Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown
Ecclesiastical Province ofPhiladelphia

IArchdiocese
Diocese

I

I

Allentown

El Altoona -Johnstown
Erie
I

I

I

I

Greensburg
Harrisburg

1.1 Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Scranton

I.

General Overview of the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania
The Diocese of Allentown originated as part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In 1961,

portions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia were broken off to create the Diocese of Allentown.
As of 2015, the Diocese had a Catholic population of 258,997, which was 20.04% of the total

population within the five counties. The Diocese maintains approximately eighty-nine parishes,
thirty-four elementary schools, six high schools, and two colleges, and has approximately two

hundred forty priests. The Diocese encompasses the Counties of Schuylkill, Berks, Carbon,
Lehigh, and Northampton.

II.

History of Bishops of the Diocese of Allentown
1)

Bishop Joseph Mark McShea (2/11/1961 through 2/3/1983)

2) Bishop Thomas Jerome Welsh (2/3/1983 through 12/15/1997)
3) Bishop Edward Peter Cullen (12/16/1997 through 5/27/2009)
15

 4) Bishop John Oliver Barres (5/27/2009 through 12/9/2016)
5) Bishop Alfred Andrew Schlert (8/31/2017 to present)

III.

Additional Church Leadership within the Diocese of Allentown
Relevant to the Grand Jury's Investigation
The following Church leaders, while not bishops, played an important role in the Diocese

of Allentown' s handling of child sexual abuse complaints.
1)

Monsignor Anthony Muntone

2) Monsignor Gerald Gobitas
3) Monsignor Alfred Schlert - (Note: Schlert went on to become Bishop of Allentown.)

IV.

Findings of the Grand Jury
The Grand Jury uncovered evidence of child sexual abuse committed by Roman Catholic

priests of the Diocese of Allentown. Evidence showed that priests engaged in sexual contact with
minors, including grooming and fondling of genitals and/or intimate body parts as well as

penetration of the vagina, mouth, or anus. The evidence also showed that Diocesan administrators,
including the Bishops, had knowledge of this conduct and that priests were regularly placed in

ministry after the Diocese was on notice that a complaint of child sexual abuse had been made.
This conduct was enabling to offenders and endangered the welfare of children.

Evidence also showed that the Diocese had discussions with lawyers regarding the sexual

conduct of priests with children and made settlements with victims. Further, these settlements
contained confidentiality agreements forbidding victims from speaking about the abuse under

threat of some penalty, such as legal action to recover previously paid settlement monies.

16

 Finally, the Grand Jury received evidence that several Diocesan administrators, including
the Bishops, often dissuaded victims from reporting to police or conducted their own deficient,

biased investigations without reporting crimes against children to the proper authorities.

Offenders Identified by the Grand Jury

V.
1)

Thomas J. Bender

2)

Thomas J. Benestad

3)

Robert G. Cofenas

4)

Francis J. Fromholzer

5)

James Gaffney

6)

Joseph Galko

7)

Edward George Ganster

8)

Francis T. Gillespie

9)

Edward R. Graff

10) Richard J. Guiliani
11) Joseph D. Hulko
12) Joseph H. Kean

13) Thomas J. Kerestus
14) Francis Joseph McNelis
15) Gabriel Patil
16) Henry Paul
17) Paul G. Puza
18) Dennis A. Rigney
19) Joseph A. Rock
17

 20) Gerald Royer
21) Charles J. Ruffenach
22) J. Pascal Sabas

23) William J. Shields

24) Stephen F. Shigo
25) David A. Soderlund
26) Henry E. Strassner
27) Bruno M. Tucci

28) A. Gregory Uhrig
29) Andrew Aloysius Ulincy
30) Ronald Yarrosh

31) Joseph A. Zmijewski

Carmelites
32) David Connell
33) Timothy Johnson

34) Jim Gross

Single Victim Group
35)
36) Michael S. Lawrence

37) William E. Jones

18

REDACTED - ONGOING APPELLATE
LITIGATION

 VI.

Examples of Institutional Failure: Fathers Frank Fromholzer, Edward
Graff, and Michael Lawrence
The Grand Jury notes the following examples of child sexual abuse perpetrated by priests

within the Diocese of Allentown. These examples further highlight the wholesale institutional
failure that endangered the welfare of children throughout the Pennsylvania Dioceses, including
the Diocese of Allentown. 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.

19

 The Case of Father Francis J. Fromholzer

Known Assignments
05/1958 06/1959 06/1962 03/1963 06/1965 10/1970 08/1975 04/1980 07/1980 11/1982 06/1992 06/1995 10/2002

09/1959
06/1965
09/1962
06/1965
10/1970
08/1975
04/1980
07/1980
09/1980
06/1992
06/1995
09/2002

Holy Ghost, Bethlehem
Allentown Central Catholic High School
Holy Ghost (summer assignment)
Mary, Queen of Peace, Pottsville
St. Paul, Reading
St. Mary, Hamburg
St. Paul, Reading
Sick leave
Holy Family Manner, Bethlehem
St. Paul, Allentown
St. Peter, Coplay
St. Paul, Allentown
Retired

The case of Father Francis "Frank" Fromholzer highlights the immense challenges faced

by victims when seeking redress from a Diocese that chose to take a position hostile to the victim.
The influence of the institution is evident in many cases. In the case of Frank Fromholzer, it is

particularly evident.
Fromholzer sexually abused at least two students while serving as a religion teacher at
Allentown Central Catholic High School. On June 12, 2016, the victims testified under oath before
the Grand Jury that they were sexually abused by Fromholzer in 1965 when they were

approximately 13 or 14 years old. One victim was Julianne, now 68 years old.

Julianne recalled that, during a trip to the Poconos in approximately 1964, Fromholzer took

Julianne and at least one other girl for a ride in his car. The trip was unsupervised and Julianne' s
family was comfortable with the trip since Fromholzer was a trusted priest. Fromholzer groped
the girls as he encouraged them to take turns sitting next to him. Fromholzer' s conduct escalated

and he touched Julianne under her clothes.

20

 Once at their destination, Fromholzer retrieved a blanket and radio from the car and took
his collar off. Fromholzer told the girls that, while they were on the trip, they were not to call him

Father but to call him Frank. Julianne testified, "Then we went

- he laid out a blanket and he

started kissing, feeling, put his finger in me. That hurt. It was confusing because

-

you were

always told you were going to Hell if you let anybody touch you. But then you've got Father

doing it."
Julianne described to the Grand Jury the position of power that priests hold within the

Catholic faith. She testified, "They - there wasn't anybody that was more important than, not just
him, but any priest. They were

- and to some degree still are, but they are much above anybody

else in your family or they are God in the flesh."

Julianne went on to describe other incidents after the trip to the Poconos in which
Fromholzer had sexual or inappropriate contact with her. She testified that there was a gym in the

basement of the ninth grade building at Central Catholic. Fromholzer would follow her into the
basement and make comments that she gained a little weight and needed to get on a scale.
Fromholzer would then lift her onto the scale from behind, holding her breast to get her on the
scale. Fromholzer would constantly nuzzle and kiss her neck as well as "kiss and touch." After
the trip to the Poconos, the touching occurred on top of her clothing and panties.

Julianne told the Grand Jury of an incident in which Fromholzer humiliated her in front of

her religion class. She was participating in a reading of the Passion of Christ around Easter season.

