62 Accused in This Diocese
- The Montana Catholic 01.16.04
- The Missoulian 03.20.12
- Daily Inter Lake 03.20.12
- Coshocton Tribune 03.21.12
- Lez Get Real 03.21.12
- KAJ 03.22.12
- NBC Montana 03.22.12
- KAJ 03.29.12
- Daily Inter Lake 04.19.12
- NBC Montana 04.20.12
- Flathead Beacon 04.21.12
- Daily Inter Lake 01.07.13
- San Francisco Chronicle 01.08.13
- SNAP Statement 01.08.13
- Diocese of Helena 06.05.25
- PCVA Press Release 03.25.11
- Indian Country Today Media Network 08.18.11
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County, 10.03.11
- Press Release from Kosnoff Fasy 01.31.14
- Missoula Independent 03.27.14
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Diocese of Great Falls-Billings List 08.21.18
- Jesuits West Province List 12.07.18
- Statesman Journal (Salem OR) 01.12.06
- Oregonian 01.12.06
- Table: The Oregonian 11.12.06
- Missoulian 09.03.09
- Missoulian 09.14.09
- Missoulian 09.26.09
- Good Jesuit, Bad Jesuit 11.12.09
- Missoulian 01.07.10
- PCVA Law Firm Press Release 03.25.11
- KXLH 09.21.11
- NBC Montana 09.22.11
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County, 10.03.11
- Press Release from Kosnoff Fasy 01.31.14
- Archdiocese of Seattle list 01.15.16
- The Stranger 01.15.16
- Jesuits West Province List 12.07.18
- Flathead Courier 09.19.40
- Ronan Pioneer 04.03.41
- Ronan Pioneer 08.17.72
- Great Falls Tribune Obituary 06.25.77
- PCVA Law Firm Press Release 03.25.11
- The Missoulian 06.05.11
- The Missoulian 06.06.11
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County, 10.03.11
- The Missoulian 01.31.14
- Missoula Independent 03.27.14
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Great Falls Tribune 09.11.1921
- Daily Missoulian 09.22.58
- Montana Catholic Register 09.18.63
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County 10.03.11
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.15
- Press Democrat Obituary 03.19.03
- Char-Koosta News Obituary 03.20.03
- The Missoulian 09.27.11
- John Does 1-16 et al v Ursuline Sisters, Diocese of Helena, et al, Cause No ADV-2011-936, Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis & Clark County, 10.03.11
- Missoulian 01.31.14
- Diocese of Helena List 04.29.19
Mother Marianne Adams
Entered the Ursuline order in 1894. Worked on MT Indian Missions at Holy Family, St. Xavier, St. Paul, and St. Ignatius, and at a parochial school in Everett WA. Died in 1947 at age 80. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 4/29/2015.
Fr. Joseph A. Balfe
Died 9/29/1969. Accused of abuse of students at St. Ignatius Mission Boarding School on Flathead Indian Reservation in late 1950s-early 1960s. One man said he arrived early for mass and found Balfe standing naked in the sacristy. Another said that Balfe asked him during confession what bed he slept in. Named in five complaints in a 9/2011 civil suit against the Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese, filed by 45 people against four nuns, six priests and one religious brother. On the Jesuit West Province list 12/7/2018, which notes the sexual abuse of a minor 1934-1940 and 1959-1961.
Fr. James P. Barry
Died 9/8/1980, age 55 in a car accident. An amended civil lawsuit filed in 10/2011 refers to Barry as a "credibly accused" sexual abuser. There are 117 plaintiffs in the amended suit. (The Diocese originally claimed he was Jesuit priest, not Diocesan.) Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement.
Fr. Rudolph Bullman
Retired millworker, became a priest at age 55. The Diocese announced in 3/2012 that Bullman had been arrested and placed on leave without privileges in 12/2011 an after investigation yielded images of nude, underage boys on his computer and game console. He admitted to looking at online gay pornography, but said the sites he visited had disclaimers that images were of those over age 18 only. Charged 2/29/2012 with felony child sex abuse. Pleaded not guilty at arraignment 4/19/2012. Charges were dropped in 1/2013 in a plea agreement that was to give him three years deferred adjudication. Bullman was required to undergo counseling, meet with a spiritual support group, have his computer checked every six months for pornography and not to be in charge of anyone under age 18. If he met the conditions for three years prosecution would not be pursued. In 6/2025 he is listed on the Diocese's website as having senior status.
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Fr. Harry Butori
Died 3/14/2005. Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement.
Fr. Kevin L. Christofferson
Ordained for the Diocese of Great Falls. Working in the Diocese of Helena by 2000, in Butte parishes. In 10/2022 the Helena diocese announced that it had received an allegation that Christofferson sexually abused a minor in 2001. Placed on leave. On 5/8/2023 Bishop Vetter announced that the allegation could not be substantiated and Christofferson was to be reinstated.
Fr. John A. Delane
From Ireland, where he was ordained for the Diocese of Helena. Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Delane died 1/30/1971.
Fr. Harry Delaney
Named publicly by the Diocese as accused on its lit 4/29/2015. Assigned to parishes in Anaconda, Butte, Eurkea Kalispell, and to a hospital in Deer Lodge. Died 3/11/1957.
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Fr. Augustine M. Dimier
Born in 1864 in Savoy France. Died 6/14/1950. Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Assigned to St. Ignatius Mission Parish, St. Ignatius MT 1920-1950. On the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.
Fr. Ignatius J. Dumbeck
Died 11/22/1992, age 99. At lease one allegation of abuse by "Father Dimmick" (no first name) at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation is included in a 9/2011 civil lawsuit suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against multiple nuns, six priests and two religious brothers.
Fr. George Ferguson
"Fr. Fergie." Named as an abuser in a claim included in an amended civil suit filed 9/29/2011 against the Helena Diocese and Ursuline Order of Nuns by multiple plaintiffs. No date is given for the alleged abuse. Died 6/12/1986. (The Diocese initially claimed he was a Jesuit, not diocesan, priest.) Included on the Diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Worked in Guatemala for a few years in the 1970s, where he was said to have contracted hepatitis. In 1980 Ferguson took sick leave and resided in Cuernavaca, México. He disappeared in from his home there in 5/1986, and was presumed murdered.
Fr. Joseph Finnegan
Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 4/29/2015, which notes that there were "criminal accusations" that resulted in acquittal. Finnegan was charged in the late 1970s with sexually abusing 5 teenage boys at the Denny Driscoll Boys Home in Butte 5/1976-9/1978. He reportedly resigned due to the allegations in 9/1979 and from the Will and Daisy Brassier Boys' Ranch in Whitehall. Finnegan was Director of the homes. He retired 7/1/2002 and died 1/16/2019.
Br. Rene Gallant
"Br. Charlie." Died 7/23/1975. Accused of abuse of at least 28 individuals. Claims were included in the Jesuits' $166M settlement in 2011 with over 500 plaintiffs. Named in the settlement as among the ten most prolific abusers. Multiple plaintiffs alleged abuse by him at St. Ignatius Mission on the Flathead Indian Reservation in a 9/2011 civil suit against the Ursuline order and Helena diocese, filed by 45 people against four nuns, six priests and one religious brother. Gallant was assigned to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-1975. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. A "Br. Rene" is included on the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings list in 8/2018 - likely the same person. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018, which notes multiple allegations reported in 2009 of abuse spanning three decades.
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Fr. Louis J. Geis
Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Geis died 7/8/1994.
Fr. A. M. D. Gillen
Ordained in Canada. Also known as A.M. Donald Gillen. Assigned in the Helena diocese 1950-1965. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Died 7/30/1987.
Fr. Daniel B. Harrington
Monsignor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Died 11/23/1997.
Fr. Bernard A. Harris
"Father Harry." Accused in a 1/2006 lawsuit of raping 4 of 8 siblings 1968-1972 in OR. (Brother of Rev. James Harris, accused of abusing the same family.) Harris was incardinated in the Helena MT at time of alleged abuse, teaching at Loyola High School in Missoula and working at St. Francis Xavier parish there. He died 9/7/1972. In 3/2011 20 claims were settled by the Jesuits. Named as an abuser of at least one child at St. Ignatius Mission in MT in a 9/2011 civil suit. Name included on the Seattle archdiocese's list 1/15/2016. Worked at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma 1949-1952. On the Jesuit West Province list 12/7/2018, which notes reports in 1993, 2006 and 2009 of abuse 1958-1962, 1962-1966, 1965-1969 and 1971-1972.
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Fr. Robert J. Hartman
Parish priest, pastor; chaplain of Good Shepherd Home (for troubled girls) 1956-1965; founder and director of St. Helena Cathedral men and boy's choir; director of "Choir Boys Camp at Legendary Lodge; started the first Diocese Youth Camp; taught theology at Girls Central High School in Butte and St. Helena Cathedral High School; directed the United Church Youth Christmas Choirs. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Died 8/12/1996.
Fr. Daniel B. Hillen
Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Assignments included St. Patrick's, Butte: 1970-1971; St. Ann's, Butte: 1971-1974; Graduate studies 1974 and 1977-1979; Carroll College 1974-2002; on leave to begin art studio in 2002. Died 7/19/2003.
Maria Rufina Karges
Status: Settled
Died: 06/23/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT
"Mother Loyola"; "Sr. Maria Rufina"; "Sr. Mary Rufina". From Impfinger, Germany. Arrived in the U.S. in 1927 or 1928 to join the Ursuline order. Made vows in 1931. Assigned to Holy Family in Browning for three years. Final vows in 1934. Assigned in about 1937 to St. Ignatius Mission Boarding School in MT, where she reportedly worked for 26 years. Became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1941. She also worked at Ursuline Academy in Great Falls, and the Novitiate at Santa Rosa, CA. Transferred to St. Mary's AK in 1972. Died in 1977. Karges was accused of sexually abusing at least 24 children of the over 500 claimants included in a massive $166M settlement with the Jesuits in 2011. The abuse occurred in the 1950s and early 1960s at St. Ignatius Mission. Karges was the school's cook and supervisor of the boys' dorm; she would take individual boys back to her room at night for sex. Named in large lawsuit filed in 10/2011 by multiple plaintiffs.
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Fr. John P. Kerrigan
Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Had spent time in treatment at the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs NM. Disappeared 7/21/1984, the day he was scheduled to begin as pastor at a new parish. His car and bloody clothing were found shortly after his disappearance. Presumed dead 7/21/1984. Kerrigan's remains were never found, as of 1/2026.
Fr. Paul B. Kirchen
Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Assigned to Carroll College 1929-1980; retired to residence at Carroll College 7/1/1980. Died 4/19/1989. On the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings list 8/21/2018. (Name misspelled Kurchen.)
Mother Finbarr Kreiner
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2019. Assigned at some point 1940-1975 to St. Ignatius Mission.
Fr. Emmett F. Lowney
Included on the Helena diocese's list of accused, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Assignments included St. Paul's, Anaconda 1949-1951; St. Peter's, Anaconda 1951-1954; Chancery and Sacred Heart Mission, Wolf Creek 1954-1956; St. John's, Butte 1956-1957; St. Catherine, Boulder: 1957-1964; St. Michael's, Drummond 1964-1967; Retreat House, Deer Lodge 1967-1968; St. Mary's Mission, Stevensville 1968-1969; leave to Michigan 1969. Died 7/31/1975.
Fr. Egon Mallman
As part of Section 13.1, Non-Monetary Commitments, of the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, Reorganization Plan (7/18/2011) the Province agreed to post on its website the names of all members of the province who are identified as perpetrators of sexual abuse in proofs of claims filed in the bankruptcy case, and who have not denied the allegation. Mallman is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Worked in Heart Butte MT for over 40 years. Died 8/20/1980. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. On the Jesuits West list 12/7/2018. It notes claims in 1980 of abuse in 1958 and 1960.
Mother Mary Grace
Entered the Ursuline order in 1929. In charge of the girls at Villa Ursula in St. Ignatius. Died in 1950. Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Assigned at some point between 1940 and 1975 to St. Ignatius Mission.
Fr. Bernard J. McCarthy
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Assignments included Cathedral, Helena 1947-1949; St. Patrick, Butte 1949-1952 & 1971-1978; Sacred Heart, Ronan 1957-1968; St. Lawrence, Walkerville 1968-1971; St. Michael, Conrad 1979-1986; Risen Christ, Kalispell 1986-1989; Catholic Community North, Butte 1989-1990; St. James Community Hospital, Butte 1990-1992; Retired 1992. Died 9/16/2003.
Fr. James W. McCormick
Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Assignments included Carroll College 1924-1926 and 1927-1951; St. Lawrence Parish, Walkerville: 1926-1927 and 1951-1956; Immaculate Conception Parish, Butte 1956-1967. Died 6/14/1967.
Mother Camilla
Accused along with Mother Henrietta, Sister John and Brother Charley (Brother Rene Gallant) in a 9/2011 civil lawsuit against the Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese of sexually, physically and emotionally abusing a girl at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. Per the suit, the girl was a boarder at the school in 1951 and again 1954-1959/1960. Included on the Diocese's list 4/29/2015 as Sister Camilla, OSU.
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Mother Catherine
Member of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at some point at Good Shepherd Home.
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Mother Henrietta
A woman alleged abuse by Mother Henrietta, Mother Camellia and Sister John at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. Allegations are included in a 9/2011 civil lawsuit against the Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against multiple nuns, 6 priests and 2 brothers. Included on the Diocese's list 4/29/2015, as Sister Henrietta.
Fr. Robert J. O’Donnell
Accused in a 3/13/2013 civil suit of "multiple instances of unpermitted, harmful and offensive sexual conduct'" with a teenage boy in about 1974, while co-pastor of the Cathedral of St. Helena, where he was named coordinator in 1977. Chancellor of Helena diocese 1981-1985. Placed on leave 1985. Moved to Hawaii 6/1986, working in a Honolulu parish and at St. Anthony's in Kailua. Incardinated into the Honolulu diocese in 1989. Assigned to Holy Trinity in Honolulu in 1989 where he became pastor in 1992. Died 7/29/1995. Buried with credibly accused priest Msgr. William D. Spain in Kaneohe HI.
Fr. Joseph L. Obersinner
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Retired to Spokane's Jesuit community at Gonzaga University in 1999, moved in 2015 to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA. Died 3/1/2018. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.
Fr. Dusan Anthony Okorn
From Yugoslavia. Worked in Italy until 1949, when he emigrated to Montana. Became a U.S. citizen in 1964. Assigned in Helena, Anaconda, Butte, Conrad, Columbia Falls, Big Fork, Stevensville, and Swan Valley. Died 1/10/2010, age 88. Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement.
Fr. Martin H. Philipsen
Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Assigned to St. William's in Shelby MT 1971-1978. Other assignments included Southeast Catholic High School in the Green Bay archdiocese 1939-1943 and 1948-1958, Green Bay's Central Catholic 1943-1948 and counselor at Camp Tivoli 1939-1941. Also worked at Abbot Pennings High in De Pere, WI 1967-1969. Transferred in 1992 to his order's priory in Jackson, MI. Philpsen died 8/21/1998. Included on the St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/2019, with multiple allegations noted.
Fr. Peter P. Pritzl
Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Died 10/03/1993. Included on the St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/2019, with multiple allegations noted.
Sr. Mary Laurence Reuter
Taught public school before entering the Ursuline order in 1941. Professed vows in 1944. Had a long career at Ursuline Academy in Great Falls as teacher, principal, and superior. Taught at St. Malachy's in Los Angeles CA and St. Rose in Santa Rosa CA. Was superior in the late 1960s at St. Ignatius Mission in MT. One of several individuals with credible allegations of the sexual abuse of minors named in one of two lawsuits filed in 2011 against the two Montana dioceses. Reuter allegedly abused at St. Ignatius Mission. She died 5/11/1986.
Mother Clement Marie Schmieder
From Germany. Came to the United States to join the order's novitiate in 1926. Professed vows in 1929. Teacher, including of music, in AK, WA, and MT. Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Assigned at some point during 1940-1975 to St. Ignatius Mission. Died 1/13/1992.
Mother Cecilia Seymour
Given name Frances Seymour. Joined the Ursuline order in in 1923. Worked in Malone NY, Greenville SC, Holy Family Mission in Browning MT, St. Ignatius Public Schools in MT, St. John's Grade School in San Francisco CA, St. Mary's High School in St. Mary's AK, St. Malachy's Parish School in Los Angeles CA. Retired in 1989 to Santa Rosa CA. Was organist at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Windsor, tutored students at St. Rose Parish School and Ursuline and Cardinal Newman High Schools. Died 3/16/2003 at age 98. Three allegations of abuse by Mother Cecelia at St. Ignatius Mission, where she taught for about 30 years, are included in a 9/2011 civil suit against the Ursuline order and Helena diocese, filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 religious brother. Included on the Helena diocese's list 4/29/2015 (name spelled Seymor).
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Sister Catherine
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Assigned at some point between 1940 and 1975 to St. Ignatius Mission.
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Sister Daniels
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Assigned at some point 1940-1975 to St. Ignatius Mission.
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Sister Frances
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Assigned at some point 1940-1975 to St. Ignatius mission.
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Sister Glenniatoss
Status: Accused
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at some point in the diocese. Religious order uncertain.
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Sister John
Accused of abuse of two in 9/2011 civil lawsuit against the Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother. Included on the Helena diocese's list of accused 4/29/2015. Worked at some point 1940- 1975 at St. Ignatius Mission.
Sr. Mackey
Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-1975.
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Sister Margaret
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-1975.
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Sister Marion
Two allegations of abuse by Sr. Marion at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation are included in a 9/2011 civil lawsuit against ther Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother. Included on the Helena diocese's list 4/29/2015.
Sister Martin
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-1975.
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Sr. Mary Agnes Rose
Member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (B.V.M.). Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at some pint at Immaculate Conception School in Butte.
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Sr. Mary Victor
Member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (S.C.L.). Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at some point at St. Helena School in Helena.
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Sr. Monica
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-1975.
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Sr. Monica
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at some point at St. Margaret School in Cut Bank.
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Sr. Richildus
Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at some point at St. Margaret School in Cut Bank.
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Sr. Rita
Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75.
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Sr. Teresa
Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-1975.
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Fr. Wilson F. Smart
The Diocese knew of Smart's attraction to boys by 1959. He received treatment in 1959 and 1969 and admitted to molesting more than 30 boys 1957-1978. A 1990 civil lawsuit alleged Smart sexually abused the plaintiff at age 12 in 1967, and that the abuse continued until 1975. It settled in 1993, possibly for $1.7M. Smart was named in at least three other suits which later settled. In 1993 the bishop admitted to removing two letters from a file which documented abuse. Smart was named as an abuser in an amended lawsuit in 10/2011. He died 9/10/2006. Included on the Helena diocese's list posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement.
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Br. John Sorisio
A woman alleged sexual abuse as a child by Br. "Seoriso" on multiple occasions at St. Ignatius Mission on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Allegations are included in a 9/2011 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against multiple nuns, 6 priests and 2 brothers. Br. "John Sorisio" was named as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission 1915 until his death 7/20/1957. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.
Fr. Leonard J. Spraycar
Parish priest assigned in Butte, Anaconda, Helena; pastor in Helmville, Philipsburg, Fairfield, Columbia Falls, Anaconda, and Dutton. Staff member at St. Patrick Hospital Alcoholism Treatment Center. Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Spraycar died 3/31/1984.
Fr. Patrick N. Stimatz
Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list of accused, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Stimatz died 5/4/1986.
Fr. Sullivan
Status: Sued
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT
At least one allegation of child sexual abuse by "Fr. Sullivan" (no first name given) at St. Mary's in Helena is included in a 9/2011 civil lawsuit against the Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother. In 1959 Fr. Sullivan allegedly propositioned a girl to have sex with him in exchange for $20.00. The girl was a St. Mary's Catholic School student.
Fr. Louis J. Taelman
Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/2015 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Died 12/24/1961. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018.
Mother Bernadette Walters
Given name Bertha Walters. Professed vows in 1927. Taught elementary school in Great Falls, Miles City and Anaconda MT; Moscow ID; San Francisco CA. Also worked in the MT Ursuline Indian Missions of St. Labre's in Ashland, St. Paul's in Hays and St. Ignatius. Retired from teaching and became Religious Education Coordinator for St. John Parish in San Francisco. Died 5/4/2006, age 99, at the Ursuline Convent in Great Falls. Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/2015.