Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg
Ecclesiastical Province ofPhiladelphia

IArchdiocese
Diocese

I

I

Allentown
Altoona -Johnstown
Erie

I

I

I

I

Greensburg
Harrisburg

1.1 Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Scranton

I.

General Overview of the Diocese of Greensburg, Pennsylvania
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg was canonically erected on March 10, 1951,

by Pope Pius XII. The Diocese oversees Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties,

Pennsylvania. As of 2017, the population of Catholics living within the Diocese of Greensburg
was 137,641, which constituted approximately 21% of the total population in the Diocese's

geographic region. The Greensburg Diocese consists of 78 parishes, 14 elementary schools, two

junior/senior high schools, and a school for children of all ages with intellectual and/or
developmental disabilities, and has approximately 100 clergy members (including active, retired,
and international priests, as well as permanent deacons).

113

 II.

History of Bishops of the Diocese of Greensburg
a) Bishop Hugh L. Lamb (1/16/1952 through 12/06/1959)

b) Bishop William G. Connare (5/04/1960 through 1/20/1987)
c) Auxiliary Bishop Norbert F. Gaughan (6/26/1977 through 7/09/1984)

d) Bishop Anthony G. Bosco (630/1987 through 3/04/2004)
e)

f)

III.

Bishop Edward C. Malesic (7/13/2015 to Present)

Additional Church Leadership within the Diocese of Greensburg
Relevant to the Grand Jury's Investigation
The Grand Jury finds that the following Church leaders, while not Bishops, played an

important role in the Diocese of Greensburg's handling of allegations of priest sexual abuse.
1) Father Roger Statnick

2) Father Lawrence Persico (later Bishop of the Diocese of Erie)
3) Monsignor Thomas Klinzing

IV.

Findings of the Grand Jury
The Grand Jury uncovered evidence of child sexual abuse committed by a number of

priests of the Diocese of Greensburg. The forms of abuse discovered included grooming and the
fondling of genitals and/or intimate body parts, as well as penetration of the vagina, mouth, and/or
anus. The evidence also showed that Diocesan administrators, including bishops, had knowledge

of this conduct and regularly permitted priests to continue in ministry after becoming aware that a
complaint of child sexual abuse had been made against them. This conduct enabled the offenders
and endangered the welfare of children.
114

REDACTED - ONGOING APPELLATE
LITIGATION

 Evidence also showed that the Diocese made settlements with victims and had discussions
with lawyers regarding the sexual abuse of children by its priests. These settlements often

contained confidentiality agreements forbidding victims from speaking about such abuse under
threat of some penalty, such as legal action to recover previously paid settlement funds.
Finally, the Grand Jury received evidence that Diocesan administrators, including Bishops,

dissuaded victims from reporting abuse to law enforcement. Meanwhile, the Diocese regularly
failed to independently investigate allegations of child sexual abuse in order to avoid scandal and
possible civil and criminal liability on behalf of the Diocese, accused priests, and Diocesan
leadership. To the extent an investigation was conducted by the Diocese, it was too often deficient
or biased and did not result in reporting credible allegations of crimes against children to the proper

authorities or otherwise faithfully respond to the abuse which was uncovered.

V.

Offenders Identified by the Grand Jury
1)

Father Dennis Dellamalva

2) Father Greg Flohr
3) Father Charles B. Guth

4) Father Francis Lesniak
5) Father Raymond Lukac
6) Father Henry J. Marcinek

7) "Greensburg Priest #1"
8) Father Robert Moslener

9) Father Fabian G. Oris
10) Edmond A. Parrakow
11) Father George R. Pierce

115

 12) Father Gregory F. Premoshis
13) Father Thomas W. Rogers
14) Father Leonard Sanesi
15) Father Roger A. Sinclair
16) Reverend Joseph L. Sredzinski
17) Father John T. Sweeney
18) Reverend Joseph Anthony Tamikowski
19) Father Roger J. Trott

20) Father Charles Weber, OSB

VI.

Examples of Institutional Failure: Fathers Edmond A. Parrakow,
Raymond Lukac and Robert Moslener
The Grand Jury notes the following examples of child sexual abuse perpetrated by priests

within the Diocese of Greensburg. These examples further highlight the wholesale institutional
failure that endangered the welfare of children throughout the Pennsylvania Dioceses, including
the Diocese of Greensburg. These examples are not meant to be exhaustive; rather, they provide
a window into the conduct of past Pennsylvania bishops and the crimes they permitted to occur on

their watch.

116

 The Case of Father Edmond A. Parrakow

Known Assignments
1968 (summer)

1968-1969
1969-1973
1973-1984
1985

December 1985
1985-1986
1986-1989
Leave
2004

Catholic University Ponce, Puerto Rico
Assumption Catholic Church, Tuckahoe, New York
St. Peter, Yonkers, New York
St. Martin of Tours, Bronx, New York (St. Thomas Aquinas H.S., Faculty)
Servants of the Paraclete, Jemez Springs, New Mexico
Accepted into Greensburg Diocese
Holy Family Catholic Church, Latrobe
St. Pius X Catholic Church, Mount Pleasant
(Return to Archdiocese of New York)
Request for Laicization

