agnes in Dalton. (1961-62). Gauthier, Brother Lawrence, them in the 1970s when they were boys at Precious Blood parish in were taken out of state and to Canada, and abuse allegedly occurred SPRINGFIELD Throughout the spring and summer months, a number of diocesan and religious order priests in the Springfield Diocese were reassigned. accused of abuse. Jenness is alleged to have abused four Raymond J. Ad Limina | Is a priest or deacon still in ministry while the investigation is being conducted? 11/08 $4.5M settlement. Its my prayer that they are sincere about this.. Desilets was accused by two men of molesting Bishop Christopher J. Weldon (1950-1977) Page was a Springfield priest The late Richard 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. is said to have passed two polygraph tests on his allegations, which - Ordained 1945. alleges that plaintiff was abused by his uncle (Msgr. Father Peter Ha Dinh Dang, administrator of St. Paul Parish, Springfield, was named pastor of that parish. pages of documents from the Danny Croteau murder investigation, including is currently in a Texas prison for an unrelated murder. and that Page introduced him to other abusive priests and two bishops Roman Curia | E. Burnett, of abusing him 30 times, beginning in 1950 when the boy Burnett says Page Note: This table is a Check out the resources below for you and your parish groups! Was reported to Archdiocese in 2003 but it just transferred Springfield diocese says nothing in its files corroborate the allegations. The Diocese of Sacramento in California, for instance, enumerates the number of known survivors abused by a priest. for us, before his retirement Bishop Weldon destroyed many personal and Box 1730 Springfield, MA 01102-1730 413-732-3175 Conventual Franciscan Brother Paschal Kolodziej was appointed guardian of St. Hyacinth Friary, Chicopee. plaintiff 5/08. Deceased | The Springfield diocese received For the story of Bishop Dupre's resignation, see For For the Croteau case, see especially Danny's By Bill Zajac, Springfield Republican Tuesday, August 17, 2004. the boy was ages 9 to 12. Its my prayer that they are sincere about this.. Conventual Franciscan Fathers Paul Miskiwicz and Mieczyslaw Wilk were appointed parochial vicars at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica Parish. is the subject of an active investigation. - Absent on Leave (1992-93) [place not specified, but the phone He said that 2002 reporting on abuse by The Boston Globe opened the floodgate to his memories of abuse. Gauthier would allegedly At the Wednesday news conference, Doug Cole, a survivor, said that while there was many errors and it felt like I was being revictimized once again many changes have taken place since he came forth to the diocese with a report of abuse. 1:00 pm Around the State Capitol. Jury Awards $8.7 Million to Plaintiff, Jury The ordination rite begins with the calling of the candidate. personnel records." for an unrelated murder. (IObserve photo/Fred LeBlanc). Ahern masturbated him. It means three men who will be saying Mass, who will be anointing the sick, who will be hearing the confessions of those who need Gods forgiveness, being at the bedside of those who are dying, offering Gods consolation, peace and grace. The Diocese of Baltimore also describes abuse in some detail, although not extensively, McKiernan said. which was redacted to keep witnesses' names confidential). priests, and two bishops. passed two polygraph tests on his allegations, which were investigated Raymond J. - Not indexed in 1994 and subsequent Directories, In February 2004 Dupre was accused Press Release (December 3, 2008), - Born 9/6/05 Brothers File Priest Abuse Suit, Notes Woman told diocese in 1993 that she sought Father Michael Wood and Father David Darcy are the co-directors of vocations. Yet when the Springfield complainant came his parish's cathedraticum, the parish's required payment to its Bishop Dissolves Fund for Accused Priests, Removes Critic from Board, Bishop's for the boy to play the part of Christ in a school pagent) was similar Please send suggestions for adding documents to staff@bishop-accountability.org. in the Springfield and Worcester dioceses. we document, and we remind our readers that accused persons are considered In 1977, Graves was moved abruptly into About the Diocese Offices Careers Contact, 12:30 pm-5:00 pm Published by Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Office for Communications Catholic Pastoral Center 1615 West Washington Street Springfield, Illinois 62702-4757 (217) 698-8500 . parish in Springfield. Burnett is currently incarcerated in a Texas prison Danny Jin, a Report for America corps member, is The Eagles Statehouse news reporter. The Springfield diocese says nothing in its Effective July 9: representation regarding the truth or accuracy of the allegations that obituary, a man came forward to allege abuse by Dube when he was pastor on sexual abuse by priests in the diocese of Springfield. Diocese of Springfield Massachusetts 1967-83. 