Fr. Mark A. Haight

The Albany Diocese knew of allegations of child sexual abuse against Haight from early in his priesthood. On leave of absence 1980-1985; instead of going to treatment in 1980 after allegations, got a job teaching children, with a letter of recommendation from Bishop Hubbard. Sent to treatment at the House of Affirmation in CA in 1985, and in 1989 to the Servants of the Paraclete in NM. Diocese reportedly settled with at least two men, in 1989 and 1997, who alleged they were abused by Haight years prior. Reassigned as hospital chaplain in 1990. Removed from position in 1996 after hospital learned of his history. Accused of abusing a 14-year-old boy in Baltimore while a seminarian in 1974. Included on the Baltimore Archdiocese’s list in 9/2002. Civil suit filed in Boston in 10/2004 claiming abuse by Haight and another priest at church in Colonie, NY and during trips to MA. Possibly at least six more victims. Suit filed in 1/2018 in VT by a man alleging Haight sexually abused him there as a boy. On the Albany Diocese’s list 11/30/2018. Settlement of $750K in 6/2022 with a man claiming abuse as a boy by Haight in NY beginning in 1988 and continuing for over ten years. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. In 6/2023 the family of a man who came forward in 2002 sued the Archdiocese, St. Mary’s Seminary and University and the Sulpice Foundation for wrongful death. The man died in 2022 from a drug overdose. His father was the founder in 1961 of the law firm that has since represented the Archdiocese. After his father died at age 43, the man, then age 14, took a night receptionist job at St. Mary’s, where he met and was abused by Haight in 1974. The family said he began using drugs due to the emotional devastation from the abuse in 1974 and the Archdiocese’s response after he came forward in the 2000s.