Father Edmond Parrakow was born and raised in New York City and ordained on June

1,

1968, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City at the age of 28. Parrakow thereafter spent

seventeen years serving in various parishes within the Archdiocese of New York. At some point

during his assignment to the parish of St. Martin of Tours, Bronx, New York, and St. Thomas
Aquinas High School, complaints related to the sexual abuse of children were made against

Parrakow.
While records within the Diocese of Greensburg regarding Parrakow's alleged misconduct
in the Archdiocese of New York were somewhat limited, Parrakow's Greensburg Diocesan file

indicated a complaint was made against him around the beginning of 1985 by a man alleging he
was sexually abused by Parrakow fifteen years prior when he was a teenage boy (Victim One).
This abuse allegation appears to have prompted the Archdiocese of New York to arrange for

Parrakow to receive counseling with a Father Benedict during the first months of 1985. Parrakow

underwent an intensive "evaluation" at the St. Bernardine Clinic in Suitland, Maryland, in May
1985, which resulted in his referral for in -patient treatment at the Foundation House operated by

the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs, New Mexico ("Foundation House") in July 1985.

117

 Foundation House was a facility that provided evaluations and treatment for priests accused of
sexual abuse of children or other improper acts.

According to a memorandum dated February 20,

1985,

from Monsignor Thomas Klinzing

of the Diocese of Greenburg to Bishop William Connare, an inquiry was received from the
Archdiocese of New York asking if Parrakow could be accepted into the Diocese of Greensburg
"for the next three or four months." This initial request from the New York Archdiocese included
information that Parrakow was undergoing counseling at the time, but assured the Greensburg
diocese "that there were no unusual psychological problems but that Father Parrakow needs time
to sort out his problems."

Parrakow underwent a series of interviews and tests upon his arrival at Foundation House.
During one such interview on July 22,

1985,

Parrakow admitted to having molested approximately

thirty-five male children over the previous seventeen years he had served as a priest (he was
years old at the time). Parrakow indicated he preferred his victims around the age of

15

45

or 16 and

admitted to having engaged in sexual touching, mutual masturbation, mutual fellatio, and mutual
anal intercourse. Parrakow further stated that he "thought that sex with a girl was sinful and that
sex with a child was not violating

them-it was doing something to them externally."

The doctor who conducted the July 22,

1985,

interview with Parrakow reached the

following conclusion:
My impression is that he [Parrakow] certainly has pedophilia. There is absolutely
no doubt in my mind. The real issue with treating him is going to be giving him
insight and helping to motivate him to change his behavior. I am not sure the level
of motivation that is within him right now [sic]. Basically if he had not got caught
he would be continuing the behavior without really thinking that it was really not
that harmful [sic].
While Parrakow was undergoing "treatment" at Foundation House, letters were exchanged

between the Archdiocese of New York and Connare, confirming that Parrakow would be granted
118

 a ministry within the Diocese of Greensburg. On October 7, 1985, Connare wrote to Reverend

Henry Mansell, Vice Chancellor for Priest Personnel for the Archdiocese of New York, and
indicated he would "be happy to help Father [Parrakow] with an assignment" after his release from

Foundation House. On October 11, 1985, Mansell responded with a letter of gratitude and agreed
to facilitate an exchange of information regarding Parrakow' s time in New Mexico. Specifically,
in his October 7 letter, Connare requested "a complete report on that treatment and his needs so

that we can consider his needs when the time for an appointment draws near." Mansell later

assured Connare that the Greensburg Diocese would "be provided with a complete report on his
treatment and needs."

While Parrakow's complete records from Foundation House, including those pertaining to
his interview when he confessed to having sexually abused thirty-five boys, were sent from

Foundation House to the Archdiocese of New York on August 6, 1985, the records of the Diocese

of Greensburg do not reflect whether this information was provided by New York to Greensburg
at that time. For instance, according to a letter sent by Parrakow to Connare on December 9, 1985,

Parrakow was including with the letter several "progress reports" pertaining to his treatment at
Foundation House. These progress reports only addressed his general participation in various
programs at Foundation House and did not include any details of his prior sexual abuse.
In a confidential memorandum dated December 11, 1985, prepared by Connare that was

held within the secret archives of the Diocese of Greensburg, Connare acknowledged receipt of
the progress reports sent with Parrakow's December 9, 1985, letter. In this confidential

memorandum, Connare documented that although the official reason offered for Parrakow's stay
at Foundation House was

'burn

out' due to his teaching experience," he was informed during a

telephone conversation with a Father Isaias that the reason Parrakow was dispatched to New

119

 Mexico was a complaint of sexual abuse committed by Parrakow on a teenage boy fifteen years
prior. Connare noted that the victim was "older and unbalanced" and had been contacting the

Archdiocese of New York about Parrakow.
Connare further remarked in his confidential memorandum that he spoke with Parrakow

about the matter and that Parrakow confirmed he was sent to Foundation House because of the
accusation of abuse made against him. There is no indication, however, that Parrakow revealed to

Connare his complete history of sexual abuse. In response to learning about the complaint against

Parrakow, Connare wrote the following:
From my interview with Father Ed, it would seem that his problem is in the past. It
would also seem that from the program at Foundation House, he has come a long
way in discovering his own nature and personality, including implications of
sexuality. He realizes he must limit contacts with young people and work on
developing patterns of mature conduct.
In a letter dated November 4, 1985, sent by the Director of Foundation House, Connare

was directly warned not to assign Parrakow to a parish that had a school and recommended he be

assigned with at least one other priest.

would like to offer some suggestions concerning possible
assignments for Father Parrakow:
1) we recommend that Father Parrakow be assigned with at least one
other priest in a parish setting that does not have a school.
2) In addition, we recommend that Father Parrakow continue in
therapy with a competent therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
3) He should also be seeing a qualified Spiritual Director on a
regular basis and belong to a priests's support group of some
I

type.

