Fr. Michael S. McGrath

Assigned to many parishes, led one for a brief time. Taught at parish schools and at DuBourg High. Suspended in 1997 after allegation he fondled a boy in the 1970s while a seminarian. Sent to treatment, reinstated after a year. A 6/03 civil suit alleged a man had recently killed himself after lifetime of turmoil due to abuse by McGrath as a child in the 1980s. Suicide was just after man learned McGrath could not be prosecuted due to SOL. At least 20 more suits followed of men and women alleging abuse as children by McGrath. He would take children on outings in his van, some overnight trips. Most allegations are of fondling, at least one of forced oral copulation. In 8/04 17 people settled claims against McGrath in archdiocesan settlement. In 12/07, MO Court of Appeals upheld dismissal of 1 suit by the lower court. One of 6 priests in 7/08 settlement. Laicized in 2005. On archdiocese’s list 7/26/19.