P R O V I N C E O F SAINT BONAVENTURE ORDER OF F R I A R S MINOR C O N V E N T U A L 9 5 S EAST R I N G W O O D ROAD LAKE FOREST, I L L I N O I S 60O4S AREA C O P E 3 1 2 234-9120 O F F I C E OF THE MINISTER P R O V I N C I A L June 7, 1974 Reverend Raphael M. Fliss Vice-Chancellor and Secretary to the Archbishop 345 North 95th Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226 Dear Father Fliss: Thank you for the fides ordinum for our recently ordained. I am enclosing for your consideration written observations, reports, and evaluations regarding Friar Thomas Trepanier from the provincial files. None, however, cover the period of the second semester of the present school year. Friar Thomas' decision to leave the Community came as a bit of a shock to me. He never was any problem, nor did I ever receive a negative report which would prevent his promotion to the ministries or to his advancement for further theological studies. At present I do not have a written report as to what precipitated his action. I do know that it soon followed after a verbal confrontation with our Regent of Studies concerning his communitylife at St. Josaphat Friary in Milwaukee as well as his social life. Upon receiving his request for a dispensation from his simple vows, I called, him in for an interview. It was clear that his mind was already made up. My personal opinion is that he was over-reacting to the situation while being in a highly emotional frame of mind. Rather than petition Rome for his dispensation, I suggested, and he agreed to, a leave of absence for six months which would extend to August 1 when his vows would expire. The purpose behind this was to protect his clerical status at Hales Corners, allow me to legally cover his room and board and tuition for the remaining school months, as well as his health insurance till August 1st. Were he to have severed the ties with the Order completely, he would have been in a financial bind. This also left the door open canonically should he, during this period of time, change his mind and wish to return. ADOM015900 PROVINCE O F SAINT BONAVENTURE ORDER OF F R I A R S M I N O R C O N V E N T U A L 9 5 S EAST R I N G W O O D ROAD LAKE FOREST, I L L I N O I S 60045 OFFICE OF THE MINISTER PROVINCIAL AREA CODE 3 1 2 234-9120 II As to Friar Trepanier requesting affiliation with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, his acceptance, and his ordination to the diaconate this summer, there is a canonical impediment. For even though he is on a leave of absence, he is still bound to observe his simple religious vows and is still a m e m b e r o? this Province and O r d e r . With that present status which he now holds, he therefore cannot be promoted to the Order of the Diaconate while in simple vows. It would be, therefore, my recommendation that the Archdiocese wait until his leave and vows expire. Another alternative of course would be to seek an immediate dispensation from his simple vows upon request. Judging by such cases in the past, the time it would take to receive a reply would be near two months, which would put us near the expiration date anyway. May I add that in all fairness to Friar Trepanier and the Order, I believe that the full time of his leave be utilized in prayerful thought before any final decision be rendered or further action taken. With sincerest regards, Very Reverend Clement Weidman, OFM Conv. Minister Provincial ADOM015901 May 2 7 , 1975 Th(C) Reverend Thomas h* T r e p a n i e r Milwaukee, Wisaonsin 53219 Dear Father Trepanier*oo Following the recommendation of the Personnel Board regarding your assignment, I herewith appoint you Associate faster at St. Agnes Parish, Butler, effective June 17, 1975, You "will kindly report on that date to th& Pastor* Father Joseph li. Cunningham* With the warmest of personal regards and wishing you CSod's choicest hlessinge, I am Fraternally yours in Christ, Most Reverend William E. Cousins Archbishop of Milwaukee ADOM015929 (Sacred Heart (School of Theology HALES CORNERS, WISCONSIN 53130, TELEPHONE| Most Reverend William E. Cousins D.D. Archbishop of Milwaukee August 6, 1977 Dear Archbishop Cousins, In March of this past year I asked your permission to return to Marquette University for one year. With your approval, I am presently living at Sacred Heart Monastery, have completed six weeks of summer school and am involved at St. Alphonsus parish as a week end help out. When we discussed the possibility of school, I told you that I would be working with the help of the G.I. Bill. This money is approved, but only covers the cost of tuition which at Marquette is presently S1450 per semester. At the time we talked, I failed to consider my Blue Cross coverage. Since I am not earning a regular salary, I have set up a budget which allows for paying the seminary room and board, covers the cost of my car and meets the few needs that I have. In going through the insurance papers the Father Sampon sent out, I realize that I am not covered by insurance since I am not a full time associate. In knowing the expense involved in any type of medical care I feel the insurance is a necessity both for myself and for the Archdiocese. Therefore I am asking if you would consider my request that for the time I am in school given the circumstances, the Archdiocese would pay the premium for my Blue Cross-Blue Shield coverage. I apologize for not getting this matter cleared