A Selection from the Letter of Warning received by Connare
from the Director of Foundation House

On November 20, 1985, Klinzing responded to the Director's letter of warning and advised

that the Diocese of Greenburg would not be able to abide by his recommendations:

120

 As Bishop Connare has previously stated, he is more than willing to have Father
Parrakow serve in the Diocese of Greensburg in the pastoral ministry while on leave
from the Archdiocese of New York. However, the Bishop does not feel he can
comply with your suggestion that Father Parrakow be assigned in a parish setting
that does not have a school. The Diocese of Greensburg is made up of many
parishes with between 600 and 900 families and these parishes usually have a small
parochial school attached. The Parish school usually has under 200 students. The
Bishop feels that in asking Father Parrakow to accept an assignment, he would have
to place him in such a parish.

Klinzing further stated, "If you have a problem with any of the above, please feel free to call me
or Bishop Connare."

121

 November 20,

1985

Reverend William D. Perri, s.P.
Director, Foundation House
Servants of the Paraclete
Jemez Springs, New Mexico 87025
Dear Father Perri:

Bishop

Conn are asked me
to respond to your
1985, concerning the possible assignEdmond Parrakow of the Archdiocese of

letter of November 4,
ment

of

New

York.

Father

As
Bishop
Connare
has
previously stated,
is more than willing to have Father Parrakow serve
in the Diocese of Greensburg in the pastoral ministry
while on leave from the Archdiocese of New York.
However,
the Bishop does not feel that he can comply with your
suggestion that Father Parrakow be assigned in a parish
setting that does not have a school.
The Diocese of
Greensburg is made up of many parishes with between
600
and 900 families and these parishes usually have
a
smallparochial school attached.
The parish school
usually has under 200 students.
The Bishop feels that
in
asking Father Parrakow to accept an assignment,
he would have to place him in such a parish.

he

Concerning
the other suggestions,
the Bishop
Is more than willing to cooperate In any way he can
to make the six months prior to his return to the Foundation
House
an experience
in
June,
that will be beneficial
to Father Parrakow and the people he will serve.

If
please feel
the matter.

problem with any of the above,
or Bishop Connare to discuss
Our phone number Is ¶4121 837-0901.
have

you

free

to

call

a

me

With every hest wish,

I

am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Reverend Thomas J. KlInzing, J.C.L.

Vicar General/Chancellor

DG000441 2

Monsignor Klinzing's Letter of Response

122

 Shortly after Connare's interview with Parrakow in December 1985, Parrakow completed
his tenure at Foundation House and with the consent of the Archdiocese of New York and approval

of Connare, entered into ministry in the Diocese of Greensburg.
Between December 11, 1985, and July

1,

1986, Parrakow was not assigned to a single

parish, but rather aided various parishes in the Diocese. On May 14, 1986, Parrakow wrote a letter

from St. Procopius Parish in New Salem, Fayette County, thanking Connare for his acceptance
and expressing his satisfaction with his involvement in parish ministry. Parrakow also spent a
short time at Holy Family Catholic Church in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, in the early months

of 1986. On July

1,

1986, Parrakow received his first formal appointment in the Diocese when he

was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland

County. Throughout his assignments, Parrakow regularly had contact with Catholic schools.

123

 Tilietpap's Office
(15reenoharg, Fauna_

July
441gs-et-Lb

1,

1986

Edmond Parrakow

atteUtrenb anb bear Aatiyer:

1le

herellg appoint mon

Parochial Vicar
afttureli

in

Saint Pius

at the

X

Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
nu mill please take gout place

Tuesday, July

15,

1986.

Aaitlyfoalg 'yours in

gisslinp a# Mremehirrg

Chancellor

DG0004404
Parralcow' s First Assignment in Pennsylvania

124

 Parrakow served in the Diocese until early 1989, when a complaint was made against him
regarding inappropriate contact he had with a seventh grader at Holy Trinity Catholic School

located in Mount Pleasant (Victim Two). Parrakow had been tasked with instructing Victim Two
in the faith and his upcoming sacraments. According to internal Diocesan records, on February
13, 1989, Klinzing met with the child's parents and was informed that, from the outset of their

son's involvement with Parrakow, Parrakow was verbally abusive towards them and accused them

of abusing and harming their son. They stated that Parrakow was "overprotective of [their] child
and interfering with [their] child's life" and that, since his involvement with Parrakow, Victim

Two's performance in school had suffered. They described that Victim Two's experience with
Parrakow had "been extremely bad for him."
The situation escalated during an incident in which Victim Two was taken to the

emergency room because of an illness. While Victim Two's parents were with him at the hospital,
Parrakow entered the treatment room, insulted the parents, and "began to touch [Victim Two] on
his face and hands and chest while he lay on the emergency room bed." A violent argument ensued

with the boy's father. Parrakow called Victim Two's home that evening inquiring about the boy
and appeared at the hospital the next day, which "terrified and petrified" Victim Two.