Fromholzer had her read aloud the portion of the story where the words "the cock crows three
times" appear. Fromholzer had her repeat the words several times, which evoked laughter from

Fromholzer and the boys in the class. As Julianne left class that day, Fromholzer leaned in and

nuzzled her neck and asked the victim if she knew what a cock was.

21

 The victim testified that the abuse stopped only when she moved on to tenth grade and was
no longer in the same building as Fromholzer.

Julianne' s friend also testified in front of the Grand Jury about being abused by
Fromholzer. The second victim was taken to the Poconos by Fromholzer with Julianne. She was
in ninth grade and approximately 14 years old when the abuse occurred.

On the way to the

Poconos, she observed Fromholzer rubbing his elbow against Julianne' s breasts. Once at the

location in the Poconos, the second victim was also sexually abused by Fromholzer. Fromholzer
began kissing her on the lips and touching her breasts. Reluctantly, she laid down on a blanket
where Fromholzer, using his hands, proceeded to touch her on her vaginal area, inside her clothing.
The second victim reported the abuse to her principal at the time, Father Robert M. Forst.
She told Forst about the trip to the Poconos and how Fromholzer touched her and her friend

inappropriately. Forst responded by indicating to the second victim that the discussion they were
having had "ended." Forst told her that she was expelled from school and indicated she needed to
bring her father to the school. The second victim came from a single-parent home in which her
mother had left after no longer being able to live with her father. Both parents were alcoholics and
her father was physically abusive. When her father arrived at the school, there was a meeting

between the second victim, her father, and Forst. The second victim recalled Forst telling her,
"Now, I want you to tell that story that you said - the made-up story that you said about the priest
to your father

-

with your father here." She again told them about how she was abused by

Fromholzer. Her father did not believe her and proceeded to drag her home, yelling at her and
slapping her along the way. When they finally got home, she was beaten more by her father, this
time with a belt so that the belt buckle would strike her.

22

 The second victim told the Grand Jury that the school then failed her in English and

Algebra, two courses that she loved. She expressed to the Grand Jury how hard it was to talk of
the abuse since she had not told anyone most of her life. The abuse haunted the second victim her

entire life, resulting in two marriages that ended in divorce. Talking about the abuse she endured
at the hands of Fromholzer, she testified, "You can't get rid of it. You don't talk about it. It is

always there." Coming from a broken home, she had counted on the understanding of priests and

nuns. The second victim said that, after being expelled for reporting being sexually abused by

Fromholzer, she felt "worthless."
The second victim broke years of silence when she testified before the Grand Jury. Her

friend, Julianne, told the Grand Jury that it took her until she was in her thirties, nearly twenty
years later, to find the courage to try to report the abuse to someone in the Diocese. Unfortunately

for Julianne, she tried to report the abuse to another priest, Father Weasel. Weasel was considered
a family friend. When the victim began to tell Weasel of the abuse, he stopped her and told her,

"No, I don't want to hear it. You go to confession and you pray for him." As a result, Julianne
said nothing more about the abuse until she was unable to stay silent any longer.

Julianne reported Fromholzer's conduct to Monsignor John Murphy of St. Thomas Moore
Parish. As she tried to confess the abuse, Murphy told her, "Don't say the name." At the time
Julianne tried to report the abuse to Murphy in the 1980's, Fromholzer was continuing to practice
as a priest at St. Paul's Church in Allentown.

It was not until approximately August 2002, after the Boston Globe broke the story of child

sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Boston, that Julianne was ready to pursue reporting

Fromholzer's criminal conduct to law enforcement.

She contacted the Allentown Police

Department to file a police report and informed the police that Fromholzer was still working at a

23

 church that had a grade school. Julianne also personally reported the abuse to the District Attorney
and informed him that Fromholzer was still working at a church with a grade school. The District

Attorney elected not to pursue the matter and cited the statute of limitations.
Julianne told the Grand Jury that, if it were not for the clergy abuse being revealed in the
Boston Archdiocese, she would not have come forward to report the abuse she endured. She also

indicated how grateful she was, having been able to tell the Grand Jury about the abuse and
Fromholzer.
Julianne subsequently became involved with a clergy abuse victim's network.

She

testified that she is aware from fielding phone calls that there are hundreds of victims who have

not yet come forward. She described calls in the middle of the night with full-grown men weeping
into the phone as they recounted their sexual abuse at the hands of Roman Catholic priests. This
is a volunteer effort on Julianne' s part, motivated by her own victimization and a desire to help

others. At the close of her testimony, Julianne thanked the Grand Jury for listening to her story
and providing her the opportunity to express their pain. Julianne stated, "... so what does it mean
to have somebody care? It means a lot. So I thank you."

On September 1, 2016, the Grand Jury issued a subpoena to the Diocese for any and all

records related to clergy or church officials against whom complaints of child sexual abuse had

been made. Records received by the Office of Attorney General from the Diocese numbered into
the thousands. The testimony of the victims was cross-referenced with the records of the Diocese.

Internal Diocesan records do not contain any information from Julianne' s reports to Weasel or
Murphy. However, it is evident that, once Julianne made contact with the Diocese in 2002, the

Diocese and its attorney, Thomas Traud, attempted to undermine and discredit Julianne and her

family

24

 In 2002, the Diocese was made aware of reports of child sexual abuse against Fromholzer

by Julianne and her friend, Victim Two. Fromholzer was still in active ministry. Internal Diocesan

records show that the Diocese immediately disregarded these complaints as false.

However,

Fromholzer "volunteered" to retire.
On September 3, 2002, a fax was sent to Monsignors Schlert and Gobitas. The fax bore

the timestamp of 09:55 A.M. from the Traud Law Offices. After some discussion regarding an

attempt to schedule a meeting with Julianne, Traud reported that he had received information from
a relative of Monsignor Leo Fink. This informant told the Diocese that she had been the closest

of friends with Julianne in high school and that they shared every secret. She reported that Julianne
had once danced as a go-go dancer in the 1960's and that she believed her to be sexually active.

Traud' s informant stated that she believed it possible that Julianne was one of the girls who had
an affair with a coach at Central Catholic. The informant reported that Julianne also had a family

member once go to prison. Traud reported all of this to the Diocese, specifically to Schlert and
Gobitas. He went on to note that he knew his informant well and that she had been "so candid and

honest."
Having received a report that one of their priests had violated children, the Diocese and its
attorney immediately began to exchange information meant to discredit the victim with unrelated
and irrelevant attacks on her and her family Moreover, the fact that information that a Central

Catholic coach may have been sexually abusing students was used as evidence against the victim.
In reality, it is the report of yet another crime not reported to the police.

A memorandum dated September 11, 2002, by Gobitas, recorded a meeting of September
10 between Julianne, her attorney, Gobitas, Schlert, and Traud. In that memorandum, Julianne' s

account of abuse is recorded. Julianne stated that there was a witness to at least one assault. The

25

 Diocese recorded the meeting as positive and amicable. The next day a memo was generated by
Gobitas that recorded his interview of that witness. The witness recalled that she observed

Fromholzer rub his arm on Julianne' s breasts on one occasion in a car in front of Allentown
Catholic High School. The witness identified another, possibly a third, victim by first name.

