Statement of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement of Claims Against the Diocese and the Subiaco Abbey Involving Rev. Bede Mitchel, OSB, January 23, 2015

Statement of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement of Claims Against the Diocese and the Subiaco Abbey Involving Rev. Bede Mitchel, OSB

Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
For Immediate Release
January 23, 2015
For more information
Contact Pat Svacina
817-560-3300
817 996-9609 (Mobile)
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth and the Subiaco Abbey Friday finalized a settlement which was reached through mediation of claims brought against the Diocese and the Abbey by a person who was allegedly abused by Fr. Bede Mitchel, a deceased member of the Benedictine Order based in Subiaco, Arkansas.

The Diocese, in settling the claim, has not admitted fault, responsibility or liability.

The amount of the settlement is confidential at the request of the person making the claim.

Bishop Michael Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, is deeply sorry for any sexual abuse the victim may have endured and suffered. The Bishop said he prays that the victim experiences healing and that reconciliation can be achieved in the individual’s life.

Bishop Olson stresses that the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth will address any charge of abuse as quickly and as pastorally as possible.

The Diocese has been and is committed to being in compliance with the requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the Bishops of the United States in 2002.

Father Mitchel was assigned as parochial vicar to Sacred Heart Parish in Muenster and St. Peter Parish Lindsay from 1969 through 1975. He returned to the Benedictine Order’s Subiaco Abbey after leaving Lindsay and died in 1982.

The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth asks that anyone who has either witnessed or has suffered sexual abuse by anyone who serves the Church to come forward so that the individual and the Church can continue the healing process.

To report abuse to the civil authorities, call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services) at 1-800-252-5400. To report abuse to the Diocese of Fort Worth call Judy Locke, the Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 817-560-2452, ext. 201 or e-mail her at jlocke@fwdioc.org. Persons also can call the sexual abuse hotline, 817-560-2452, ext. 900. Or call The Catholic Center 817-560-2452, ext. 102 and ask for the Vicar General, The Rev. Karl W Schilken.

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