Meanwhile, in January of 1989, Parrakow requested incardination with the Diocese of
Greensburg, meaning that he would be formally transferred from the Archdiocese of New York to
the Diocese of Greensburg. The request prompted the disclosure of Parrakow' s full records from

the Archdiocese of New York. This included his complete records from Foundation House, which

included his admission to having molested approximately thirty-five male children while he served
as a priest. At the same time these records were being disclosed in the first weeks of February,

1989, the complaint involving Victim Two was received by the Diocese.

125

 On February 16, 1989, Bishop Anthony Bosco of the Diocese of Greensburg notified

Lawrence M. Connaughton, Vice -Chancellor for Priest Personnel of the Archdiocese of New
York, of his concern over the incident with Victim Two and his parents. Bosco stated that he had

relieved Parrakow of his assignment in the Diocese of Greensburg on February 10, 1989, and
would not provide him any further assignments.
On February 22, 1989, Klinzing wrote a memorandum to Bosco stating, "Father

Connaughton asked if there were any incidents because he's worried about legal ramifications. I
told him that we have suspicions but no hard evidence."

Significantly, an undated note in Parrakow' s Diocesan file appeared to confirm that the
Diocese of Greensburg had engaged in no meaningful supervision of Parrakow since his arrival in
1986. The note stated, "We have not & cannot supervising."

Par. i s.W4-64,
'4"*""

AA-1.12-

A(Y)
-ea-A.,\40

DG 0004341

The File Note

According to correspondence between the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of
Greensburg in 2003, Parrakow resided in the Greensburg Diocese but did not engage in any priestly

126

 activities between 1989 and 2003. In 2004, Parrakow consented to laicization and was formally

removed from the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pursuant to the Grand Jury's investigation, Victim Two was contacted and later

interviewed by Special Agents of the Office of Attorney General (OAG) on April 12, 2017. Victim
Two confirmed the details of the incident as documented within Diocesan records and stated that

Parrakow was "a pervert" and that "he always made me feel uncomfortable and intimidated."

Victim Two further expressed his firm belief that, had his father not intervened that day at the
hospital, Parrakow would have gone much further than rubbing his body and face. Victim Two

identified a boyhood neighbor of his as another possible victim of Parrakow. This young man had
served as an altar boy before abruptly withdrawing from that role in his local parish. On May 4,
2017, this additional victim (Victim Three) was interviewed by OAG Special Agents.

Victim Three explained that, for approximately one year when he was 10 or

11

years old

and in fourth or fifth grade, he served as an altar boy at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Mount

Pleasant. He stopped being an altar boy due to Parrakow. Victim Three reported that, while he was
an altar boy, Father Ed, as the boys called Parrakow, told the altar boys not to wear any clothing

under their cassocks because God did not want any man-made clothes to be worn next to their skin
while they were serving Mass. Parrakow also told the boys their cassocks had been blessed and
were meant to be worn next to the skin. Victim Three stated he never felt comfortable about this
and that it did not seem right not to wear any clothing under his cassock.

Victim Three also reported that Parrakow took the altar boys into a private room and told

them he had to do a physical examination on them because there had been a report of abuse at the
school. Parrakow told the boys he was checking them for any signs of abuse and further stated

that the school did not want this to be common knowledge because they might never find out which

127

 student was being abused. Parrakow told the altar boys not to say anything to their parents,

teachers, or other students. Victim Three further added that Parrakow would touch the children

"all over" during these "examinations," including their genitals and buttocks. Victim Three
specifically recalled Parrakow breathing on his neck when he was behind him checking his
buttocks.
On December 11, 2017, Parrakow appeared before the Grand Jury pursuant to a subpoena.

During his testimony, Parrakow admitted that he had molested children as a priest, many of whom
were altar boys. When asked if he had abused numerous children, Parrakow stated, "... I don't
well, I didn't keep contact

- contact with them, and I didn't count them.

-

So whatever the Diocese

is saying is probably correct." Although Parrakow could not recall the names of all the children

he had molested, he did recall that he had sexual contact with the child of a youth minister in

Bethlehem, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, during drives between New York and Greensburg.
Parrakow explained that he had developed a friendship with the youth minister and was invited to
stay at their home as a point of respite on the long drive.

Parrakow further testified that the Diocese never placed any restrictions on his ministry
and never limited his contact with schools, despite the warning and recommendations of the

Director of Foundation House. Parrakow stated he was unaware of any such recommendation and
did, in fact, have frequent contact with school children.

Parrakow testified that he confessed his crimes to his fellow priests, but admitted he would
offend again after he received absolution. During a particular exchange with the attorney for the
Commonwealth, Parrakow conceded that he could not be cured of his desires and indicated that he
was unware of the "serious effects" of his criminal actions. The prosecutor challenged his assertion

regarding the seriousness of his offenses in the following exchange:

128

 Okay. You didn't know that Scripture itself says it is better to put a
millstone around your neck and be cast into the sea than harm a child?
Q:

A:

That, I knew.

Neither Edmund Parrakow nor William Connare can be prosecuted for their crimes. The
statute of limitations has expired for the multiple indecent assaults Parrakow committed in

Pennsylvania. Parrakow is currently employed in a shopping mall in Westmoreland County.
Connare died in 1995.

The Bishop Connare Center, the Diocese of Greensburg's

ecumenical retreat, social, and educational conference facility, was named in his honor.