26

 FILE
DIOCESE

OFD

ALLENTOWN

SEelt.ETIOUT FOR. CLERGY
MiliVIORA.NIIII,TNI
,44

TO:

gititIPTg'Opa:FIKO.M.11,9011-,F

FROM:

MONSIGNOR GEttA1.0 E. GOBITAS

DATE:

13 SEPTEMBER 2002

RE:

11111111111MMIIIIMIN

I met with
y myself on rriday,13 September 2Q02 at MO a.m. in
the. Chaneery:
.said that she was never sexually assaulted by Father Frornholzer
Mit she -alle ed to have witnessed him inappropriately rubbing his arm over Juliann
breasts on one, occasion in a car in front of Allentown Central Catholic
was seated in the back
High: Sehool. when she anr101111. were both freshmen.
seat of the car,, Juliann was in. the Middle in the front seat.
stated. the Father

Promholzer's hands never went underneath ftrliarkre's clothing.

MO

MEN said she: knows of another girl narned
who may have, been
assaulted by Father FrOmholzer. She said that she still, has some contact wiihas. .I
gave: her My card and encouraged her to haveilat call me,

min stated thiif 0.e, does, not need any counseling she just wanted to confirm

the truth3Truliann's

The Witness Interview Memo

27

 On September 16, 2002, at 2:48 p.m., a fax was sent from Traud Law Offices to Schlert

and Gobitas. The message contained impressions of the meeting on September

10th.

Among other

things, the memo noted that Tom Traud found Julianne to be "overly dramatic in that there were
some times she was crying in the meeting" and that "this woman made an awful amount of

assumptions that just were unwarranted."
This pattern of investigating the victim continued through 2004 in letters from Traud dated

January 22, 2004, and April 12, 2002. In the first letter to Gobitas and Schlert, Traud noted that
Julianne was recently in the news and was pursuing her lawsuit and that he received information

from a local attorney. The attorney told Traud that Julianne's daughter was a witness for the
Commonwealth in a murder case. Traud noted that, because Julianne became involved, she could
either be "a mother looking out for her child; or, maybe this is a woman who repeatedly wants her
fifteen minutes of fame." In the second letter, Traud informed the Diocese that Julianne' s husband
was associated with the Christian Motorcyclists Association which Traud labeled the husband's

brainchild.
In contrast to the efforts to investigate and discredit the victims of child sexual abuse who

dared to report their abuse to the Diocese and/or report to civil authorities, the internal

documentation regarding the diocesan investigation of Fromholzer is starkly different.

The

Diocese asked Fromholzer if he did it. Fromholzer said no. Fromholzer then suggested it might
be a good time for him to retire.

The report of abuse and subsequent investigation of the victim all occurred on the watch

of Cullen. In 2009, Banes took command of the Diocese. In an effort to comply with Diocesan
policy and state law, the Diocese formally reported the complaints against Fromholzer to the

28

 District Attorney. Similarly, Julianne's lawsuit against the Diocese was dismissed due to the civil
statute of limitations. She has received no recovery or recompense for her suffering.

The Grand Jury finds that the Diocese of Allentown and the Allentown Central Catholic
High School knew full well the criminal conduct of Fromholzer. Yet, knowing that Fromholzer
was preying on young girls, the Diocese and School took no action. The victims were told to let
it go. When these victims came forward again years later, they were met with disbelief and scorn.

Ultimately, internal records show that the Diocese itself deemed Julianne' s complaint against

Fromholzer to be credible.
Victims are reluctant to report to law enforcement or take any action for fear of retaliation

from the Dioceses. That retaliation and intimidation takes many forms. Originally Julianne did
not seek any legal action against the Diocese. She simply wished to inform Weasel and Murphy

of her concerns and for the Diocese to take action. Action only occurred when Julianne began to
speak to parties empowered to scrutinize the conduct of the Diocese: her own attorneys, law

enforcement, and the press.

29

 The Case of Father Edward R. Graff

Known Assignments
06/1955 - 04/1957
04/1957 - 05/1958
05/1958 - 09/1958
09/1958 - 09/1959
09/1959 - 06/1962
06/1962 - 09/1963
09/1963 - 03/1964
03/1964 - 07/1964
07/1964 - 02/1965
02/1965 - 11/1966
11/1966
08/1968
10/1969

- 08/1968
- 10/1969
- 04/1971

04/1971- 04/1974

04/1974 - 11/1979
11/1979 - 07/1980
07/1980 - 06/1983
06/1983 - 02/1992
02/1992
1992 - 2002

Annunciation B.V.M., Shenandoah
St. Anthony of Padua, Easton
St. Elizabeth's, Pen Argyl
Pius X High School, Roseto
Residence, St. Anthony, Easton
University of Notre Dame
Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown
St. Elizabeth, Pen Argyl
Pius X High School, Roseto
Holy Rosary, Reading
Central Catholic High School, Reading
Holy Name High School, reading
St. Margaret, Reading
St Peter, Coplay
Annunciation B.V.M., Catasauqua,
Director, Thanksgiving Clothing Drive
Sick Leave
St. Margaret, Reading
Holy Guardian Angels, Reading
Departed Diocese of Allentown
Served in various capacities in Dioceses in New Mexico and Texas

Father Edward R. Graff served as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church for approximately

forty-five years, approximately thirty-five years in the Diocese of Allentown and ten years in the
Dioceses of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Amarillo, Texas. During his years in ministry, Graff

raped scores of children. The Grand Jury investigated not only Graff's conduct but the knowledge
of the relevant Dioceses.
The case of Graff is an example of dioceses that minimized the criminal conduct of one of

their priests, while secretly noting the significant danger the priest posed to the public. The Grand
Jury notes that the use of euphemisms was constant throughout the Dioceses of Pennsylvania, but

particularly apparent in the case of Graff. Terms such as "sick leave" or "health leave" were often
used to reference an absence from ministry related to child sexual abuse. In Graff's case, it was
30

 coded as sick leave and retirement. Additionally, child sexual abuse was often minimized with
terms such as familiarity, boundary issues, or inappropriate contact.

In Graff' s case, internal

records and correspondence referred to it as difficulties. Finally, it was common to see collateral

issues highlighted as the primary underlying problem, while the sexual abuse of children was
deemed a collateral and lesser, related form of misconduct.

Known child abusers were regularly

referred to as having alcohol problems or classified as naive. In the case of Graff, his primary

problem was documented as being an alcoholic. A review of the documents obtained by the Grand
Jury stands in stark contrast to the acts described by Graff' s victims.
The Grand Jury obtained internal Diocesan records after the Diocese was served with a

subpoena on September

1,

2016. Those records were maintained in the secret or confidential

archives of the Diocese as well as personnel records. In August 1986, Graff entered the Neumann

Center in Reading for what was reported as chemical dependency. The Grand Jury concluded that
this was not solely a case of chemical dependency but that the Diocese was aware of some type of

sexual conduct with a minor.
After almost thirty years of service in school and parishes in the Diocese, Graff was sent
to New Mexico for treatment of undefined but "serious" conduct on the part of Graff.

On

November 28, 1989, there was an exchange of letters between Welsh and Archbishop Robert
Sanchez of the Catholic Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The subject of the letters was whether
Sanchez was "aware of the seriousness of these cases." The context of the letter reflected more
than a mere problem with alcohol. However, no further details were provided in the letters.
By February 1992, Welsh authorized Graff to retire from active ministry in the Diocese.

However, Welsh also authorized Graff to begin ministry to the needy in the Archdiocese of Santa
Fe, New Mexico. On February 25, 1992, three letters were dispatched by Welsh. Welsh wrote to

31

 Graff authorizing him to "continue your ministry to the various needy persons you are already
serving." Welsh noted that this was done by agreement with Sanchez. Welsh reminded Graff that
he was accountable to the Servants of the Paracletel in Albuquerque as his supervision was

continued.

