Bishop Accountability
 
 

DIOCESE OF TUCSON AZ

Accused Priests: 26 (of which 21 diocesan or extern, and 5 order priests)
Total Priests: 1,222 (including diocesan, extern, and religious order priests)
Credible Allegations: 100 made by 96 persons
Cost: $17,896,503 (of which $16,970,000 for settlements [we have included $15 million, the reported cost of the 1/02 confidential settlement, not reported by the diocese], $143,917 for counseling for victims, $215,000 for evaluating and treating church personnel, $567,586 for legal costs)

See the Dallas Morning News database entry on Bishop Emeritus Manuel Moreno. The June 2002 database examined the records of bishops and identified those who had allowed accused priests to continue working or had otherwise protected priests accused of sexual abuse. The database is relevant to the bishops' "Nature and Scope" study because the bishops who prepared the surveys for the study are in many cases responsible for the "scope" of the problem.

Letter from Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas to Parishioners of the Diocese of Tucson
Regarding the John Jay Study on the Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse
of Children by Priests in the U.S. over the Past 50 Years
--
Feb. 27, 2004.

TO THE CLERGY, RELIGIOUS, AND LAITY OF THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON

By Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson
February 27, 2004

http://www.diocesetucson.org/022704letter.html

"Our hope for you is firm, for we know that as you share in the sufferings, you also share in the encouragement." (2 Corinthians, 1:7)

On Ash Wednesday many of us went to work or to other places in public with a smudge of ashes very visible on our foreheads. We willingly accepted the ashes because they are an important sign for us. For each one of us, wearing the ashes signified that we recognize our mortality, our individual sinfulness, and our failures to be the person Christ calls us to be. The ashes signified our commitment to be open to conversion, to amend our lives, and to do better.

Right now, the Roman Catholic Bishops of the United States are in public with ashes very visible on our foreheads. We asked for these ashes. We willingly accepted them because they are an important sign for us.

Of course, I am referring to the information that has just been released publicly on the nature and scope of child abuse by priests over the last half century in the United States. By going public with this information, our Church is trying to demonstrate that it has learned some very painful lessons: protection of children matters most; protection of children is far more important than the reputation of an institution or concern for the well-being of the abuser; our Church must respond with care and compassion for victim/survivors and their families.

The information that has been made public is in two reports. One, called the John Jay Study, quantifies abuse of children by priests over the last half century. This study is more exhaustive than that undertaken about any other profession in regard to the prevalence of sexual misconduct with minors by its members.

The second report is an analysis conducted by the National Review Board, the group established by the bishops to guide and oversee the unified response of the bishops to child abuse by priests. It is based on interviews that the Board conducted with about sixty individuals, including bishops, victims, and experts. It offers some insights as to possible reasons why our Church was so vulnerable to abuse by priests and why bishops in the past responded as they did to abuse by priests.

Both these reports are part of the ongoing commitment of the bishops to be as open and transparent as possible about what has happened these past five decades. I pray and hope that being public about what happened will help to aid in the healing of victim/survivors and their families, will help to aid in the healing of the Church, and will help our Church today prevent repetition of the mistakes of the past.
The breadth and depth of the information and insights in both these reports is quite extensive and will need much more careful study. Even though I have not had much time to thoroughly study the report, I want to share with you some initial observations and thoughts.

The number of victims of priestly abuse nationally and in our Diocese is overwhelmingly tragic. It would be tragic if there were only one. It tears at the soul to learn that over the last half century the number of victims nationally of abuse by priests is in the thousands.

In our own Diocese, we have become aware that from 1950 through the present there have been 100 credible allegations of sexual misconduct with minors made against 26 priests who served in the Diocese over that period of time. For 24 of those priests, 89 of the 100 allegations relate to the period of time the priests actually served in the Diocese. Those allegations involve at least 85 persons who were children or teenagers when the sexual misconduct occurred. More than 80% of those allegations have to do with the 30 year period from 1960 to 1990.

There may be other victim/survivors who have not yet come forward. We simply do not know.

The information in the John Jay Study and the attention it receives from the news media may open some old and terrible wounds for victim/survivors of abuse, no matter where that abuse may have happened. Our Diocese especially wants to respond compassionately and meaningfully to all victim/survivors as best we can.