129

 The Case of Father Raymond Lukac

Known Assignments
06/21/1954
06/29/1955
1957

08/01/1961
07/03/1963
01/16/1964
Various

Saints Cyril & Methodius, Fairchance
Holy Trinity, Ford City
Servants of the Paraclete, New Mexico
Diocese of Gary, Indiana
St. Stanislaus, Posen, Illinois
Immaculate Conception, Clarksburg, West Virginia
Veterans Administration Service

Father Raymond Lukac was ordained within the Diocese of Greensburg in 1954.

According to records in Lukac's Diocesan file, his ordination in 1954 was preceded by considerable

resistance by Church officials to Lukac joining the priesthood. This resistance was in response to
his refusal to conform his conduct to that expected of a priest and resulted in Lukac being briefly

dropped as a seminary student, before being readmitted under strict conditions. Lukac's refusal or
inability to follow the rules of the priesthood, despite the consistent consternation and discipline

of Church officials, was a trend that continued throughout his tenure as a priest.
In April 1955, soon after Lukac's ordination, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Greensburg,

Cyril Vogel, met with Lukac regarding a "serious matter." According to numerous handwritten
letters from parishioners of Saints Cyril & Methodius appearing in Lukac's Diocesan file, members

of Lukac's parish were complaining that he appeared to have been romantically involved with the
18 -year -old

organist for the parish (Victim One). Several parishioners expressed concern over

having seen Lukac with the teen late at night, including one writing that Lukac was observed in

Victim One's company while "driving away with the lights off." Father Anthony Hardy, head

pastor at Saints Cyril and Methodius' s, complained to the Diocese that "he is the talk of the parish
and the community everywhere."

130

 Diocesan records showed that, in order to distance Lukac from the brewing scandal, he was

transferred to Holy Trinity in June 1955. In July 1955, Lukac signed a pledge that he would no
longer see Victim One or have any communication with her whatsoever.
Approximately one year later, Father Matthew Yanosek, the head pastor of the Holy Trinity

parish, discovered that Lukac was involved with a 17 -year-old girl (Victim Two). Yanosek made
a verbal report to the Diocese in the summer of 1956 about the matter and, by December 1956,

Yanosek had learned that the relationship between Lukac and Victim Two had continued.
Concerned of possible scandal, Yanosek wrote a three -page letter, dated December 13, 1956, that
the Grand Jury obtained from Diocesan files. The letter, addressed to Bishop Hugh Lamb, stated,
in part:

This past summer I made a verbal report on a scandal in our community which
involved Father Lukac... Your Excellency's advice at that time was for me to give
him a canonical warning and then if he failed to put it in writing and make it a
matter for the Chancery Office. Father Lukac was advised of this and the rules set
down for him were 1. No social visiting 2. No driving girls in his car. He has
violated these rules. Many times and I have warned him many times.

Yanosek further explained that, upon his return from a trip to Detroit, the housekeeper for
the rectory reported witnessing Lukac enter the rectory with Victim Two and observed the teen in

Lukac' s bed. Yanosek wrote that he "called the father of this child and reported the situation."
Yanosek also told Bishop Lamb that he had found a wedding ring and a marriage certificate
in Lukac' s room. The marriage certificate indicated Lukac had married Victim Two on November

20, 1956, at Holy Trinity Church and included the seal of the Church and Yanosek'

s

forged

signature. It did not appear that this forged marriage certificate was associated with a formal, legal

marriage.
The Grand Jury determined that the date of the marriage certificate was not coincidental;

November 20 was the date Victim Two turned 18 years old. Yanosek concluded his letter by
131

 stating, "(Lukac) has lied to me so many times and I suspect him of thievery. For the best of all

concerned, I beg your Excellency, please replace him."
In response to Yanosek's letter, Lamb wrote a letter to the Archbishop of Philadelphia, John

O'Hara, on January 12, 1957, requesting his assistance in the matter. Lamb explained that there
"is a danger of scandal" and that the Diocese felt Lukac should be removed "for the good of his

own soul and for the welfare of the church." Despite having the marriage certificate as proof of a

relationship between Lukac and a minor, Lamb told O'Hara, "there is no conclusive proof that he
has gone the limit in the three cases brought to our attention of the two parishes to which he has

been assigned." Additionally, the Grand Jury's review of Yanosek's Diocesan file found various
letters from parishioners complaining of Lukac's contact with teens. Specific details regarding the

third case Bishop Lamb referenced were not contained within Diocesan records.
Lamb asked O'Hara to send Lukac to Padua Retreat House in Pocopson, Chester County.

Lamb wrote that "the other two young priests of this diocese who were given hospitality there

profited much by the experience." It is unclear who these other two priests were or why they were
sent to Padua House.

However, Diocesan records revealed that, before Lamb made final

arrangements to send Lukac on the planned retreat, Lukac eloped with Victim Two to Virginia.
By January 18, 1957, the date of the marriage, Victim Two was over 18 and a legal marriage was

recorded on that date.
Despite his elopement, Lukac returned to the Church and, in July 1957, was sent for

treatment and repentance at Foundation House operated by the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez
Springs, New Mexico. Foundation House was a facility that provided evaluations and treatment
for priests accused of sexual abuse of children or other improper acts. Father Lukac thereafter

132

 divorced Victim Two in December 1957. According to several documents in Lukac's file, Victim
Two bore Lukac a child.
Lukac remained in New Mexico until August

1,

1961. Upon his departure from Foundation

House, he did not return to the Diocese. Rather, while still under the authority of the Diocese,
Lukac was granted the necessary permission to serve within the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. In a
letter dated June 30, 1961, the Bishop of Gary, Andrew Grutka, accepted Lukac into his Diocese
on "a trial basis." Lukac was given all faculties of the priesthood in the Diocese of Gary, with the

exception of the ability to hear confessions.