Welsh also made arrangements to provide Graff with a monthly pension, living

allowance, medical and life insurance, and automobile insurance.

Welsh's second letter was sent to Sanchez. In this letter, Welsh explained that he had
granted Graff faculties from the Diocese of Allentown and understood that Sanchez had permitted

Graff limited faculties within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe under the supervision of the Servants

of the Paraclete. Welsh's third letter thanked the clinical director of the Albuquerque Villa for the
care provided to Graff and informed him of the aforementioned arrangement between the Dioceses

of Allentown and Santa Fe.

The Servants of the Paraclete was a treatment center regularly used by Pennsylvania Dioceses for the evaluation
and treatment of sexual offenders.
1

32

 BISHOrSOFMCE
POST OFFICE BOX F
LENTOWN PENNSYLVANIA

18105

February 25, 1992
202 T1OKTH SEVENTEENTH STREET

(215)437-0755

The Reverend Edward R. Graff
Albuquerque Villa
Post Office Box 72151
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87195

Dear Father Graff,

Sanchez, I have
After consultation with Archbishop
service to
active
from
retire
to
desire
your
decided to accede to
to the varministry
your
continue
to
and
the Diocese of Allentown
serving.
already
ious needy persons you are
faculties of the Diocese of
With this letter I hereby grant you
Sanchez, folArchbishop
that
It is my understanding
Allentown.
Personnel Board, will
lowing the recommendation of the Archdiocesan
of Santa Fe.
you limited faculties for the Archdiocese
Office to provide you
shall also arrange with the Finance
as stipulated in Dioallowance
living
and
pension
monthly
the
with
and life insurance premiums
medical
your
addition,
In
policy.
cesan
of your automobile insurance.
will also be covered, as will one half
I

you must continue to
feel it is important to remind you that
remain accountable.
will
you
whom
to
Paracletes
the
be supervised by
wishes as you begin this
Finally, I extend my prayers and best
ministry.
phase of your priestly
I

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

Bishop of Allentown

33

 G

in ctI

BISHOP'S OFFICE
POST OFFICE BOX F
ALLENTOWN. PENNSYLVANIA

18105

February 25, 1992
202 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET

(215)437-0755

His Excellency
The Most Reverend Robert F. Sanchez,
Archbishop of Santa Fe
4000 Saint Joseph Place, N.W.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120

D.D.

Dear Archbishop Sanchez,
You will recall my letter of December 18, 1991
regarding the Reverend Edward R. Graff, a priest of the
Allentown currently under the care and supervision of theDiocese of
Servants of
the Paraclete in Albuquerque.
In view of the consistently positive reports
I
have
concerning Father Graff, I intend to allow him to retire received
from active
service to this Diocese and to continue his ministry to
the various
needy persons he has been serving under the
supervision of the
Paracletes.
I had my Chancellor contact
Father Richard Olona about the
recommendations of your Archdiocesan Personnel Board.
It is
understanding that, provided Father Graff has faculties from my
the
Diocese of Allentown, you are willing to grant him
limited faculties
to carry out the ministry referred to
above.
It is further understood that the Servants of the Paraclete will
continue to supervise
his activities and pastoral ministry.
I
shall grant faculties of this Diocese to
range with our Finance Office for his pension andFather Graff and arliving allowance.

Permit me to take this opportunity to express my
sincere thanks
for your solicitude towards Father Graff.
If you have any questions in regard
free to get in touch with me.

to this matter,

please feel

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

/tBishop of Allentown

34

 BISHOP'S OFFICE
POST OFFICE Box F
ALLENTOWN. PENNSYLVANIA
18105

February 25, 1992
202 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET
(215) 437-0755

The Reverend P. Roberto L. Martinez, M.Div.
Clinical Director
The Albuquerque Villa
2348 Pajarito Road, S.W
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87105

Dear Father Martinez,
I
have today written to Father Edward R. Graff
inform him that I intend to allow him to retire from active
ministry to the Diocese of Allentown in order to pursue the ministry
already
to the needy in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in which he has
been engaged.

to

Archbishop Sanchez, as well as the Personnel Board, is in
agreement with this arrangement and will grant limited faculties to
Father Graff who enjoys the faculties of the Diocese of Allentown.
Knowing that you and the staff at Albuquerque Villa support
this request made by Father Graff, I have decided to permit retirement provided that supervision of his activity and ministry by the
Servants of the Paraclete will continue.
I
take this opportunity to thank you for the care you have
given to Father Graff and the other priests of Allentown.

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

Bishop of Allentown

The February 25, 1992 Letters

35

 In 1993, correspondence between Welsh and Bishop Leroy Matthiesen of Amarillo, Texas,

detailed an alarming development. Welsh expressed his concern that Graff had been transferred

within Matthiesen' s Diocese without prior consultation of Welsh. Welsh was also concerned about

Graff's living arrangements. Welsh wrote, "It had been my understanding that he was residing in
a rectory, but it has now come to light that he has purchased a house. Because of his past history

in this Diocese, this development raises additional concerns about the potential risk surrounding

Father Graff's activity in your Diocese."

36

 01JUL.24.2003b:

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AIIINTOWFORMIVAMA
10105

STREET
202 NORTH SEVENTEENTH

29 October 1993

(215) 432-0255

Fax (215) 433-71122

His Excellency Leroy T. Matthiesen
The Most Rev.

Bishop of Amarillo Street
1800 North Spring
79117-S644
Amarillo, Texas

Dear Bishop Matthiesen,

to the Reverend Edward
am writing in regard
currently located in
this Diocese who is
of
priest
a
R. Graff,
Diocese.
Silverton within your
the Servants of
his therapy with
to me
After Father Graff completed Villa, he presented a request
Albuquerque
Allentown
The
at
the
to
the Paraclete
he
retire from active service
that he be allowed to Albuquerque to continue with the ministry
I granted
in
Diocese and remain with the homeless and Aids patients.
in
of Santa Fe
had been engaged
that the Archbishop
determining
after
Archdiocese to
his request
faculties of that
priestly
continue to
limited
agreed to give
however. that he would
understood,
was
It
Father Graff.
Paracletes.
be supervised by the
Graff
learn that Father done
as a surprise to
came
was
it
this
since
Subsequently
later
Silverton in your Diocese
had transferred to consultation with me. This move, I vas not
priests
of
without any prior
by the fact that facultieshad been withdrawn by
Fe
told, was prompted
Archdiocese of Santa
the
in
Liam Hoare, s.P..
incardinated
suggestion of Father
at
the
On
from you to assist
the then Archbishop.
and obtained permission
sought
Graff
Father
parish in Silverton.
Our Lady of Loreto
Graff's living
made aware of Father
in
Only recently have I been understanding that he was residing
It had been my
purchased
has
he
that
arrangements.
develophas now come to light
this Diocese, this
a rectory, but it
surrounding
his past history in
of
risk
Because
potential
a house.
concerns about the I can only hope that he
ment raises additional
in your Diocese.
with you
activity
the Paracletes and
Father Graff's
close contact with
continues to maintain
as well.
I

37

 01JUL.24.2003b;

NU.bUU

6:26RMluz0CHIHuL1t: MUIUHL 6KH

Bishop Matthiesen

/

October 29. 1993

2

you can provide me about
shall greatly appreciate any update
Father Graff.
I

With every good wish.

