This June marks twenty years since the U.S. bishops gathered in Dallas, Texas to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. At their 2002 meeting, the bishops drafted and passed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., of Kansas City-St. Joseph, chairman of the United States Conference …
This June marks twenty years since the Catholic bishops of the United States gathered in Dallas, Texas to draft and pass the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in their commitment to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. Marking this moment, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg has been made aware of a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Father Patrick H. Koch, S.J., a priest of the U.S.A Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). Father Koch served as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, from 1994-1997. He …
USCCB– The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2020 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
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Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed Dr. Julie H. Rubio to serve on the National Review Board (NRB). The NRB was established as part of the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People and advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and …
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Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those in need of spiritual healing because of abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The community is invited to participate. The Mass will held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 …
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Reverendísimo José H. Gomez, Arzobispo de Los Ángeles, Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB): 10 de noviembre de 2020 Recibo con satisfacción el informe de la investigación de la Santa Sede sobre su conocimiento y toma de decisiones en relación con Theodore McCarrick durante su larga carrera como sacerdote, obispo y cardenal. Nosotros …
The following statement is from Most Reverend José H. GomezArchbishop of Los Angeles, President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). November 10, 2020 I welcome the report of the Holy See’s investigation into its knowledge and decision-making regarding Theodore McCarrick during his long career as a priest, bishop, and cardinal. We are studying …
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In October 2018, the former Florida Attorney General announced an investigation of the State’s seven Catholic Dioceses to determine how allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy have been handled. We welcomed the State’s investigation and we cooperated fully with the process instituted to research past cases of abuse allegations, dating back prior to …
An independent firm that specializes in investigatory and analytical consulting has found that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York conducted an audit of the Diocese’s Safe Environment policies and procedures on September 8-9, 2020. Based …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg has been made aware of an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor by Rev. John B. Ramsay, a priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, who retired from active ministry in 1977. Following his retirement, Father Ramsay moved to Florida, where he was employed as a teacher at …
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2019 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
Continue reading “U.S. Bishops Secretariat For Child and Youth Protection Releases Annual Report”
Four new members have been appointed to serve on the National Review Board (NRB) by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The NRB advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and was established as part of the Charter for Protection …
In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Safe Environment Program Office, which was established in 2003, oversees a comprehensive program of child abuse prevention that is focused on background checks and training of all adults entrusted with the care, responsibility and/or supervision of minors or vulnerable adults. The office was established in compliance with the …
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As part of an ongoing commitment to carry out Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter (Vos estis lux mundi) to address the issue of sexual abuse throughout the Catholic Church, the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) was established in March 2020 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Individuals may go to ReportBishopAbuse.org in order to …
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WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed Mrs. Suzanne Healy, the former Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as the next chair of the National Review Board (NRB). Mrs. Healy succeeds Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., who concludes his term …
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During the week of July 8, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg welcomed a visit from Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection, based in Washington D.C. The purpose of the visit was for Deacon Nojadera to learn how the Diocese of St. …
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Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build …
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a new website to share information on prevention, protection and accountability relating to the clergy sex abuse crisis. “The purpose of this website is to serve as a source of information and provide resources regarding the safety of children and vulnerable persons, victim assistance, and frequently …
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for the 2019 Spring General Assembly in Baltimore, June 11-14. During the assembly, the bishops discussed and voted on bishop accountability measures to respond to the abuse crisis and also heard reports from the National Advisory Council and an annual progress report by the National Review …
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In November 2018, the Diocese of Buffalo released a statement concerning allegations of the sexual abuse of minors by Rev. Michael P. Juran, placing him on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Father Juran is a priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, who resides within the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He served as …
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release of Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio earlier today. The Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), is a worldwide order to the Church from the Pope, in …
Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux Mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build upon the …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg has learned that George B. Dyer, O.P., has been listed in a recent report released by Jeff Anderson & Associates, P.A., as a priest against whom an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor in the State of Illinois has been deemed credible. Father Dyer was ordained in 1961 …