While the Grand Jury did not locate any documentation formally assigning Lukac to serve
at schools within the Gary Diocese, it is clear from references in various letters and documents

appearing in Lukac's Diocesan file that he served as a high school teacher at Bishop Noll Institute
in Hammond, Indiana.
In a letter from Grutka to Connare dated June 13, 1963, Grutka directed that Lukac was "to

leave the Diocese of Gary" on June 30, 1963. While Grutka explained that the Diocese no longer

had a need for Lukac, he ended his letter with the following: "He is also troubled with impetuosity
with a tendency toward indiscreetness. In my humble opinion an assignment in a Boys' school

would be in the best interest of Father Lukac."
On June 15, 1963, a letter was dispatched from Brother I. Conrad, the Superintendent of

Bishop Noll Institute, to Connare. Conrad' s letter offered the following assessment of Lukac:
Father Lukac' s besetting fault seems to be a lack of prudence. This has been noticed
in his dealings with some of the students, particularly the girls... However, I am
not aware of any scandals in this regard, although his conduct at times gave me a
few moments of uneasiness and apprehension.
On June 19, 1963, Connare responded by letter thanking Conrad for the "confidential" information

he had provided.
133

 Lukac' s removal from the Diocese of Gary resulted in Connare endeavoring to find him a
new ministry. On June 17, 1963, Connare wrote a memorandum to Monsignor Norbert Gaughan

of the Diocese of Greensburg in which he sought to move Lukac while instructing Gaughan to
"[IA/latch and carefully guard secrecy of this."

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In numerous letters contained within the secret archives of the Diocese of Greensburg,

Connare attempted to find Lukac a "benevolent bishop" to accept him into another diocese.
On June 21, 1963, the Bishop of Fort Wayne -South Bend, Indiana, Leo Pursley, wrote a

letter to Connare stating, "the truth is that I have taken in quite a number of problem priests without
134

 much success, but I will certainly give Father Lukac every possible consideration." Ultimately,

Lukac was not accepted into the Diocese of Fort Wayne -South Bend.
Lukac moved to St. Stanislaus in Posen, Illinois, in July 1963, although he did not live
there under an official capacity. Rather, according to a July 23, 1963, memorandum written by

Chancellor F. W. Byrne of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Lukac arrived at St. Stanislaus through
his friendship with Father Stanley Dopek, the pastor of St. Stanislaus, who had invited Lukac to

live with him in the parish. Byrne noted that the Archdiocese of Chicago would not accept Lukac
as a priest and instructed him to find a different "benevolent bishop," while permitting Lukac to

live with Dopek until he found other arrangements.
On August 12, 1963, Dopek wrote to inform Connare that Lukac was serving within his

parish. That same day, Lukac dispatched a letter to Connare asking that Connare petition Rome
for the return of his capacity to hear confessions. In October 1963, Connare granted Lukac's

request and petitioned the Vatican for a full restoration of priestly faculties on behalf of Lukac.
Connare noted his success in returning Lukac' s ability to hear confession in a January 9,
1964, letter to the Bishop of Toledo, George Rehring. At that time, Connare was still working to

place Lukac in ministry in another diocese. Connare stated the following to Bishop Rehring: "This
past fall, however, while in Rome, I reviewed the details of his case with the Holy Office, and
obtained these faculties for Father Lukac. Their use is contingent upon his getting a benevolent

bishop, and limited, for the present, to one year." Diocesan records showed that Connare and
Lukac continued to write to various bishops asking that he be accepted into ministry within their

respective dioceses.
On January 10, 1964, Joseph Hodges, the Bishop of Wheeling, West Virginia, wrote a letter
to Connare stating that Lukac "is most welcome here, that I know something of his background,

135

 and we will be happy to cooperate in helping him serve as a real priest." Connare responded by

thanking Bishop Hodges, noting that "obviously he [Lukac] is a risk... but who can pre -judge the
workings of divine grace." Connare then reminded Hodges about his reservations regarding
"assignment in the northern end of the Diocese," since such a placement may be too close to the
Diocese of Greensburg.

136

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DG0022872

Bishop Connare's Letter to Bishop Hodges

137

 On August 1, 1964, soon after Lukac joined the Wheeling Diocese, Hodges wrote to

Connare informing him "He [Lukac] was rather strong in his language in a talk to some of the high
school students earlier this year." Hodges wrote that he did not want to lose Lukac, but felt it

might be better for him to be moved and that such a change would be preferable before "classes"

resumed.
Subsequently, Lukac was assigned a position as a part-time chaplain for the Veterans
Administration Service, a position in which he served for two years. In 1967, Lukac requested

permission to take a full time chaplaincy in the Veterans Administration Service.
In 1993, the Diocese of Greensburg was contacted by an individual claiming to be the

daughter of Lukac. This individual wanted to make contact with him and stated in her letter to the
Diocese that she thought he had remarried. The Diocese contacted the Archdiocese for Military
Services for assistance, but they claimed to have no record of Lukac.
In August 2006, the Archdiocese of Chicago requested information regarding Lukac from

the Diocese of Greensburg because they had received a complaint that Lukac had sexually abused
a minor while residing in the Chicago Archdiocese (Victim Three). Victim Three stated that, in

approximately 1962 to 1964, Lukac abused her when she was around

11

years old in the St.