up earlier and having a better understanding of the total picture involved in my being released for this year of school. I would appreciate any help that you can offer in this matter and if you feel it necessary for me to come in to discuss it please feel free to have Father Fliss contact me. Thank you for your help and concern. Sincerely, f f-- - GT*vu-;CfAJL Rev. Tom T r e p a n i e r \ ADOM015933 May 30, 1978 The Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier Hales Corners, Wisconsin 53130 Dear Tom, So that there will be no break in coinmunicatione, I wanted to let you know that I felt it best to say no to the request from Sacred Heart School of Theology that you serve full time in their Field Education Department, At the same time I think you should know that they wrote a glowing account of your personal qualifications. May God be with you as you begin a new moment of ministry in His service. Sincerely youre in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee CC: Personnel Board ADOM015934 June 3.7 f 1.978 1he Sfoverend Ifeowag Trepanier v / Hales Corners* Wisconsin 53130 Dear $&fch(C)ir Trepanier* Following the recommendation of the Personnel Board regardong your assignment, I herewith t r a n s f e r you from f u r t h e r s t o r i e s a t Meaequetts university.* and ^p^o-int you Associate Pastor a t S t . Robert Parish* SJMKtevood* e f f e c t i v e June 25, 197(R). You w i l l kindly r e p o r t on t h a t date t o the Castor* Rev, Wstgr* Jfeirold 0>> Urudell. With the wartwest of personal regards and wishing! you Sod's c h o i c e s t b l e s s i n g s * 1 aw F r a t e r n a l l y yours i n C h r i s t , Most Reverend Rewfoert o* wealsland* Q.3<> MILWAUKEE. WISCONSIN 53201 >> PHONE 414/769-3300 OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP June 8, 1988 The Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier Milwaukee Archdiocese Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201 Dear Father Trepanier, Following the recommendation of the Personnel Board regarding your assignment, and with the concurrence of the Co-Vicars for Clergy Personnel, Bishop Richard Sklba and Bishop Leo Brust, I herewith transfer you from your present position as Pastor at St. John de Nepomuc Parish in Milwaukee, and appoint you Executive Secretary of the Priests' Personnel Board, effective June 1, 1988. In keeping with the Term of Office Policy for the Executive Secretary of the Board, your assignment as Executive Secretary will exist for a three year term and after that will be reviewed for possible extension. Accept my prayers and good wishes as you prepare to assume this new challenge of priestly ministry. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee ADOM015963 *E8 13 m .ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 3501 SOUTH LAKE DRIVE o P.O. Box 07912 o MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53207-0912 o PHONE 414/769-3300 OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP February 11, 1992 The Reverend Thomas Trepanier Executive Secretary P r i e s t s ' Personnel Board Dear Tom, This letter is an official response to your own of J a n u a r y 17th and y o u r request to terminate as Executive Secretary of the P r i e s t s ' Personnel Board in June of 1993. I readily u n d e r s t a n d t h e need to have someone on board long before that so t h a t t h e p e r s o n can receive p r o p e r training. With this letter then I accept the contents of y o u r own and y o u r termination in June of 1993. We will have time later to discuss the transition. For now I would only like to r e iterate what I have said to you many times privately, that you have done a f i r s t - r a t e job in that position and it is going to be difficult for anyone to succeed y o u . Thanks for giving it your all. Sincerely y o u r s in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O . S . B . Archbishop of Milwaukee CC: Vicar for Clergy Personnel P r i e s t s ' Personnel Board Chancery ADOM015965 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 3501 S. Lake Drive o P.O. Box 07912 o Milwaukee, WI53207-0912 o (414) 769-3300 Priests' Personnel Board (414) 769-3458 J a n u a r y 17, 1992 Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, OSB Archbishop of Milwaukee Cousins Center Milwaukee, WI 53207 Dear Rembert, Welcome home! I am writing to formalize our conversation in which I e x p r e s s e d a desire to complete five years in my position and then seek a n o t h e r ministry. With your permission, I would like to open list my position this Spring in accordance with the Clergy Manual Policy, Section IV, 26, p a r a g r a p h II-B which allows Jim Hamann the ability to r e q u e s t nominations prior to the June d a t e . As you know my successor would have some type of training for approximately one year and then begin his term in June 1993. I feel I have done a good job, b u t the s t r e s s e s are taking their toll and I need to experience some positive ministry in the years ahead. This has been discussed with Richard Sklba and Tom Venne. I, therefore, await y o u r direction. Fraternally, Cf^yvx^ Fr. Tom Trepanier Executive Secretary Priests' Personnel Board TT:pr ADOM015966 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 3501 S. Lake Drive o P.O. Box 07912 o Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 o (414) 769-3300 The Chancery (414) 769-3340 February 1, 1993 Rev. Thomas A. Trepanier Priests' Personnel Board Cousins Center Milwaukee, WI 53207 M & f r Dear Father Trepanier, Following the recommendation of the Priests' Personnel Board and in accord with Canons 539-540 of the 1983 Code, you have been appointed Temporary Administrator at St. Mary Czestochowa Parish in Milwaukee. This appointment is in effect February 8, 1993 and until the pastor returns. As Temporary Administrator you come under the provisions of Canon 540 which is quoted here in full: 1. The parochial administrator is bound by the same obligations and has the same rights of the pastor, unless the diocesan Bishop prescribes otherwise (cf. cc. 519; 528-530; ,535). 