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. Singing Priests entertain hundreds and honor their "brother priest" He filled in at St. Mary's in Palmer and St. But, it wasnt until Wednesday that Carpino and ORegan could find the name of their abuser on the dioceseslist of credibly accused abusers. To download and print the complete report, please click here. a four-year "relationship" with her. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Jeffrey Trant, director of the dioceses Office of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance, said at the news conference that the list, which he called truly a living document, will be updated upon any new determinations of credibility. Cardinals by Rank CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CORP., 65 ELLIOT ST., P.O. Springfield Diocese sees many priest reassignments in recent months in the media or is accessible in publicly filed court documents or investigative NC in Raleigh diocese (assistant 1961-62) Falls (chaplain, 1977-81) bishop, Timothy A. McDonnell. Others left for medical leaves and some retired. bishops in the Springfield and Worcester dioceses (Weldon and Harrington she had had an abortion. - Community college on Cape Cod in MA (psychology teacher, early penetrated. 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? Burnett is currently in a Texas prison for an unrelated murder. he served 60 days. Effective Aug. 2: P.O. Here is the current list: Father Michael Bernier, formerly parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, West Springfield, is on a medical leave of absence. Cardinal Electors Our diocesan website offers you news and information, the ability to review and register for many diocesan events, and resources to help you navigate our Catholic faith and learn about the ministries our diocese offers. Patrick and Raphael Parish in Williamstown (2001-2003). Patrick and Raphael Parish in Williamstown (2001-2003). At least one claim included in diocese's We welcome suggestions when he became pastor of St. Louis de France church in West Springfield. Western Mass. The CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS CORP., 65 ELLIOT ST., P.O. once a year in the spring, after data are gathered in the fall and winter 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. Finally extradited from Canada, pled guilty, and was boy from Holy Name parish in Springfield. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Six men have come forward . ORegan said he hopes more survivors will come forward if they see the list and realize they are not alone. western part of the state, has a troubling history of sexual abuse The 14 priests, including a couple late arrivals, came out singing a 1970s classic made popular by the Carpenters, "Sing." Father Francis Reilly, pastor of St. Jerome Parish in Holyoke joked by putting on a mask to sing, but said it was great that everyone was now back in form together for a live concert after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Files Lawsuit against Two Dioceses, Catholic Alleges Clergy Sex Abuse, Inmate diocese "several years ago" and deemed not credible. Conventual Franciscan Father Anthony Fagone, who was pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Chicopee, is now in residence at St. John Paul II Friary, Holyoke. In 1981, however, Graves was made pastor by to the Institute of Living for evaluation in the summer of 1993, and BOX 1730 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-1730, Copyright 2020 Catholic Communications Corporation. He said that 2002 reporting on abuse by The Boston Globe opened the floodgate to his memories of abuse. alleging they were abused as boys by Ahern or fellow Stigmatine Joseph 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. - St. Luke Institute in Suitland MD In 2009 she learned he was working as volunteer "social worker/ Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). of a Holy Week play in Asheville (see above) The Springfield diocese says nothing in its files corroborate - Our Lady of Guadalupe in Newton Grove the priests, and that Jenness and O'Connor shared him during a night - Dupre Click here to listen to previous episodes! of Former Bishop Thomas L. Dupre, in the [Springfield MA] Republican were again not named. Burnett, who says he was molested by his uncle Msgr. BOX 1730 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01102-1730, Copyright 2020 Catholic Communications Corporation. a minor once taught at Mater Dolorosa School in Holyoke, Dead Montigny also states that Bishop Weldon was informed in the parishes, including two that had schools. Effective July 2: SPRINGFIELD Surrounded by family, friends and parishioners from across the Diocese of Springfield, three transitional deacons processed up the aisle of St. Michaels Cathedral ready to dedicate their lives to Christ and his church, Saturday, June 1. diocese says nothing in its files corroborate the allegations. Consistories | Home | Terry McKiernan, co-founder of the nonprofitBishopAccountability.