Stanislaus rectory. Lukac was at St. Stanislaus between 1963 and 1964. Victim Three reported

that she felt good when Lukac paid attention to her because she was always picked on and that her
contact with Lukac ended when he left for the Navy.
On April 11, 2012, Kelly Venegas, the Bishop's Delegate for the Diocese of Gary, Indiana,

called to speak with Father Lawrence Persico of the Diocese of Greenberg regarding an allegation

of sexual misconduct involving Lukac alleged to have occurred while Lukac was serving in the

138

 Diocese of Gary. The only note appearing in Lukac's Diocesan file regarding this matter stated the
following: "Woman approx. 1961

- 1964 teenage sex relation" (Victim Four).

The Grand Jury finds that the Diocese of Greensburg was aware from the outset of Father

Lukac's ordination that he posed a serious risk of sexual misconduct to minor females. Despite this
known risk, the Diocese failed to properly address the serious complaints against him and
thereafter enabled his sexual misconduct. After being confronted by parishioners of the Diocese
with Lukac's abusive acts, Connare doggedly sought to keep him active in his ministry and

persisted in his efforts to have Lukac assigned to another diocese and have his priestly faculties
fully restored. These assignments included Catholic high schools, where Lukac would be in regular
contact with teenage girls, to whom he posed a known, immediate threat. The Grand Jury finds
that the bishops who collaborated to keep Lukac active in the priesthood did so knowing he posed
a risk to the public and were, therefore, complicit in the abuse he committed.

139

 The Case of Father Robert Moslener

Known Assignments
1976 - 1978
1978 - 1979
1979 - 1985
1985 - 1986
1986 - 1986
1986 - 1987
10/1987
1987 - 1988
1988 - 1992
1992 - 1996
1996 - 2002

06/2002

John the Baptist, Scottsdale
Agnes, North Huntingdon
Joseph, New Kensington
Pius X, Mt. Pleasant
Cajetan, Monesson
Saints Simon and Jude, Blairsville
St. Luke Institute, Suitland, Maryland
Holy Cross, Iselin
Assumption Hall, Sisters of Charity Retirement Home, Greensburg
St. Patrick, Brady's Bend
St. Mary Church and Sacred Heart Church, Yatesboro
The Anodos Center
St.
St.
St.
St.
St.

Father Robert Moslener was ordained into the Diocese of Greensburg in May of 1976. He

thereafter served in a variety of capacities within the Diocese through 2002, including as a school
teacher in the 1980's. His tenure in the Diocese was marred by the sexual abuse of children nearly
from its outset when, in 1979 and 1980, he acknowledged engaging in "inappropriate behavior"
with a 15 -year -old victim (Victim One) and was sent for an evaluation. While information

regarding this incident in Moslener's Diocesan file was limited, it is clear that William Connare
was notified of Moslener's contact with the 15 -year-old boy but nevertheless permitted him to

return to his ministry. According to internal Diocesan documents associated with this incident,
the Diocese viewed Moslener's abuse of Victim One in the following manner: "incident with the
15 -year -old

boy may well have represented an unacceptable yet understandable waystation on his

path to more adult sexual integration."
Numerous allegations of child sexual abuse were levied against Moslener six years later.
Diocesan records indicated that, in 1986, several elementary to middle school aged children

provided statements to the Diocese regarding what Moslener had been teaching in his religion
class. The children advised that, among other things, Moslener asked them if they masturbated
140

 and described how Mary had to "bite off the cord" and "lick" Jesus after he was born to clean him
off. One letter made clear that Moslener was discussing the physical effects of masturbation with
a child.

On May 26, 1986, Klinzing sent a confidential memorandum to Connare.

In this

memorandum, Klinzing recommended that Moslener be put "on ice" due to the complaints made
by these children. In May 1986, Connare dispatched Moslener to a psychologist for the purpose of
an evaluation.

141

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An Example of a Child's Statement
In April 1986, the North Huntingdon Township Police Department advised the Diocese

that Moslener had been investigated for committing sexual acts against male juveniles and that
they had "records on file to substantiate the charges." Diocesan records make reference to sexual
contact with a 16 -year -old boy (Victim Two) around this time. There are no records indicating

Moslener was prosecuted for his conduct.

142

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of North Huniret:I
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Police Dept.
11279 Center Highway
North Huntingdon, Pa. 15642
William

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Director of Public Safety

14121

863-8800

April 10, 1986
Attorney Vincent J. Morocco
101 N. Main Street
Greensburg, Pa.
15601
Dear Sir,
As per our conversation on April 9,

1986 this letter is to inform you

that the Rev. Robert Moslener has been investigated by this department con-

cerning homo-sexual acts involving Rev. Moslener and male juveniles.
We do have records on file to substantiate the charges.

Sincerely yours,

William
Brkovich
Director of Public Safety
.