If you or any member of your family has experienced sexual abuse from someone within the Church in this or any other diocese please know that we care, that we want to help, and that we are sorry for what has been done to you.

There are several ways that people can come forward to make their abuse experience known and to receive assistance, no matter how long ago or where the abuse took place.

They may call the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault 24-hour crisis hot-line at 1-800-400-1001.

They may call the Victim Assistance Program of Catholic Social Services in Tucson at 520-623-0344 or 1-800-234-0344.

They may call Dr. Paul Duckro, Ph.D., director of our Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection at 520-792-3410.

Certainly, if there is an experience of abuse from outside the Church that is troubling you or someone you know, please urge them to call the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault crisis hot-line.

The number of priest abusers is dismaying and shocking. The number of repetitive abusers shows the dreadful sickness that can take hold of people and lead to such great harm.

Our Diocese has identified publicly all the priests against whom there is a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor. Ten of the 26 priests have died. Seven are retired and are prohibited from ever again ministering as a priest. The remaining nine priests all have been suspended from ministry. Of the nine, three are in prison. The Diocese is pursuing removal from the priesthood of four of the nine, including the two diocesan priests who are in prison.

Our policy is that any allegation about which we become aware is immediately reported to law enforcement. I am confident that there is no priest in active ministry in our Diocese against whom there has been a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a child that is known to us.

The amount of money for settlements between victims and dioceses and for the treatment of victims and their abusers is troubling. We can only hope that some of those monies have led to healing of heart, mind, and soul of those who were hurt.

Our civil system of justice provides the opportunity for compensation for damages through the awarding of money, but there is no doubt in my mind that forgiveness and reconciliation are most powerful ways to free the heart from anger, pain, and resentment.

Over the past two years, I have met with some victim/survivors and their families. I have been profoundly moved by their willingness to hear my apology and my plea for their forgiveness. I have witnessed in those meetings the healing power of forgiveness. God moving in their lives through their ability to grant forgiveness gives us hope.

I know there is a person behind each and every number we have reported as an allegation. I ask for the opportunity to meet with anyone who has experienced abuse from within the Church so that I can say how sorry I am for what happened.

I have written to you often in the past few months about what we have accomplished in our efforts to make the protection of children a priority. I have pointed out to you our new programs for background screening of new employees, volunteers, and prospective seminarians. I have called your attention to our child abuse awareness and prevention programs, to our new code of conduct for all who minister in the Diocese, and to the compliance representatives who will help insure that all our programs for child abuse awareness and prevention are implemented in each of our parishes and schools. I have shared with you that our efforts received commendations from independent auditors.

I am very confident that the steps we have taken will help to protect children and will help to create safe and loving environments at all our parishes and schools. Please make an effort to familiarize yourself with our efforts. There is information on our diocesan Internet site, www.diocesetucson.org, under "Restoring Trust."

Specific information about the nature and scope of abuse within our Diocese and information on the costs associated with the misconduct by priests is available on our Diocesan Website and will be included in our Catholic Vision newspaper the first weekend of March.

I invite you to share your thoughts and feelings with me about what I have addressed in this letter. Please e-mail me at bishop@diocesetucson.org or write me at P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702. If you would, please identify yourself and your parish. I truly want to know how all of this is affecting you and your thoughts about what we are doing to prevent abuse. I would like to post your e-mails and letters on our diocesan Internet site so that we all can share in your feelings and opinions.

If our Diocese of Tucson were a book, the terrible damage inflicted by abusive and negligent clergy would certainly be a sad chapter. But it is one chapter.

The book of our Diocese includes many chapters, and most of the chapters are about people who built the Kingdom of God right here where we live today. They were the heroes of our Faith: Father Kino, the French Bishops, the Sisters of St. Joseph, Father Bonaventura Oblasser, and generation after generation of the People of God who kept the Faith and who built the Kingdom in their families and in their parishes and schools.

The People of God continue to write this book. There is another chapter being written right now:

Our St. Augustine Cathedral was full to overflowing last Sunday, and it will be full to overflowing again this Sunday with the catechumens and candidates, their Godparents and sponsors, and their families from parishes all across our Diocese.

The catechumens and candidates are women and men and teen-agers and children who are seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through the sacraments of our Catholic Faith.

They have seen all the news about the scandals, but they have taken the Good News of Jesus Christ into their hearts and they are coming wholeheartedly into the Faith at this time of challenge and sadness for the Church.

God moving in their lives gives us hope.

I can imagine how different I would feel today if we all were talking about a 50 year study of the work of the Church and of our Diocese in education, health care, and social ministry; or a 50 year study of the pastoral work done in parishes throughout the Diocese; or a 50 year study of the work of the Church in prisons, among the homeless, and with migrants; or a 50 year study of the great good done by religious, priests, and laity in our Diocese.

I am left with two conflicting feelings today after reading the John Jay Study and the National Review Board analysis. I feel profound sadness, but I also feel a blessed assurance that the mission entrusted to the Church by Christ will continue.

In his message to the world for this Lenten Season, the Holy Father said, "Let us set out with trust on our Lenten journey, sustained by fervent prayer, penance and concern for those in need. In particular, may this Lent be a time of ever greater concern for the needs of children, in our own families and in society as a whole: for they are the future of humanity."

I pray that we all take these words to heart.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, D.D.
Bishop of Tucson

 

Summary of Diocese of Tucson Information Regarding Priests about Whom the Diocese is Aware of a Credible Allegation of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor

Feb. 27, 2004

http://www.diocesetucson.org/022704summary.html

There are 26 priests with service in the Diocese of Tucson from 1950 through today about whom the Diocese is aware of 100 credible allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Eleven of those allegations involve the service of four of the 26 priests in other dioceses over that period of time.

The Diocese is aware that for 24 of those 26 priests the number of allegations related to the period of their service in the Diocese from 1950 through today is 89.

The Diocese estimates that 1,222 priests -- diocesan, externs (diocesan priests from other dioceses), and religious order priests -- have served in the Diocese from 1950 through Dec. 31, 2003.

The 26 priests with service in the Diocese of Tucson from 1950 through today about whom the Diocese is aware of a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor is 2.1% of the total number of priests over that period of time.

Of the 26 priests, 21 were diocesan priests (Diocese of Tucson and externs) and five were religious order priests.

The 24 priests with service in the Diocese of Tucson for whom the 89 allegations relate to the period of their service in the Diocese is 1.9% of the total number of priests over that period of time.

Of those 24 priests for whom the 89 allegations relate to the period of their service in the Diocese, 17 were priests of the Diocese of Tucson, two were externs, and five were religious order priests.

The 100 allegations (26 priests) about which the Diocese is aware are related to 96 individuals: 76 (79.2%) males and 20 (20.8%) females.

The 89 allegations (24 priests) were related to 85 individuals: 66 (77.6%) males and 19 (22.4%) females.

The estimated distribution by decade of the 89 allegations when the sexual misconduct allegedly occurred is:
1950s: 11% 1960s: 29% 1970s: 30% 1980s: 23% 1990s: 5% 2000-2004: 2%

The estimated distribution of the 89 allegations by decade pairs:
1950-1969: 40% 1970-1989: 53% 1990-2004: 7%

Of the 26 priests, 11 (42.3%) have one allegation; three (11.5%) have two to three allegations; nine (34.6%) have four to nine allegations; three (11.5%) have 10 to 13 allegations.

Of the 24 priests, 10 (41.6%) have one allegation; two (8.6%) have two to three allegations; nine (37.5%) have four to nine allegations; three (12.5%) have 10 to 13 allegations.

Based upon all the known ages of those persons related to the allegations when sexual misconduct occurred involving the 24 priests who were serving in the Diocese, the Diocese estimates this distribution:

Males: one seven-year-old (2.7%); one nine-year-old (2.7%); three 10-year-olds (8.1%); six 11-year-olds (16.2%); five 12-year-olds (13.5%); five 13-year-olds (13.5%); seven 14-year-olds (18.9%); three 15-year-olds (8.1%); three 16-year-olds (8.1%); three 17-year-olds (8.1%). (43.2% under age 13)

Females: one six-year-old (6.6%); one seven-year-old (6.6%); four eight-year-olds (26.6%); two nine-year-olds (13.3%); one ten-year-old (6.6%); four 13-year olds (26.6%); two 15-year-olds (13.3%). (60% under age 13)

The Diocese has identified publicly all the priests who have served in the Diocese against whom it is aware there is a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Ten of the 26 priests have died. Seven are retired and are prohibited from ever again ministering as a priest. The remaining nine priests have been suspended from ministry.

Of the nine, three are in prison: Rev. Guillen, Rev. Sanz and Rev. Purcell. Rev. Guillen and Rev. Sanz are priests of the Diocese of Tucson, and the Diocese is seeking their removal from the priesthood. Rev. Purcell was a religious order priest (Society of Mary) at the time of his service in the Diocese. The Diocese does not know his status as a priest of that religious order.

Of the remaining six priests, the Diocese is seeking the removal of Rev. Teta and Rev. Trupia from the priesthood. Rev. Barmasse was a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the time of his service in the Diocese of Tucson. The Diocese does not know his status as a priest of the Archdiocese. Rev. Cocio, Rev. Stencil and Rev. Taylor are priests of the Diocese of Tucson who are suspended and cannot perform any ministry.

Diocese of Tucson Clergy and Other Clergy and Religious Personnel
with Service in the Diocese about Whom the Diocese is Aware of a Credible Allegation of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor (Updated for Feb. 27, 2004)

(Please note that one deacon and one religious woman are included.)

Rev. Kevin Barmasse
Rev. Barmasse was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1982. He remained a priest of the Archdiocese during the time of his assignments in the Diocese of Tucson. He left the Diocese in 1991.
His assignments were:
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Sierra Vista (1983-1986)
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Tucson (1986-1988)
Blessed Sacrament Parish, Mammoth (1988-1991)

Rev. Richard Butler, O.P.
Rev. Butler was a member of the Dominicans (Order of Preachers) religious order. He died in 1988.
His assignment was:
St. Thomas More Newman Center, Tucson (1968-1974)

Rev. William Byrne
Rev. Byrne was a priest of the Diocese of Tucson. He died in 1991.
His assignments were:
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Tucson (1952)
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Miami (1952-1953)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Douglas (1953-1956)
St. Ambrose Parish, Tucson (1956)
Regina Cleri Seminary, Tucson (1956-1962)
St. Henry Parish, Buckeye/Gila Bend, Mission Trailer Apostolate (1962-1964)
St. Jerome Parish, Phoenix (1964-1967)
Christ the King Parish, Mesa (1967)
Sacred Heart Parish, Clifton (1967-1971)
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Yuma (1971-1975)
Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Tucson (1975-1981)
Vocations, Diocese of Tucson (1981-1985)
St. Ambrose Parish, Tucson (1985-1991)

Rev. Patrick Callanan
Rev. Callanan was a priest of the Diocese of Tucson. He died in 1975.
His assignments were:
Holy Angels Parish, Globe (1952-1957)
Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales (1957-1961)
St. Theresa Parish, Patagonia (1961-1963)
Sts. Simon and Jude Parish, Phoenix (1963-1964)

Rev. Carlos Cocio
Rev. Cocio is a priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
St. Luke Parish, Douglas (1983-1988)
Our Lady of Fatima, Tucson (1988-1992)
St. James Parish, Coolidge (1992-1993)

Rev. John P. Doran
Rev. Doran was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Tucson in 1945 and served at five parishes in the Diocese. Rev. Doran became a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix in 1969 and continued in ministry in that Diocese until his retirement in 1990. He died in 1997.
His assignments as a priest of the Diocese of Tucson were:
Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales (1945-1947)
St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson (1947-1948)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Douglas (1948-1949)
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Benson (1949-1950)
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Phoenix (1950-1969*)

Rev. George Dyke
Rev. Dyke was ordained a priest for the Diocese in 1946. He left the Diocese in 1965. His request for removal from the clerical state was granted in 1968. He died in 1971.
His assignments were:
Immaculate Conception Parish, Douglas (1946-1949)
Salpointe Catholic High School, Tucson (1951-1953)
St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish, Tucson (1951-1953);
Sacred Heart Parish, Clifton (1953-1961)
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Sierra Vista (1961-1965)

Rev. Robert Gluch
Rev. Gluch was a priest of the Diocese of Tucson. He died in 1993.
His assignments were:
St. Gregory Parish, Phoenix (1964-1968)
Blessed Sacrament Parish, Miami (1968-1972)
St. Joseph Parish, Tucson (1972-1975)
Sacred Heart Parish, Clifton (1975-1976)
St. Andrew Parish, Sierra Vista (1976-1981)
St. Patrick Parish, Bisbee (1981-1983)
St. Odilia Parish, Tucson (1984-1993)

Rev. Juan Guillen
Rev. Guillen is a priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
Immaculate Conception Parish, Yuma (1982-1985)
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Somerton (1985-1986)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Yuma (1986-2002)

Rev. Richard Judd
Rev. Judd was ordained a priest for the Servants of the Holy Paraclete in 1964. The exact dates of Rev. JuddÕs presence in the Diocese cannot be ascertained, but he lived in the Tucson area in the early 1970s. During that time, it appears that Rev. Judd had an employment relationship with Salpointe Catholic High School and provided some priestly ministry for brief periods at St. Pius X Parish and St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish. The Diocese believes Rev. Judd died in 1988.

Rev. Francis Miller, O.C.D.
Rev. Miller is a retired member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites religious order.
His assignment was:
St. Margaret Mary Parish, Tucson (1955-1963)

Deacon Ray Miranda
Deacon Miranda is a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignment was:
St. Andrew the Apostle, Sierra Vista (1982-1983)

Rev. Lucien Munier de la Pierre
Rev. de La Pierre was a priest of a diocese in Canada. Rev. Munier de la Pierre first came to the Diocese of Tucson in 1974. He was granted faculties to perform ministry in 1974 and was never formally assigned to a parish. He is thought to have died in the 1980s.
His service in 1974 and 1975 included:
St. Joseph Parish in Hayden
St. Joseph Parish in Wellton
Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Tucson.

Msgr. John Oliver
Msgr. Oliver is a retired priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
Queen of Peace Parish, Mesa (1952-1954)
St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson (1954-1956)
St. Luke Parish, Douglas (1956)
All Saints Parish, Tucson (1958-1960)
St. Augustine Cathedral (1960-1967)
St. Philip Parish, Payson (1968-69)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Yuma (1969-1981)
Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales (1987-1995)
St. Theresa Parish, Patagonia (1981-1987)
St. Jude Parish, Pearce-Sunsites (1995-2000)

Rev. George Pirrung
Rev. Pirrung is a retired priest of the Diocese of Phoenix. He served in the Diocese of Tucson for 15 years before becoming a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix when it was formed in 1969.
His assignments as a priest of the Diocese of Tucson were:
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Miami (1954-1955)
Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales (1955-1957)
Queen of Peace Parish, Mesa (1957-1960)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Douglas (1960-1962)
St. Catherine Parish, Phoenix (1962-1968)
Holy Family Parish, Phoenix (1968-1969)
After the Diocese of Phoenix was formed in 1969, Rev. Pirrung served at Holy Family Parish from 1969 to 1977 and at Immaculate Conception Parish in Cottonwood from 1977 to his retirement in 1997.

Rev. Thomas Purcell
Rev. Purcell was a priest of the Society of Mary (Marianists) religious order.
His assignment was:
St. Odilia Parish, Tucson (1982-1983)
Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales (In residence, 1983-1984)

Sister Rosaria Riter, O.S.B.
Sister Riter served on the faculty of Sacred Heart School at Sacred Heart Parish from 1949 to1953. Sacred Heart School closed in 1975. She died in 1996.

Msgr. Walter Rosensweig
Msgr. Rosensweig is a retired priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales (1953)
St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson (1953-1962)
St. Patrick Parish, Bisbee (1962-1965)
St. Monica, Tucson (1965-1966)
St. Augustine Cathedral (1967-1969)
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Safford (1969-1972)
Sacred Heart, Nogales (Tubac, Amado, Rio Rico) (1972-1996).

Rev. Charles Rourke
Rev. Rourke was a priest of the Diocese of Tucson. He died in 1993.
His assignments were:
St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson (1958)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Douglas (1958-1960)
Queen of Peace Parish, Mesa (1960-1961)
St. Joseph Parish, Tucson (1961-1962)
All Saints Parish, Tucson (1962-1965)
Newman Center, Tucson (1966-1968)
St. Monica Parish, Tucson (1968-1969)
Leave of Absence and Archdiocese of Santa Fe (1969-1973)
Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales (1973-1975)
Leave of Absence (1975-1981)
St. Andrew Parish, Sierra Vista (1981-1984)

Rev. Julian Sanz
Rev. Sanz is a priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
St. Bernard Parish, Pirtleville (1980-1984)
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Yuma (1986-1987)
Sacred Heart Parish, Clifton (1987-1990)
St. Joseph Parish, Wellton (1990-1992
St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, San Luis (1992-2001)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Douglas (2001-2002)

Rev. Clemens Schlueter
Rev. Schlueter is a retired priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Scottsdale (1961-1963)
St. Daniel Parish, Scottsdale (1963-1965)
Arizona State Prison Chaplain, Florence (1965-1969)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Scottsdale (1970-1975)
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Tucson (1976-1977)
Sacred Heart Parish, Parker (1977-1982)
Arizona Correctional Training Center Chaplain, Tucson (1982-1985)
St. Helen Mission, Oracle (1986-1990)

Rev. Steven Stencil
Rev. Stencil is a priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Miami (1981-1984)
Sacred Heart Parish, Clifton (1984-1986)
Vocations, Diocese of Tucson (1986-1989)
St. Anthony Parish, Casa Grande (1989-1999)
St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Tucson (1999-2001)

Rev. Floyd G. Stromberg
Rev. Stromberg is a retired priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson (1959-1960)
Immaculate Conception Parish, Ajo (1960-1963, 1970-1980)
St. Gregory Parish, Phoenix (1963-1966)
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Superior (1966)
St. Ambrose Parish, Tucson (1966-1968)
St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Tucson (1968-1970, 1982-1983)
Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Tucson (1983-1987)
Our Lady Queen of All Saints, Tucson (1987-2002)

Rev. Daniel Taylor
Rev. Taylor is a priest of the Diocese of Tucson. Rev. Taylor came to the Diocese of Tucson in 1981 and again in 1984 as a priest of the Diocese of Erie. He became a priest of the Diocese of Tucson in 1992.
His assignments were:
St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Tucson (1981)
St. Francis Parish, Superior (1984-1985)
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Safford (1985)
Sacred Heart Parish, Parker (1985-1988)
Assumption Parish, Florence (1988-1991)
Holy Angels Parish, Globe (1991-1996)
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Yuma (1996-1999)

Rev. Michael Teta
Rev. Teta is a priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Tucson (1978-1980)
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Safford (1980-1982)
St. Francis Parish, Superior (1986-1988)

Rev. Robert Thomas
Rev. Thomas is a retired priest of the Diocese of Toledo. Rev. Thomas came to the Diocese of Tucson in 1986 and was granted faculties to perform ministry.
His assignments were:
Our Lady of the Valley, Green Valley (1986-1987)
Our Mother of Sorrows, Tucson (1987-1995)
He also served at Santa Catalina Mission from 1995 through May of 2002.

Rev. James Thompson, C.M.
Rev. Thompson was a member of the Vincentian Religious Order. He served at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix in 1964-65. At that time, the parish was in the Diocese of Tucson. He died in 1982.

Msgr. Robert Trupia
Msgr. Trupia is a priest of the Diocese of Tucson.
His assignments were:
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Yuma (1973-1976)
Tribunal, Diocese of Tucson (1976-1992)
(While assigned to the Tribunal, Msgr. Trupia also provided ministry at various times at parishes in Tucson, including St. Thomas the Apostle, Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Francis de Sales.)

Costs of Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel of the Diocese of Tucson
in Categories of John Jay Study

In January of 2003, the Diocese reported publicly (diocesan Internet site and Catholic Vision newspaper) the estimated costs of sexual misconduct by Church personnel. The information reported by the Diocese covered a 10-year period, from January 1, 1993, through Dec. 31, 2002. Information on costs before 1993 is not available.

The reported estimated costs by category for that 10-year period and the costs by category for calendar year 2003 are:

Costs of Settlements

1993-2002:
The financial details of the January, 2002, settlement of 11 lawsuits cannot be disclosed as a condition of the settlement agreement. Apart from that settlement, the cost to the Diocese of settling claims of eight victims of sexual misconduct with minors by Church personnel from 1993-2002 was approximately $155,000. In addition, the victims also received monies paid by insurance.

As previously reported by the Diocese, the settlement reached in January of 2002 is being paid with some insurance, with diocesan reserves, with loans and with contributions designated for payment of the settlement.

2003:
There were two settlements. One, reported by the Diocese last year, was for $1.8 million, all of which was paid by insurance. The other was for $15,000, paid entirely by the Diocese.