“The historic Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church enabled the global leadership of the Catholic Church to clearly hear the voices of victims of sexual abuse. Those voices will forever influence our decisions so that no one will again feel the pain of being abused and the additional wounds of being abandoned or …
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement on the final day of a four-day meeting attended by Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences from across the globe. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “The Lord is near to all who call …
The “Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting concludes with a Press Briefing in the Vatican and the announcement of concrete commitments and initiatives to protect children and to combat abuse. By Vatican News There have been four Press Conferences, coinciding with the four days of the Meeting. Each one has provided a synthesis of the …
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In a major address on Sunday, Pope Francis contextualizes the “scourge” of abuse, and appeals for an “all-out battle against the abuse of minors, both sexually and in other areas.” By Vatican News “The time has come, then, to work together to eradicate the evil” of child abuse, Pope Francis said, in a speech delivered …
A Press Conference at the Holy See Press Office presents the “Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting, which will take place in the Vatican, between 21 and 24 February 2019. By Barbara Castelli Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna is Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a member of the …
The Holy See announces sanctions against former American Cardinal, Theodore Edgar McCarrick, including dismissal from the clerical state. By Vatican News The Holy Press Office has published a statement from the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, concerning the case of Theodore Edgar McCarrick. The Congresso of the CDF, which investigated the accusations, …
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February 16, 2019 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding Theodore McCarrick. Cardinal DiNardo’s Full Statement Follows: “The Holy See’s announcement regarding Theodore McCarrick is a clear signal that abuse …
On February 11, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg received notice that Father Roman Gromala has been listed by the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut as a priest with a credible allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor. Before relocating to Florida, Father Gromala was ordained in 1950 and served in the Diocese of Norwich …
On December 7, 2018, the U.S. Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) released a list of names of Jesuits with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. They announced that no Jesuit with a credible accusation currently serves in public ministry. Of those Jesuits listed in the report from the …
After receiving an abuse complaint against Father Michael P. Juran, a priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, his ordinary, Bishop Richard J. Malone, has placed Father Juran on administrative leave while an investigation continues. Father Juran served as Parochial Vicar of St. Stephen Parish, Riverview from 2006 to 2011. He currently maintains residence in the …
On Tuesday, November 13, the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ independent lay advisory panel on the protection of children and young people delivered a special report to the body of U.S. bishops regarding the abuse crisis in the Church. In an address to the bishops who have gathered in Baltimore for the …
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops addressed the body of bishops at the opening sessions in Baltimore for the General Assembly taking place in Baltimore. Cardinal DiNardo’s full address follows: “Saint Augustine wrote, ‘In order that weakness might become strong, strength became weak.’ My dear brothers, …
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 12-14. The assembly will begin with an address by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the USCCB and also an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. The body of bishops will then adjourn to an on-site chapel for a full day of spiritual discernment and prayer. This …
An allegation of inappropriate physical contact with a minor has been made against Rev. Nicholas McLoughlin, a priest of the Diocese of Venice, who served as pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Temple Terrace from 1973 to 1982. He previously served as associate pastor of St. John Vianney, St. Pete Beach and pastor of Bishop Barry …
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The Diocese of St. Petersburg is aware of a lawsuit that has been filed alleging sexual abuse of a minor by Robert D. Huneke. This former priest originally served in the Diocese of Rockville Center and was transferred to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1979 with a letter of recommendation from his bishop and …
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Today, as a result of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, the Florida Attorney General announced an investigation into how the Catholic dioceses of Florida have handled allegations of sexual abuse of minors in the past. I welcome this investigation and want to assure the public that the Diocese of …
September 19, 2018 WASHINGTON–The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.” Turning to the Lord “When each of us …
In his letter to the People of God regarding sexual abuse and ecclesial coverup of abuse, Pope Francis stated, “Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture …
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September 13, 2018 WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia. Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop William E. Lori as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. He will remain Archbishop of Baltimore. The Holy Father has additionally instructed Archbishop Lori to …
New Episode of “A View from the Top” is Available In his regular podcast about current events, Bishop Gregory Parkes speaks about the ongoing crisis of clergy abuse, how our faith can help us through these struggles, the importance of prayer during this time, the diocesan listening sessions on racism, and St. Peter Claver Church’s …
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WASHINGTON—The National Review Board (NRB) has issued the following in response to the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report and recent allegations against Archbishop McCarrick. In the statement, the NRB calls for a lay-lead investigation into all allegations of sexual misconduct within the Church as well as strengthening the Charter for the Protection of …
WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this open wound [of …
During all the Masses on August 18 and 19, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked that a statement from him be read to the congregation, The statement is in response to tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light over the past few weeks. English Statement Spanish Statement Vietnamese Statement
I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children. In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults …