Catholic Diocese of Springfield release report detailing decades of clergy abuse

Springfield, Massachusetts -- A report from a Pennsylvania grand jury on abuse by priests raised more questions, concerning the Springfield Diocese. 

Years after abuse by clergy members, some survivors still struggle. The Springfield Diocese this week released a report detailing decades of abuse, and settlements totaling nearly $15 million.

Catholic Diocese of Springfield release report detailing decades of clergy abuse

Most of the information is not new, but a Pennsylvania grand jury report prompted Bishop Mitchell Rozanski to share the information. 

"It brought a lot of questions, a lot of people calling the diocese and speaking to their priests and asking questions,” said Mark DuPont, spokesman of the Catholic Diocese in Springfield. “So, we thought, most of this information has been put forward in the past, but never in a condensed fashion like this. So, the bishop decided it was really best to put the information out in front of people.” 

Of the 15 incidents of abuse reported in 2018, diocese spokesman Mark DuPont said there is only one that actually occurred that year, and it's under investigation by the diocese and the district attorney.  

“A failure to follow the diocesan procedure in regard to boundary violations and things of that nature, so that wasn't technically an abuse case,” DuPont explained. 

He added that the person involved in the 2018 case has been removed from ministry pending a full investigation.  

Rebecca Koske's father, Richard, was sexually assaulted by a priest in Northampton, but she said it took the diocese too long to take action. 

“He was eventually removed, but only after we made so much noise, that they had no choice,” said Koske of South Hadley. 

Dupont said Koske's case has already been resolved, but Koske was allowed to address the Diocese Review Board Wednesday.  

 The suffering caused by the abuse lingers with victims for a lifetime. According to the diocese report, they paid $150,000 to cover therapy costs in 2018 alone.  

Koske's daughter said for them, it doesn't feel like a resolution. 

“He trusted this institution when he came forward to treat him fairly, to take care of him, and to protect him from the wolves among their sheep,” Koske went on to say. “Watching my father's pain right now is more painful than anything I've ever been dragged through.” 

The Diocese of Springfield keeps a list of what they refer to as "credibly accused clergy."

The Springfield Diocese has released a report detailing decades of clergy abuse.

Most of the information is not new, but a Pennsylvania Grand Jury report prompted Bishop Mitchell Rozanski to share the information. 

The Diocese of Springfield keeps track of what they refer to as "credibly accused clergy:"

The following is a listing of all diocesan priests and deacons who have had one or more credible allegations of sexual abuse of a child made against them while they were living. This list includes former priests who left the priesthood prior to reports having been made. All have had their faculties to function as clergy removed.

Living laicized clergy who were under the sanctions of the Essential Norms*:

Alfred Graves
Richard Lavigne

Priests currently living under sanctions of the Essential Norms*:

Michael Devlin
Richard Kirouac
David Farland
Francis Lavelle
Ronald Wamsher

Diocesan clergy removed from public ministry with a credible allegation of sexual misconduct involving an adult.

Eugene Honan

Deceased bishop who was permanently removed from public ministry:

Thomas L. Dupre

Clergy who died after having been placed under the sanctions of the Essential Norms*:

Andre Corbin
Clarence Forand
Edward Kennedy
John Koonz
Richard Meehan
Charles Joseph Sgueglia
Charles Sullivan

Clergy who died with credible accusations of abuse before being placed under the sanctions of
the Essential Norms*:

Fr. Paul Archambault
Former priests:
Albert Blanchard
John R. Russell
Deacon permanently removed from ministry:
James Martone