Costs of Counseling for Victims

1993-2002:
Approximately $115,000. Additional amounts were paid by insurance.

2003:
$28,917 paid by the Diocese. Additional amounts were paid by insurance.

Costs of Evaluation and Treatment for Church Personnel

1993-2002:
Approximately $215,000, without the benefit of any insurance.

2003:
No costs.

Legal Costs

1993-2002:
Cost to Diocese was approximately $470,000. In addition, insurance companies paid a substantial portion of legal costs for the defense of lawsuits filed against the Diocese that have alleged sexual misconduct with minors by Church personnel. The Diocese has paid no legal costs for any representation of priests or other Church personnel accused of sexual misconduct with minors.

2003:
Cost to Diocese was approximately $97,586. Insurance companies continued to pay a substantial portion of legal costs for the defense of lawsuits.



50 priests in Arizona in scandal
Dioceses' lists reaffirm scope of abuse claims

Michael Clancy
Arizona Republic
February 26, 2004

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0226report26.html

More than 50 Catholic priests in Arizona have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of children since 1950, according to the Catholic dioceses that cover Arizona.

The number is the first comprehensive tally of abusive priests who have served in Arizona. The total was developed in advance of a national report on the nature and scope of clergy abuse in the United States, which is expected to indicate at least 5,000 priests abused 12,000 victims.

That report, based on numbers calculated by each diocese, will be released Friday.

In Arizona, the Diocese of Tucson reported 27 accused priests and the Diocese of Phoenix reported 18. The Diocese of Gallup, N.M., had six abusive priests who served in Apache and Navajo counties in Arizona.

The Byzantine Eparchy of Van Nuys, a branch of the Catholic Church that evolved in the Orthodox tradition, reported no allegations. It is based in Phoenix.

Victim advocates are not convinced that the numbers, which exceed any reported previously by victim groups or the media, are accurate.

Dioceses throughout the country have been releasing similar information in advance of the national survey. Bishop Wilton Gregory of Belleville, Ill., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has said results will be devastating.

In Arizona:


• The Diocese of Gallup, N.M., which includes Apache and Navajo counties and before 1969 included Coconino, Mohave and Yavapai counties, reported six of its seven accused priests served in Arizona. Abuse cases have cost the diocese $190,000. Gallup listed 11 victims and a total of 494 priests who served the diocese during the 52-year period.


• The Diocese of Tucson, which before 1969 included Maricopa County, listed 27 priests. Nine served parishes in the Valley. The Tucson information did not include cost figures, a clergy tally or a victim number.


• The Diocese of Phoenix, in a report made public last September, listed 18 accused priests out of 1,097 priests who served the diocese since its founding in December 1969. Costs totaled $2.7 million. The diocese has not provided a number of victims.

Diocesan representatives declined comment until Friday.

All three dioceses previously identified abusive priests. None listed any not already identified. None listed is currently working in ministry.

In the Phoenix Diocese, cases that were "credibly accused" could range from those handled internally to those involving priests who've gone to prison.

A local member of Voice of the Faithful, a lay reform group formed as the scandal broke, would not talk until the report is issued.

But Paul Pfaffenberger, local leader of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, said he doubted, "based on past experience," that the Phoenix report is accurate.

"The diocese has had a long history of reporting only those cases that have been public through litigation, criminal charges, or the media," he said.

Other issues with the study:


• It makes no reference to lay employees. In the Phoenix Diocese, two youth ministers served jail time for abuse cases. In November 2002, the diocese reported that 50 priests, former priests and employees had been accused of sexual misconduct with children but added that many faced "untrue or meritless" allegations.


• It covers only the 189 dioceses of the U.S. Catholic Church but none of the religious orders. In Phoenix, five of the credibly accused served in orders.


• It fails to take note of priests who violated abuse policies without abusing children.


• It may not make reference to transfers around the country. The Diocese of Phoenix is home to at least six priests who were suspended by other dioceses or religious orders, who moved here after suspensions or were working here when suspensions were handed down.

Thomas Plante, a psychologist at the Santa Clara University in California, who has worked with dioceses and treated both abusive priests and victims, said the report "will be another earthquake in a series of earthquakes."

"People will read the numbers and the headlines, 5,000 priests and 12,000 victims, and be depressed, saddened and upset," Plante said.

 

 

 
 

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