DG0001918

The Police Department's Letter
In 1987, Moslener was sent, over his objection, to St. Luke's Institute for an evaluation.

Klinzing notified Connare via a confidential internal memorandum dated March 24, 1987, that
Moslener "was involved in an inordinate way with a 16 -year -old boy in the North Huntingdon area
and there is a police record verifying this." Klinzing also noted that "Father Moslener was involved

143

 with another individual at the St. Joseph Parish in New Kensington."

In this memorandum,

Klinzing explicitly asked Connare whether Moslener was a risk to children.

Moslener was subsequently assigned as Chaplain of a retirement home from 1988 to 1992.
From 1992 to 2002, however, he served as an active pastor in parishes in the Diocese. He was
assigned as pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Brady's Bend, Clarion County, from 1992 to 1996
and at St. Mary Church and Sacred Heart Church in Yatesboro, Armstrong County, from 1996 to
2002.
An internal Diocesan document detailing the timeline of Moslener's career indicated that,
in 1999, another victim (Victim Four) contacted the Diocese and disclosed sexual abuse

perpetrated by Moslener. The next entry or event appearing in Moslener's file was his removal
from the priesthood in 2002. Thus, despite Victim Four's complaint and the numerous complaints

of child sexual abuse levied against Moslener over the years, he was permitted to remain in active
ministry.
In March 2002, two months after the January 2002 publication of a Boston Globe article

detailing accounts of clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston, Bosco placed Moslener
on administrative leave. On August

1,

2002, Bosco resigned as Bishop of the Diocese of

Greensburg.
In 2003, yet another victim came forward with an allegation of sexual abuse by Moslener

(Victim Five). Finally, in 2004, newly -installed

requested that the

Vatican dismiss Moslener from the clerical state.
In 2013, the Diocese received an email from an individual (Victim Six) reporting that he

and his siblings had been sexually abused by Moslener when they were children. Victim Six

became concerned when he saw Moslener featured in various photos on the St. Joseph's parish

144

REDACTED -- ONGOING APPELLATE
LITIGATION

 website, despite his dismissal from the Church approximately a decade earlier. Victim Six

referenced the "irreversible damage" Moslener caused and noted, "His name doesn't appear on
any sex offender registry. His victims continue to struggle to this day."

145

 See Case VI
The Bishop's Delegate received the following e-mail which was forwarded from
Father John Chesney pastor of St. Joseph In New Kensington on April 3,2013:

Eby

am contacting you concerning some offensive photos discovered on your parish website.
My siblings and grew up in the 7D's attending St. Joseph's School. We all received the
sacraments of reconciliation, communion, confirmation and marriage at St. Joseph's Parish. My
brothers were regular altar servers for many years. Our parents were extremely active within
the community and made very generous financial as well as social contributions to the
I

I

school/parish.
During our years at St. Josephs, a former "priest", Robert Moslener, befriended our family. He
embedded himself deeply into our lives often attending family gatherings and events. He
portrayed himself as not only a religious man but a teacher, mentor, and friend to especially the
youth of the parish. As a young child, had a strong uneasiness about Mr. Moslener made
stronger by the fact that he most often only liked to associate with male youth and seemed
disinterested in female youth. Unfortunately, my age prevented me from fully understanding the
harm he was inflicting upon our family. Due to the access of social media, technological
advances, and decades of strong suspicion, can now after 35 years piece together and attest to
the irreversible damage Mr. Moslener has caused.
I

1

My siblings and I suffered horrible abuses at the hands of not only Mr. Moslener but Sister Victor and
Sister Marie Corday both now deceased. My siblings and all suffered physical and mental assaults at
the hands of these three monsters. For some reason, was stronger or perhaps more intuitive for my
age and therefore somewhat spared from the more horrible assaults. made it my childhood "mission"
to explore why just simply did not like Mr. Moslener, watched his every move and am positive to this
day he knew was keeping a close eye on him at school, church, and In our family home.
I

I

I

I

I

I

At that time, Father Higgins was also a priest in the parish. It is unclear If he knew. plan to ask
him what he knew. hope nothing but am realistic in that the truth probably won't be told to
anyone. We know that Mr. Moslener was "moved" from parish to parish prior to his
"unemployment" as a priest. It leaves me to question just how many children the Catholic faith Is
willing to use as human sacrifice. Mr. Moslener now resides in Pittsburgh enjoying his golden
years unscathed. His name doesn't appear on any sex offender registry. His victims continue to
struggle to this day. plan to check on his employment status to make sure he isn't having any
private "lunches" with young boys. Needless to say, my beliefs about Catholicism are in question,
my wedding day somewhat less special, and my childhood and that of my siblings a huge lie.
I

I

I

will be checking back on the church website hoping not to see Mr. Moslener In any photos. Please
pay particular attention to the photo Including a young child. It disgusts me the most. wonder
who that little boy is and if he Is okay. would pray for him but sadly don't really know if a God
exists.
I

I

I

The parish web site was immediately accessed by the Diocese and the offending pictures were
Immediately taken down. The site was made active again and there was no further contact

with

11.1.1100.011

DG0001855

Victims Five's Letter
146

 Connare and Bosco permitted Moslener to continue in ministry for 22 years after the initial
complaint of child sexual abuse against him and the numerous reports of child sexual assault which
followed. During that time, Moslener continued to prey on innocent children within the Diocese

of Greensburg.

147

 148