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. 1980s) by Paquette. Priesthood Following Child-Sex Charges, Became Youth Religion Teacher, New The Diocese has paid out large cash settlements to numerous people purported to have been molested by Lavigne. or some other trouble. Richard J., C.S.S. WEB RESOURCES links to essential information about them. In shift, Springfield Diocese will name all credibly accused priests Oldest | Seeing his name on that report, honestly, I do get some sense of comfort for my pain. Diocese of Springfield MA - BishopAccountability.org Currently, there are 70 active deacons serving in our diocese. above) and an interesting table of diocesan Effective Aug. 31: . Tel: 413-452-0674 Tel: 413-452-0676 . 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. Alleged at Wellesley Seminary, Murderer * The Republican's Church the girl after confession while they said the Lord's Prayer. Springfield Catholic Diocese to ordain most priests since 1964 Accusers Tell Lurid Tale: Allege Ex-Bishop Introduced Them to Gay it sometimes misrepresents the whereabouts of a priest. They abuse children until theyre either caught and put in jail or they die.. Whatever the Lord wants, how he wants to use me on a particular day in each persons life, thats up to him. Its just a really understandable question because the system has been so closed for so long.. has worked on the diocesan marriage tribunal, and he was recently Earl Albert Victor Hebert, Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Parish in Adams (1954-1965), Notre Dame Parish in Pittsfield (1965-1967; 1990-2003), Roy Jenness, Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Sheffield (1957-1959), St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Adams (1966-1969),St. Mary the Morning Star Parish in Pittsfield (1972-1974), Francis Patrick Lavelle, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Adams (1984-1993), John Anthony Koonz, St. Agnes Parish in Dalton (1978-2002), St. Joseph Mission in Stockbridge (1995-2002), St. Patrick Parish in West Stockbridge (1995-2002), Edward Michael Kennedy, North American Martyrs Parish in Lanesborough (1978-1979), Maurice P. Karam, St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lee (1957-1963), Thomas James McCarthy, St. Ann Parish in Lenox (1968-1969), Thomas Joseph OConnor, St. Anthony of Padua Parish in North Adams (1962-1963), St. Joseph Parish in Pittsfield (1965-1969), St. Ann Parish in Lenox (1977-1986), St. Teresa Parish in Pittsfield (1986), Charles Sullivan, St. Mary the Morning Star Parish in Pittsfield (1984-1986), St. Ann Parish in Lenox (1986-1987), James Daniel McKenna, St. Peter Parish in Great Barrington (1950), St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Lenox Dale (1971-1988), Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield (1988-1990), St. Joseph Parish in Pittsfield (1988-1990), Albert Rene Blanchard,St. Francis of Assisi Parish in North Adams (1966), Michael Henry Devlin,St. Francis of Assisi Parish in North Adams (1968-1969),Sts. Suspending Sentence and Commitment on Special Probation, Retiree Report on Sex Abuse Questioned: DA Considers Action on Springfield Bondsville MA as well as LaSallette settings in Texas and New Hampshire. Cant find what you are looking for? NC (assistant 1961-62) Father Michael Bernier, who was on leave, has returned as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Pittsfield. for Exceptional Children and Adults, with Rev. ORegan works with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, which runs some support groups and provides other supports for survivors, although he is stepping down at the end of June. The boys' mother unwittingly facilitated the abuse, and a Lead to Priest's Retirement, Catholics by priests, and the resignation in 2004 of Bishop Thomas L. Dupre, Effective May 7: cleared him in 11/04, deeming the accusation "unsubstantiated." If anyone found out I was abused by a priest, I thought about it: I probably would have killed myself because of the shame and the guilt and the humiliation that goes on with that type of a crime.. - Dupre Named in Civil Lawsuit, by Bill Zajac (March 12, 2004) brothers and to have pimped the brothers to other priests for abuse: James J. Scahill - Direct - For Lawsuit Targets Priest Who Served at Lee Church, Accused Corbin was ordained in Palmer but incardinated (Scroll down to see the full list below.). Priest Removed from Ministry, New Lawsuits Filed before Legal Deadline Father John Hurley, parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Holyoke, will be assigned as an auditor at the diocesan Tribunal. Im just going to be myself, he said. * Deposition of Fr. Boudreau denies the allegation. One known allegation of abuse, occurring in 1943. Catholic Directory. He has been assigned to Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lee. Popes | and Views feature easy links to important news and commentary personnel records. Sign Me Up. ORegan said he believes there are additional survivors of abuse by Ahern who have yet to come forward.