--

I

am

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

Ca 1.y-..L.
Bishop of Allentown

Welsh's "Potential Risk" Letter
38

 Matthiesen responded on November 2, 1993, that Graff tended to be a "loner" and thanked
Welsh for "alerting me to the risk I may be taking " Matthiesen indicated he planned "to be even
more vigilant and to supervise him even more closely." On November 11, 1994, Welsh wrote

Reverend Liam Hoare, Servant General, Servants of the Paraclete, and wanted to know whether

Graff was being monitored. Welsh sought a description of the precise nature of the monitoring.
Welsh wrote, "While this is not a new concern, I am prompted to express it anew at this time

because an individual came forward recently and reported that he had had some difficulties with
Father Graff in the past." Welsh closed his letter stating:
I know that you will appreciate the reasons for my concern, since the matter

presents both your Congregation and the Diocese of Allentown with the potential
of legal liability for anything untoward which may occur in the course of Father
Graff' s ministry in Amarillo.

39

 diocese of amarillo

November

Most Rev. Thomas J. Welsh
Bishop of Allentown
P.O. Box F
Allentown
PA
18105

Pitt

-8

2,

1993

c)g,'

Dear Bishop Welsh:
Grace and peace!
am

I

in

concerns about
Amarillo.

receipt of your letter of Oct. 29 sharing your
Father Ed Graff's ministry in the Diocese of

I
accepted Father Graff on the recommendation of Father
Liam Hoare, s.P.,
Servant General of the Servants of the
Paraclete, who stated that he would take personal responsibility
for him.
I was
unaware that you had not been consulted.
In
hindsight, I should have contacted you and apologize to you for
that oversight.
I had simply taken it for granted.
I was told
that he is a recovering alcoholic, and my subsequent incIZThy
confirmed that.

I assigned Father Graff
to Our Lady of Loreto Church, a
mission of Holy Spirit Parish, Tulia, and placed him under the
care of the pastor.
For a while he lived in a small, rundown
house made available to us at no cost by a member of the mission
Church.
Subsequently, a better house near the church was
offered to us for $12,000 and I approved the purchase as a
rectory.

after -care program, directed by Father Peter Lechner,
in place.
Father Graff is a member of a support group
comprised of himself and two other priests that meets monthly.
Every six weeks he returns to Albuquerque to touch base with his
program directors.
My Vicar of Clergy is on the road each week
visiting our priests, including Father Graff.
I
require him to
attend our clergy gatherings, the next of which will be four
Priests'
Study Days concentrating
on
personal development,
relationships, boundaries, clergy misconduct, etc.
An

s.P.,

is

DIOCESAN PASTORAL CENTER
AMARILLO, TX 79117-5844
R O. BOX 5544
BOB-383-2243
FAX BOB -3B3-8452

40

 -2-

November

2,

1993

Father Graff, with his pastoral sensitivity and ability to
speak Spanish, is much loved by the people, almost 100 per cent
of whom are Mexicans and Mexican -Americans.
In addition to the
care of Our Lady of Loreto in Silverton I have given him the
care of St. Elizabeth's Church in Turkey as well, another poor
mission community that is totally Hispanic.
My one concern about Father Graff is that he tends to be a
I
have spoken to him about ttill and shared my concern
with Father Liam, who will be with us on one of the Study Days
(Thursday, Nov. 11).

1per.

Thank you for alerting me to the risk I may be taking.
I
am in frequent touch with Father Liam and have confidence in his
judgment in present circumstances.
Nevertheless, I plan to be
even more vigilant and to supervise him even more closely.

Fraternally yours in Christ,

Bisho.

y T.

Matthiesen' s Letter to Welsh

41

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His Excellency

D.D.
Leroy T. Matthiesen,
The Most Reverend
Bishop of Amarillo Center
Diocesan Pastoral5644
Post office Box
Amarillo, Texas 79117-5644

Dear Bishop Matthiesen,

for your letter ofin
Thank you very kindly
Graff's ministry
R.
Father Edward
November 2. 1993 concerning
Diocese of Amarillo.
have furnished as
the information you
supermuch
very
appreciate
I
vigilant in your
to be even more
well as your willingness
vision of Father Graff.
in this matter.
Thank you for your interest
Our Lord.
Sincerely yours in

Bishop of Allentown

Welsh's Letters of Warning

43

a."

 Welsh had the power to remove Graff's faculties to minister in light of Graff' s known risk,
concern, and legal liability. However, Welsh left Graff in ministry by agreement with Matthiesen.
On January 5, 1995, Matthiesen wrote to Welsh, "Bishop, I am happy to report to you that Father

Graff is carrying out a wonderful ministry in Silverton, Turkey, and Quitaque. He is well received
and loved by the people who are almost totally Hispanic and among the poorest of the poor."
In 1997, Cullen took command of the Diocese of Allentown. Diocesan records do not

show any indication that Cullen took any action against Graff. In fact, Graff appears to have

continued in ministry outside of Pennsylvania with no real attempt to understand where he was or
what he was doing.
On October 4, 2002, Graff was arrested in Briscoe County, Texas, for sexually abusing a
15 -year -old boy.

Several news articles were written about the incident. Graff died on November

25, 2002, due to injuries from an accident while in a Texas prison awaiting trial.

A news article written in the Allentown Morning Call, dated November 27, 2002, reported

that the boy Graff abused in Texas was hired by Graff to work at the church rectory where Graff
was assigned. It was reported that the victim stated that he watched pornographic movies with

Graff and Graff performed oral sex on the victim. The news article quoted investigator Jay Foster
as saying Graff would hire mostly Hispanic boys in their early teens to clean the rectory and mow

the lawn. Foster went on to say Graff "always had things to attract kids, like video games, Cokes,

candy." The article cited to Texas criminal records related to his arrest.
On October 10, 2002, a victim reported to the Diocese of Allentown that he was sexually

abused by Graff between 1983 and 1984 at the Holy Guardian Angels, Reading. The abuse
involved a series of incidents such as showering together, masturbation, and fondling.

44

 On June 28, 2003, a second known victim wrote a statement detailing the sexual abuse

committed by Graff on him. The second known victim indicated the abuse occurred in the rectory

of the Holy Guardian Angels Elementary/Middle School when the second victim was in seventh
grade. The second victim detailed the grooming techniques of Graff. After the grooming period,

Graff had him take his pants down and sit down. Graff then fondled the second victim's penis as

Graff masturbated. According to the second victim, when he questioned Graff about the abuse,
Graff responded by telling the second victim that it was "OK" because he was "an instrument of
God." The second victim indicated the abuse occurred over the next six months as Graff would

have the second victim come to his room, where Graff would masturbate both himself and the
second victim. The second victim believed his friend and other boys were also abused by Graff

during this same period.
In July 2003, after these complaints, the Diocese notified Catholic Mutual Insurance Group

of potential liability.
On January 13, 2005, the Diocese received insurance paperwork regarding coverage for

several sexual abuse allegations, including a claim by a third victim who asserted sexual abuse by

Graff between 1971 and 1978, when the third victim was between twelve and thirteen years old.
The third victim was a parishioner at Annunciation BVM located in Catasauqua when the abuse

occurred. In the suit the third victim stated Graff repeatedly took pictures of him while he was
naked, masturbated the third victim until he ejaculated, and performed oral sex on the third victim.

Graff forced the third victim to masturbate and on one occasion Graff attempted to perform anal
intercourse on the third victim, stopping only after objection. For many years the abuse occurred
on a daily basis. The abuse occurred in Graff's bedroom or living room of the rectory. Often,

45

 before Graff abused the third victim, Graff would force the third victim to drink alcohol until he
was intoxicated.
On January 25, 2007, a fourth victim reported to the Diocese that he was sexually assaulted

by Graff in 1986, within the Holy Guardian Angels Rectory, when he was 17 years old. The fourth

victim died in April of 2015. The Diocese paid for his funeral.
The Grand Jury heard testimony from some of Graff' s victims. In addition, the Grand Jury

learned of Joey from his grandmother, mother, and sister in August 2016.
Some years after his abuse, Joey disclosed his secret to his grandmother, Kitty. Kitty and

Joey had a special relationship. They would go on walks together. They would discuss their life
and the future together. They were best friends.

Kitty recalled that, after years of a downward spiral, Joey finally told her what had

happened to him as a child attending his home parish within the Diocese. Graff had raped Joey.
During the violent assault, Graff had borne down on Joey's back with such force it had damaged
his back. Kitty believed Joey had tried to tell her this years earlier when he had asked if priests

molest children. Kitty thought then it was just the gossip of children.
Joey eventually told his mother, Judy, and his sister. Suddenly, the changes they noticed
in this happy, out-going, science -fiction -loving boy made sense. He was dealing with trauma and

conflict.
Joey wrote the Diocese on July 31, 2007. Joey described how Graff befriended him and
then violently violated him. Joey wrote, "Father Graff did more than rape me. He killed my

potential and in so doing killed the man I should have become."
In August 2016, Joey's mother testified before the Grand Jury. Judy explained that, in

spite of his victimization, Joey had kept the faith. She stated:

46

 He stayed with the church. And he asked me if anything ever happened to him to
have a Catholic mass and I didn't want to do it and he made me promise and I did.
I did what he wanted, but it was the hardest thing to go into that church and being
counseled with by a priest. I listened to him and tried to help him out a little bit but
I was against it. But he -- the religion was very important to him and he was so
afraid of going to hell that I think that is why he stuck with it.

Judy testified that the Diocese did provide some support to Joey before his death. However,

Judy said that financial support was never the thing they most desired. Judy noted, "They never
admitted anything happened. It was like he was trying to prove his entire life what had happened
and that he was telling the truth. They never admitted

- they never said there was abuse."

Joey wrote a letter to Cullen before his death. Joey spoke for all victims of child sexual
abuse who suffered at the hands of Roman Catholic Priests. Joey noted that the Church's resistance
to providing victims their day in court was inconsistent with supporting victims. Joey wrote:

Pennsylvania law does not, for one moment, bar the Diocese of Allentown from
making financial settlements with persons who were abused as minors, even though
they might not report the abuse until they become adults. Pennsylvania's so-called
statute of limitations is merely a defense, a legalistic prescription which the Diocese
of Allentown may choose to invoke in civil litigation when it wishes to have an
allegation of abuse dismissed without a hearing on the merits.
Joey did not live to have his day in court. He passed away due to an addiction to painkillers.

Joey became addicted to these pain killers after his back was injured during a particularly violent
attack by Graff.

Joey' s account is but one account of many victims who were harmed by Graff as children.
After Graff' s arrest in Texas, public scrutiny turned on the Diocese. On October 14, 2002, the

Allentown Morning Call broke the news that four individuals in Pennsylvania had come forward
with reports of child sexual abuse perpetrated by Graff.

The article stated that a Diocesan

spokesman, Matt Kerr, responded that he was "surprised" by the reports and explained that "We

communicated to the Amarillo Diocese rumors that had surfaced, but we never had any contact

47

 with actual victims," Kerr said, "This is all new to us." These were the same four victims described
above, who reported their abuse to the Diocese after reporting it to the Morning Call.

However, the Diocesan statement stands in stark contrast to the evidence held within the
records of the Diocese.

While the Diocese stated they were "surprised," internal records

documenting the opinion of the Bishops showed constant references to Graff as being a "risk," a
"concern," and a "legal liability." This language was much more consistent with language used in
relation to predatory priests than a priest with a drinking problem.
Other victims continued to speak out after 2002. One of Graff' s victims testified before
the Grand Jury and provided a compelling and detailed account of a violent assault by Graff. In

particularly graphic testimony, this victim explained how, as Graff prepared to anally penetrate
him, he decided that he could either let the rape happen or run. He explained how he fled into the
street, mostly nude, rather than allow the assault by the formidable and imposing Graff. He further

explained the lasting effect of the assault and its continuing impact on his daily life. This victim's
mother testified before the Grand Jury as well. She stated that her son immediately reported the
abuse to her after it occurred in 1984. She reported the abuse to Father John A. Krivak and her

son's school principal. In spite of this report, Graff continued in ministry as a priest.
The Grand Jury heard from still more victims who reported Graff was particularly violent
in his assaults and seemed to take as much pleasure in causing pain as in the criminal sexual acts

themselves. All of Graff' s victims have struggled to move forward, and many question why so
little has been done to hold the institution accountable for enabling the commission of such heinous

crimes by their leaders.

48

 The Case of Father Michael S. Lawrence

Known Assignments
06/1973 - 06/1974
06/1974 - 11/1974
11/1974 - 12/1974
12/1974 - 06/1975
06/1975 - 12/1975
12/1975 - 06/1977
06/1977 - 06/1978

06/1978
08/1978
03/1980
11/1982
03/1984

08/1978
- 03/1980
- 11/1982
- 03/1984
- 06/1984
-

06/1984 - 08/1984
08/1984 - 01/1987
01/1987 - 06/1987
06/1987 - 03/1994

03/1994 - 06/1998
06/1998 - 01/2000
01/2000 - 03/2002
03/2002 - 04/2015

St. Catharine of Siena, Reading

Notre Dame High School, Easton
Sacred Heart, Miller Heights
Coordinator of Adult Religious Education, North Hampton
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton
St. Anne, Bethlehem
Central Catholic High School, Allentown
St. Lawrence, Catasauqua
Diocesan Tribunal
Holy Trinity, Whitehall
St. Catharine of Siena, Reading
St. Anthony, Easton
Notre Dame High School, Easton
St. Anthony, Easton
St. Joseph, Easton
Notre Dame High School, Easton
Immaculate Conception, Jim Thorpe
Sick Leave
St. Paul, Allentown
Diocesan Tribunal
Ministry to the Aging
Diocesan Tribunal
Catholic University of America
Divine Word College
Courage
Retired

Father Michael Lawrence was ordained on May 19, 1973. Suspicions of Lawrence's

pedophilic behavior were brought to the attention of the Church as early as 1970 while Lawrence
was attending St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. A student evaluation found within the records of
the Diocese and obtained by the Grand Jury indicate that Lawrence was "a mysterious type who

craves the attention of younger students" and that Lawrence showed "a little too much interest in

younger students." Regardless of these observations, in 1981, Bishop Joseph McShea wished
Lawrence well and noted that Lawrence "and a group of young people from Saint Catherine's

49

 Parish will be making a retreat on the weekend of November

20d1 -22nd."

The Bishop's salutations

are contained within his November 5, 1981, letter to Lawrence on the subject.