2. The parochial administrator may not do anything which could prejudice the rights of the pastor or could do harm to parochial property. 3. When he has discharged his office, the parochial administrator is to give an account to the pastor. You have the responsibility for the Pro Populo Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (c. 534); you are authorized to sign checks on all parish accounts to cover ordinary expenditures and to meet payroll obligations. Please note, in keeping with Canon 540, paragraph 2, no extraordinary changes are to be made. Urgent matters should be referred to the Archbishop. Thanks, for assuming this assignment. greatly appreciated. Your willingness to do this is Fraternally in Ch ,WiW^^ Most Rev. Richa\yp J. Sklba Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee Vicar General cc: Most Rev. Leo J. Brust Rev. Ralph C Gross Rev. Kenneth P. Knippel ADOM015967 OfFU:E O F THE ARCHBISHOP August 8, 1995 Reverend Thomas Trepanier St. Sylvester Parish South Milwaukee, WI 53172-1252 Dear Tom, Having completed the consultation process with the p r i e s t s of your District, I am happy to appoint you to the office of Dean for District 15. At the same time I confirm your selection b y t h e priests of the District to a position on the Archdiocesan Council of P r i e s t s . You will retain your present pastoral appointment, as well. All of the rights and duties designated by the Code of Canon Law and our own statutes for Deans and the Council of Priests are y o u r s by reason of this appointment. This a term of By law it discussed appointment is effective on August 28, 1995, and is for t h r e e y e a r s , in accord with the policies of the s t a t u t e s . is possible to renew this appointment, but that will be prior to t h e expiration of this term. Thank you for your willingness to assume this office. I look forward to your service in this position as we attempt to meet the needs of our local Church with new s t r u c t u r e s and creative vision. Sincerely yours in the Lord, uX Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O . S . B . Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive. P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3497 ADOM015969 A Learning Communi~y q(Faitb August 30, 1996 Dear Fathers and Parish Directors, I write to inform you that I have respectfully submitted my resignation as the Dean of District 15 to Archbishop Weakland effective August 30, 1996. It was not an easy decision, but after som~ thoughtful prayer and reflection, I realize that I am the pastor of a growing parish with many demands including a large grade school and a population of over 40% under the age of 18. Thus as most of you know, this is a full time position and has left little energy for the position of Dean. Secondly, I must admit that at times because of my pragmatism and impatience with structures I have been less than diplomatic. While I love the Church, I also believe that there is still room for the traditional ministries as well as the new and this has caused some stress for me and for some members of the Church of Milwaukee. I am thankful to Archbishop Weakland and to all of you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity, especially in this delicate time of transition. I believe that I have some gifts to offer and it is my hope that I can continue to serve the Church faithfully as I have done for the past twenty one years. In " facing the future with hope", I look forward to working with my successor and pray for the continued growth and development of all of our ministries. Sincerely yours, c/LcT~ Fr. Tom Trepanier Pastor-St. Sylvester Parish 675 College Avenue o Somh Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 o 762-6800 ADOM015971 SEP 10 1996 ARCHDIOCESE^IgOF MILWAUKEE OFFICE OFTHE ARCHBISHOP September 5, 1996 The Reverend Thomas Trepanier Dean, District 15 South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 Dear Tom, This is just a short and formal response to your letter of resignation, stating that I have accepted it, and that we will proceed then to fill the vacancy. Many blessings and peace. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B, Archbishop of Milwaukee CC: Bishop Richard J. Sklba Jim Hamann ^ P ^ (' 3501 South Lake Drive. P.O.Box 07912 Milwankpp wis^")r)7-nan-f4uv7fio--uo7 ADOM015972 &!?~~-<(TM)-yp~**~k& ADOM016103 -- zila; cr-- 99 ADOM016104 JAN 1 1 1999 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Associate Director January 4, 1999 Father Joseph Homacek Vicar, Archdiocese of Milwaukee 3105 S.Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 Re: Father Tom Trepanier Dear Father Hornacek: I have seen Tom Trepanier for three diagnostic sessions in conjunction with an allegation of sexual misconduct with an adolescent 23 years ago when Father Trepanierwas approximately 33 or 34. Since he was confronted with this, he has been both anxious and depressed. Though he , has had self-destructive thoughts, he is not suicidal. He feels guilty and ashamed and, I am convinced, that he knows that what he did was wrong and that he recognizes that the minor was not capable of an informed consent nor did he think at the time of possible dire consequences from his actions. Father Trepanier came from a very abusive family and he himself was molested as a boy by a neighbor adult male. His grandfather was abusive to him with a constant barrage of Father Trepanier being a sissy. However, his maternal step-grandfather really valued him. Moreover, there were frequent physical encounters between his mother and father and he often tried to protect her. Much of this plus the emotional trauma of Viet Nam have been worked on for four years through the Stress Management Clinic. He has also shown great strength in dealing with the problem of alcoholism. There has been no repeat in that behavior for which he was alleged to be engaged since that time. There is no acute current risk in repeating the behavior. He wishes to continue to work through both the acute feelings of distress and his early alleged abuse of the adolescent. Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital 1220 Dewey Avenue Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213 (414) 454-6610 ADOM016106 I would recommend that he continue in counseling around both the anxiety/depression he is currently experiencing as well as the work on the sexual abuse. He could continue in his current assignment until June 1999 provided he has no contact with minors that is unsupervised. I would recommend, however, that one or two people in his current assignment be assigned a supervisory role and that Tom McGuine be involved in the case. Then, he should move into a non-parochial, non-administrative position. I hope this is of sufficient depth and clarity to enable you to plan for Father Trepanier, Sincerely, ADOM016107 i ^*=W CANON LAW PROFESSIONALS MOST pry T dd s. uffizio 6 October 2005 406/04-19047 ,,m ,, ,, (In responsiotie fiat meittio buius numeri) CONFIDENTIAL Your Excellency, The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has received the documentation you sent regarding the Reverend Thomas A. TREPANIER, a priest of your Archdiocese accused of the sexual abuse of minors. After having carefully examined the present case, I wish to inform you that this Dicastery hereby grants a derogation from the law of prescription requested by Your Excellency and authorizes you to initiate, an adniin.i-strat.ive penal, process as outlined in can. 1720 of the Code of Canon Law. Your Excellency is kindly requested to: 1) 2) 3) inform the accused of the allegations and the proofs, while affording him the opportunity, through his canonical advocate, of a proper defense; accurately evaluate all the proofs and the evidence employing the assistance of two assessors who are competent and renowned for their prudence; if the delict can be proved with certainty, issue a decree according to cann. 1342-1350, which should contain the reasons in law and in fact. If Your Excellency should consider it opportune to impose the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state or some other perpetual penalty, the imposition of this penalty must first be requested from this Congregation. In the event of a decree being issued by this Dicastery in Congressu Particulari, the accused will always have the right to present recourse to the Ordinary Session of the Cardinal and Bishop Members of this Dicastery (Feria IV). ./. His Excellency The Most Reverend Timothy M. DOLAN Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912, U.S.A. ADOM016123 I wish also to inform Your Excellency that this Congregation suggests another solution by authorizing you to apply n. 8 b of the Essential Norms. The cleric should be directed to live a life of prayer and penance with the possibility of celebrating Mass privately, I take this opportunity to offer Your Excellency my sincere respect and I remain, Yours devotedly in the Lord, * Angelo AMATO, SDB Titular Archbishop of Sila Secretary ADOM016124 Entry for the Chart oil By Liz Piasecki December 9,1998 Bishop Sklba returned a call to me today regarding his meeting with Father Tom Trepanier, as well as with Father Bill Kohler. Bishop Sklba said that Tom acknowledged some "inappropriate behavior occurred" with the exception of a few of the details thatH | provided. The Bishop put him on avoidance of all unsupervised contact with minors and Tom reportedly said that he has done that for years. The Bishop also asked Tom to meei with Dr.B Hat Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital for consultation. He has authorized payment of initial treatment in the absence of the Mental Health Review Committee f b r | | a s of this date. Tom has also been advised of having uo contaqt wiihB I family. The Bishop reported that Tom noted that the only connection toB I was at | Jwedding and he was there because I Bmother had requested his presence. ECP:saz ADOM016135 Entry for the Chart o j By Liz Piasecki December 9,1998 I also heard today from Father Bill Kohler. He essentially was reporting on the meeting with Father Tom Trepanier and the Bishop. Bill Kohler noted that Tom felt that J | was a junior in high school when he met him, and also that lie (Tom) does not remember the remark made at th?