Fr. Hayden Vaverek

Ordained: 1994
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Charleston SC

Vaverek’s privileges were removed in 3/2013 after allegations against him of sexual misconduct involving a minor more than 15 years prior, when he was pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Greenwood. In 1/2011, with permission of the bishop, he began working for Catholic Near East Welfare Association, a papal agency based in NY City. Vaverek was apparently in Rome when the allegations were made public. As of 4/23/2013 his accuser waived further criminal investigation, saying church punishment was enough. The Diocese was continuing its investigation. Vaverek was laicized in 5/2016. In 2017 he created a nonprofit for supporting priests “at a vocational crossroads” called Pax Bonum. Included on the diocese’s 3/2019 list of credibly accused.

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