BISHOP'S OFFICE
POST OFFICE BO% F
ALLENTOWN. PENNSYLVANIA

18105

202 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET
(215) 437.0755

November 5, 1981

The Reverend Michael S. Lawrence,
Saint Catharine of Siena Parish Cen
2427 Perleomen Avenue
Mount Penn
Reading. Pennsylvania 19606

Div.

Dear Father Lawrence,
It was recently brought to my attention that you and a
group of young people from Saint Catharine's Parish will
be making a retreat
on the weekend of November 20th -22nd.
I would like you and all those who will be on retreat with you to know
that you will be very much in my th
is and prayers during the weekend.
I pray that the weekend willib
time of
all pt you closer to our Lord and His hurch. special graces which will draw
I ask that you remember my tenticais during the weekend. and that you
pray in a special way for an increase of vocations to the
priesthood and the
religious life.

With every blessing and good wish.

I

remain

Cordially yours,

Bishop of Allentown

The Bishop's Letter

50

 Less than a year later, a 12 -year -old boy told his father that Lawrence had sexually abused
him. A report written by Monsignor Anthony Muntone, dated August 18, 1982, indicated that

Father Fred Loeper called the Chancery to report an "unfortunate incident."

Lawrence, then a

priest at St. Catharine' s of Siena, Reading, had sexually abused a 12 -year -old boy. The father of
the victim called Loeper to report the details of the incident. The victim told his father that he had

been in Lawrence's room for a tutoring session. At the end of the session, the talk between
Lawrence and the victim turned to sex. Lawrence then began to touch his genitals, had the victim
take down his pants, and began to fondle the victim's genitals. The victim's father reported that
his son had told him there had been "a lot of fondling, so much that he felt pain." Additionally,

Lawrence made the victim urinate. The victim's father also reported the victim was having a hard
time sleeping.

Muntone called Lawrence into his office and asked what had happened between Lawrence
and the reporting victim. Lawrence responded "Please help me. I sexually molested a young boy."

Lawrence then admitted he had the victim come to his room for an English lesson. Lawrence had
the victim remove his pants and underwear and Lawrence touched the boy's genitals. He then

drove the victim home.

Records indicate that Lawrence was sent to "Downingtown" (St. John Vianney Center) the
same day he confessed to Muntone. Muntone wrote in his report that he spoke to "the doctor" at

Downingtown, who informed him that the family of the victim should be given time to "ventilate"
and what the victim experienced may not "be a horrendous trauma for the boy."

51

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54

-

 Less than two years later, Lawrence was assigned to a high school to teach religion classes.
A handwritten note to Bishop Thomas Welsh, dated April 9, 1984, reported that things were "going

well" since Lawrence had taken over Bill Baker's religion classes. The note went on to state that

Lawrence would like to be "reassigned to the school with the spring appointments." The note is
signed Tony, for Anthony Muntone.

55

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The Note to the Bishop

56

a7

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A

 Lawrence continued in ministry as a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Allentown in
different parishes, schools, and other assignments. However, he was removed from parish ministry
in 1987 and placed on "sick leave." A letter from Welsh to Lawrence dated October

20, 1987,

stated:
On the advice of legal counsel, I write to inform you that effective immediately
your faculties to celebrate Mass and otherwise function as a priest of the Diocese
of Allentown are limited to the confines of the Convent at Bethlehem Catholic High
School. I would ask you to make an appointment to see Monsignor Muntone at the
chancery at your earliest opportunity.

The Grand Jury learned that the father of the boy who reported his abuse in 1982 had

continued to complain to the Diocese regarding Lawrence's continued role in active ministry. The
Diocese found itself, albeit temporarily, unable to maintain the secret of Lawrence's conduct. On
the advice of legal counsel, they removed Lawrence from ministry.

Lawrence met with Welsh on November

5,

1987.

The following day, Lawrence

memorialized his thoughts in a letter. Lawrence admitted that the possibility of legal action and
his removal from ministry had caused him anxiety. He wrote, "I find myself in a very dangerous

position. The deep sense of frustration and anger have led me to act -out sexually in the past and
if my present situation continues it becomes a possibility again." Lawrence referenced another

known predatory priest, Joseph Rock, and opined that perhaps they could be a source of support
for one another. Lawrence requested a compromise in which he could celebrate the liturgy at the
Manor. Ultimately, Lawrence continued to serve as an active priest on the Diocesan Tribunal

without a documented parish assignment.
But for the perseverance of the victim's father, the Diocese would have returned Lawrence
to active parish ministry as they had done time and time again, as documented within Diocesan

records reviewed by the Grand Jury. Although hiding Lawrence in ministry within the Diocesan

57

 Tribunal was a poor substitute for actual removal from all ministries and titles, the efforts of this

concerned parent kept Lawrence out of parish ministry.
The frustration this devoted father caused the Diocese of Allentown was documented in a

confidential memorandum written by Muntone to Bishop Edward Cullen on May 5, 1998. Father
Alfred Schlert was carbon copied. Muntone wrote:
Something of a sticky situation has arisen with regard to Mike Lawrence who serves
as secretary at the Tribunal. Back in 1987, it has come to light that Mike had been
involved in some very indecent behavior with a young boy about ten or twelve years
old, some five years earlier when he had been serving at St. Catherine of Siena
Parish in Reading. The father of the boy was about as angry as I have ever seen
anyone, and I have the feeling that he was just short of resorting to physical
violence. He was almost irrational and it was very difficult to deal with him.

Muntone noted that once or twice the father of the boy came into the Diocesan offices and vented
his anger.

Muntone added, "It was pretty terrible."

Muntone stated that Welsh renewed

Lawrence's faculties on the Tribunal and that a new appointment for Lawrence was announced in
the Diocesan newspaper. Muntone described the father of the victim as going "ballistic" and

reported that he came to the Chancery once again, where he "complained bitterly that someone as
evil as Mike was now being honored by the Church." Muntone noted that the Diocese created a

list of priests whose ministry assignments should not be made public without consultation with

Diocesan administrators as a result of this incident. Muntone concluded his memo by highlighting
"the problem" of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Lawrence's ordination being at hand. Muntone

asked for advice as to how to handle the normal process whereby Diocesan publications
highlighted priest jubilarians of the Diocese under the circumstances. Muntone noted that, if the

regular fanfare was provided for Lawrence's anniversary, it could be problematic and result in the

victim's father "banging on the door once again." Regardless, Lawrence continued in his priestly
duties on the Diocesan Tribunal until 2002.

