IN THE DIOCESE
tvc.dsj.org | October 23, 2018
3
Statement from Bishop McGrath on Release of List of Clergy
with Credible Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Children
October 18, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I express my deepest apologies for
the actions of those who were in posi-
tions of authority and who violated
that sacred trust by abusing children.
The sexual abuse of children and
young people is an appalling crime and a sin. When
these perpetrators are members of the clergy, there are
not only psychological wounds but spiritual wounds.
In the Diocese of San Jose, we have worked
diligently to create a safe environment in which to
worship, learn, and gather in our parishes, schools
and other institutions. Every bishop, priest, deacon,
employee, and volunteer, who have contact with
children in any capacity, must undergo a background
check and triennial training on how to prevent, rec-
ognize and report the sexual abuse of children. It is
my commitment to build on the eff orts of the past and
continue to improve upon them.
To that end, I am releasing the names and status
of all priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse
of children occurring within the Diocese of San Jose.
These priests were assigned to a parish or diocesan
ministry in Santa Clara County by the Bishop of San
Jose or, in the years before our founding in 1981, by
the Archbishop of San Francisco.
We have attempted to make this list as accurate
and complete as possible. In November, Dr. Kathleen
McChesney will lead an independent team to audit
our priest personnel fi les. Should additional credible
allegations surface during the investigation, those
names will be added to the list that I am providing
today. Dr. McChesney is a former FBI Executive As-
sistant Director.
Our vigilance, training, and prevention eff orts are
ongoing and we continually seek to improve them.
I have spoken to many survivors of abuse who have
come forward, and I thank them for their courage. I
personally encourage any survivors, who have not
previously come forward, to do so by contacting
the local authorities – police department or sheriff ’s
offi ce – and then to make a report to our Offi ce for
the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults at
(408) 983-0113 or opcva.ethicspoint.com.
There can no longer be a culture of secrecy in the
Church, but one of transparency and accountability.
Our work will not be complete until all of those who
have been harmed have received assistance in heal-
ing and until the evil of child sexual abuse has been
eradicated from society.
With every best wish and kind regards, I remain,
Sincerely Yours,
Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San José
Diocese of San Jose Concludes Listening Sessions Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse Scandal
By Liz Sullivan
Across Santa Clara County, and
stretching over three weeks, Bishop
Patrick J. McGrath and the Diocese of
San Jose hosted its fi nal two listening
sessions en route to a path to healing.
On October 12, Bishop McGrath,
along with Coadjutor Bishop Oscar
Cantú gathered with more than 80
people at Saint Martin of Tours Church.
Five days later, Bishop McGrath
held the fi nal session on October 17, at
Santa Teresa Church. About 60 people
attended this session.
“We realized how important it was
to the victims for their peace of mind
for transparency that they will see the
whole list together, and if there are
other people out there who have not
come forward, now is the moment to
do so.”
These sessions have sought input
from the people in the pews on the
path way to reform, listening to those
who have been victimized by clerical
sexual abuse either directly or in their
families and praying for God’s grace to
be our only guide.
On October 18, Bishop McGrath
released the names of clergy with
credible allegations of sexual abuse
of children. This part of the Diocese’s
commitment to transparency and ac-
countability to assist in the process of
reconciliation and healing for victims/
survivors.
With the release of the list, the
Bishop expressed his deepest apologies
for the actions of those who were in
positions of authority and who violated
that sacred trust by abusing children.
The Bishop also voiced his commitment
to continue to improve upon the vigi-
lance, training, and prevention eff orts
that have been in place since 2002.
The Bishop personally encouraged
other victims/survivors to come for-
ward. Anyone who has been a victim
of sexual abuse by anyone working on
behalf of the Church is urged to contact
civil authorities (police department or
sheriff ’s offi ce) and then to contact the
Offi ce for the Protection of Children
and Vulnerable Adults at (408) 983-0113
or opcva.ethicspoint.com.
In early November, Dr. Kathleen
McChesney, and her firm, Kinsale
Management Consulting, will begin
an in-depth independent review of all
personnel records of priests regarding
the sexual abuse of minors or vulner-
able adults committed by any cleric
appointed by the Diocesan Bishop to
serve in the Diocese.
The Diocese expects to publish a full
report by the end of the year.
For more information, includ-
ing the list and FAQs, please visit
www.dsj.org/disclosurelist.
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