Allegation: Richfield priest sexually abused minor in 1970s

By Andrew Wig
Sun Current
May 27, 2015

http://current.mnsun.com/2015/05/allegation-richfield-priest-sexually-abused-minor-in-1970s/

A Richfield priest is on leave after an allegation of sexual abuse surfaced.

Rev. Gerald Dvorak, 61, a pastor at St. Peter’s Church in Richfield, is the subject of a “credible allegation” regarding the sexual abuse of a minor in the 1970s, according to a written statement from Archbishop John Nienstedt issued May 19.

Dvorak has been pastor at St. Peter’s since 2011 and was canonical administrator at Blessed Trinity Catholic School from 2011 to 2014, according to a list of Dvorak’s ministerial history provided by the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

That list dates Dvorak’s history with the ministry back to 1978, when he was a teaching parish seminarian at Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church in Saint Paul. The allegations pertain to Dvorak’s role as a seminarian, according to a letter to St. Peter’s parishioners signed by Deacon Mark Johanns. However, Nienstedt’s statement does not indicate the location to which the allegation refers.

But Nienstedt’s statement did explain what the allegation against Dvorak means.

“A ‘credible allegation’ is one that is ‘not manifestly frivolous,’” he stated. “It is not a presumption of guilt. Law enforcement has been notified and, per our protocol, Rev. Dvorak is on a leave of absence and will not exercise priestly ministry during the investigation.”

Nienstedt added that Dvorak has never had any other allegations against him during his ministry.

The Archdiocese also released a statement from Dvorak himself: “I pray for all victims of sexual abuse, but I have never abused anyone. Please pray for me and all those involved.”

Dvorak is not staying in the rectory at St. Peter’s, according to Andrew Cozzens, auxiliary bishop at the Archdiocese.

According to Johanns’ May 19 letter, the Archdiocese was working to assign a priest in order to maintain day-to-day operations and the availability of Sacraments.

“During this very difficult time,” Johanns wrote, “please pray for Father Dvorak, all victims of abuse, and for each other. It is only with God’s help that we will make it through trials like this.”