58

 MEMORANDUM
DATE:

May 5,1998

TO:

Bishop Cullen

FROM:

Msgr. Muntone

RE:

Fr. Michael Lawrence

CC:

Fr. Schlert

&. AQ. PU-

Something of a `sticky situation has arisen with regard to Mike Lawrence who serves as
secretary at the Tribunal.
Back in.1957, it had come to light that Mike had been involved in some very indecent
behavior with a young boy about ten or twelve years old, some five years earlier, when
he had been serving at St Catherine of Siena Parish in Reading. The father of the boy
was about as angry as I have ever seen anyone, and I have the feeling that he was just
short of resorting to physical violence. He was almost irrational and it was very diffiouit
to deaf with him_
Michael was sent to Downingtown, where he remained for about six months. After his
discharge he was appointed secretary to the Tribunal, and he has remained there ever
since. Once or twice since then, the father of the boy came in to the Office and vented
his anger. It was pretty terrible_
A few years ago,' Bishop Welsh applied to Rome for the renewal of the faculties of those
who serve at the Tribunal without the necessary canonical degrees. Among them was
Michael. When the faculties were renewed, the Bishop reappointed the tribunal staff.
There was an arrangement, at the time, whereby the Chancery secretaries informed the
AD Times of all appointments made bythe Bishop. The list of appointments, including
Michael's, appeared in the next issue of the paper. As you might imagine, the father
went ballistic. He came to the Chancery once again. He was accompanied by his.
pastor, Joe Smith, and two of his sons, one of whom had been Involved in the Incident
He complained bitterly that someone as evil as Mike was now being honored by the
Church There was no way to convince him that the renewal of the faculties was hardly
an honor.
After the meeting gave Deacon John Murphy a list of priests whose names or pictures
should not appear in the paper without -his calling the office first to discuss it.
Now comes the problem. Michael is Observing the twenty-fifth anniversary of his
ordination this year. The AD Times does a special feature each year on the priest
jubilarians of the Diocese. If Michael's picture and biography appear, it's a sure thing
will be banging on the door once again. On the other hand, if no
that Mr.
is made in the paper, it creates another problem.
mention
I

!Mt

Do you have any advice for handling the matter.

Muntone's Memo to Cullen and Schlert

59

 On January 6, 2002, the Boston Globe generated national publicity on the issue of child

sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Boston. In February 2002, Lawrence wrote to Cullen.

Lawrence stated that, "in light of recent events and at the suggestion of Monsignor Alfred Schlert,"
he wished to retire. Lawrence was granted a retirement and received a pension and healthcare

benefits.

D

Rev.. Michael. S. Lawrence

Holy Family Villa

iv.

1325 Prospect Ave.
Bethlehem, Pa_ 18018

:

-4 2002

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

February 27, 2002

Most Rev Edward P. Cullen,
Bishop of Allentown
4029 W Tilghman St

D_D.

P. O. Box F
Allentown, Pa. 1.8105

Dear Bishop,
In light of recent events and at the suggestion of Monsignor Alfred Schlert and

1VIonsignor John McCann I am writing to formally request retirement

Both the Vicar General and the Chanc.--llor have expressed a real concern for me
in this matter and conveyed to me your compassion as welL For this I am trulytograteful.
You can be assured of my prayers for you as you strive to be a good shepherd your
flock_ I ask that you would remember me in your prayers as well.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Rev. Michael S. Lawrence
4Z F,

4

2M

FEY. ALFRED A. SC8/311
CHANCERY

The "In Light of Recent Events" Letter
60

 In spite of a documented confession to child molestation, Bishops Joseph McShea, Thomas

Welsh, and Edward Cullen permitted Lawrence to remain in active ministry within the Diocese
with all of the authority and trust of a priest serving on the Tribunal. The Diocese took no action
to warn parents or parishioners of the Diocese that a predator was in their midst.

The 12 -year-old boy who reported his abuse to his father in 1982 was not Lawrence's only

victim. In November 2009, the Diocese received another report of abuse at the hands of Lawrence.
A victim called to report that he had been sexually assaulted on one occasion by Lawrence. He

reported that Lawrence fondled his genitals when he was approximately 13 years of age. Lawrence
was confronted with the complaint by the Diocese.

He contested the age of the boy at the time

and indicated that he believed he was 16 or older. Lawrence also indicated that he often helped
the children dress in costumes for parish productions. To the degree contact occurred, Lawrence

claimed it was accidental. There is no indication that the Diocese notified the victim of Lawrence's

earlier confession to molesting a child in 1982. Moreover, there is no indication that Barres told
the Vatican of Lawrence's earlier crime or his related confession when the matter was brought to
the attention of the Holy See.
In December 2014, Banes notified the Vatican by letter that he would not seek the removal

of Lawrence from the priesthood. He recommended that he remain in retired status. Lawrence
died in April 2015.

61

 OFFICE OF ThE BISHOP
Mailing Address
POST OFFICE BOX F

ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

18105-1538

r\

4029 WEST TILGHMAN STREET
18104

AUPfIOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

,

(610) 437-0755
Fax (610) 433-7822
.111,

16 December 2014

s

O.P.
Archbishop J. Augustine DiNoia,
City
Titular Archbishop of Oregon
Adjunct Secretary
of the Faith
Congregation for the Doctrine
Uffizio
S.
Pallazzo del
00120 Vatican City State
Re:

Prot. No. 486/2004-45204
Prot. No. 486/2004-36902

Your Excellency:

letter of 14 Jan
I write in response to your
to the more re
response
the priest's written

2014 requesting further documentation,
allegations made against him.

including

David Szatkowski,

the Reverend
Lawrence dated April 3, 2014,
By mandate of Father Michael
accepted by me on April 22,
and
and Advocate

Procurator
Father Lawrence in
SCJ, was appointed his canonical
2014, Father Szatkowski interviewed against him and
May
of
28th
the
made
2014. From the 26th to
were
the additional accusations which
order to receive his response to
22 September 2011 (cf. Prot.
for the Doctrine of the Faith on
17,
Congregation
the
to
communicated
(32) page response on June

wrote a thirty-two
No. 486/2004-36902). Father Szatkowsk I enclose in Appendix A.
which
2014 and received on June 23, 2014,
under which the accuser
not dispute the general circumstances
years ago. He does
Father Michael Lawrence does
abuse occurred more than twenty-eight
of others when
absence
"JM" claimed that an act of sexual
or
the accuser and the presence
of
age
the
as
such
details,
dispute factual
he was to assist in the
He does confirm the detail that
occurred.
have
to
was
act
in the sa.cristy for
the alleged
in the parish play, confirms his presence
involved
children
the
of
costuming
have happened." He denies any
physical contact with JM could
that
"realizes
and
purpose,
a 2008, psychological
this
touch. This admission ties into
this report,
accusation of fondling or inappropriate
Report" One relevant page of
as the "Ar
was not
report
entire
report, hereafter referred to
the
in 2011. At that time,
submitted
was
accusation,
concerning this
request for more information.
submitted, prompting your Dicastery's
Report." His
Szatkowski cites this "Anodos
Re
he was able
which
in
On page 13 of his "Advocate Brief,"
that "he had arranged a situation
and touch
observe
citation concerns the doctor's observation
surreptitiously
room for a play where he could
allegation
the
before
to be with boys in a dressing
years
three
this part of the report- made
them." Father Lawrence contests
remorse.
observation that he lacks
was made- in disputing the doctor's

62

 "second time of therapy" at
its attention to Father Lawrence's
turns
then
Brief
Advocate's
The
not relate in any way to sexual
he wishes to emphasize "did
Saint John Vianney Center which
staff."
parish
at
with anger directed
misconduct .. but to resolve problems
Assessment of Father
in Appendix B, is a Psychological by the Director of the
Votum,
my
with
enclosed
Also
on June 10, 2014, and a statement
Lawrence, written to his Advocate Michael Lawrence lives a permanent life of prayer and
permanent residence where Father
penance.

of his Advocate and the current
and having studied the Brief
Having prayed over the matter,
best that the Reverend Michael
is
it
I have concluded that
psychologist,
the
of
assessment
way of life.
Lawrence remain under this supervised
your Congregation from
offered herein will serve to alleviate
It is my hope that my opinion
further action in this matter.
Sincerely yours in Christ,

0

actii-te-e--

D.D.
e Most Reverend John 0. Barres,
Bishop of Allentown

2

Barres' Notification to the Vatican

 64