^^HH| | Bill Kohler noted that Tom is taking a few days off and Father Chuck Wheatley will be covering his Masses for now. ECP:saz ADOM016136 Entry for the Chart of By Liz Piasecki December 11,1998 | allegations against Father Tom Today, I spoke with Bishop Richard Sklba regarding j | Trepanier. Bishop Sklba noted that he and Father Bill Kohler had met with Tom on the previous Tuesday which was a Holy Day on December 8. Father Tom acknowledged some inappropriate behavior w i t h | | although Tom noted that some of the pieces are not the way he personally remembered them to be. Bishop Sklba imposed the restriction of no unaccompanied conduct with minors beginning immediately, and asked Dr. f ( t o provide a psychological evaluation as soon as possible. | | is the Medical Director at Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital. I then discussed with Bishop Sklba what it is that I might be able to share withH We agreed that we should tell him the information that I have just dictated in this note. Also, I would indicate to | | i a t the psychological evaluation would take some time and that any decision on the future of Tom Trepanier at St. Sylvester's most likely would push past the Christmas Season. Second Entry - December 13,1998 Today, I returned a call t o | 1 1 explained to him what had transpired regarding Tom Trepanier and gave him the initial time line of a decision sometime after Christmas. | ( w a s fine with that. ECPrsaz ADOM016137 Entry for the Chart <>!| By Liz Piasecki December 14,1998 I called | | t o inform him of Tom Trepanier's meeting with Bishop Sklba and Father Bill Kohler. I explained that Tom had been sent for a form of psychological evaluation and that the iss of sorting out all the facts and corning to a conclusion would take us past Christmas. was fine with that. I did note f o r j Btiiat Tom did not agree with all of the details given in his intake report, particularly his age. I [informed me that he had talked to his mother over the weekend. His mother's name is J | Her phone n u m b e r | | said that he believes, from his conversation with his mother, that there were other minors perhaps involved with Father Tom Trepanier when he was assigned at St. Robert's. He notes that his mother may have more information about that since she was "in the inner circle of St. Robert's Parish" at the time, I called Father Bill Kohler, Associate Vicar for Clergy, today to leave this message, and wondered if I am the appropriate person to have a conversation witliP or whether the Vicar or the Bishop might want to make that call themselves. e ECP:saz ADOM016138 ARCHDIOCESFfpOF MlLWAlKEE OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP March 25,1999 Reverend Thomas Trepanier St. Sylvester Parish South Milwaukee WI 53172 Dear Tom, It has been some time since I received your letter of February 12th and your decision not to submit yourself to any kind of lengthy psychological evaluation. I have waited this long before answering to see if there would be any changes in your position. Sorry for the delay. First of all, I realize this must be a most trying moment for you. My heart goes out to you because I realize how limited I am to be of real help to you. My hope and prayer are that you are taking good care of yourself, seeking wise counsel, and trying to keep God's loving presence alive in your life. You appreciate my dilemma, I am sure. Whatever may happen, I have to be able to stand before God and the faithful of this Archdiocese and say that I acted prudently and also kept their best interests at heart. It was with these points in mind that we set up the protocol that we must follow in cases of serious allegations. As steward also of the contributions of the faithful, I cannot unduly jeopardize the assets of the diocese. I believe you understand that all insurance ceases if we do not act prudently. It seems to me that I will not be able to give you another assignment without more assurances that such is possible without undue risk. I do not know what else to say, Tom, or what more I should be doing to be of help to you. My prayers and affection accompany this letter. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3497 ADOM016144 St. Sylvester I1arisl1 February 12, 1999 The Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 S. Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 Dear Archbishop, Pursuant to my conversation with Fr. Joe Hornacek on 1-19-99, I am writing to share my decision with you regarding your request for another psychological evaluation. After discussions with my spiritual director, with Dr. - h e Psychiatrist and following many hours of prayer, given the current circumstances, pertinent health concerns and the profound losses I am experiencing, I believe that it is best for me to continue my weekly sessions with Dr.-for the time being rather than seek another evaluation at this time. I apologize for any embarrassm~nt this situation has caused you and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely yours, ~~ Fr. Tom Trepanier cc: Fr. Joe Hornacek Vicar Clergy of 695 College Avenue + South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 + 762-6800 Fax 762-5803 AD01\f016145 Thomas JA. Trepanier, M. Viv., South MiCwaukee, a^x t*t 1999 MS. ~WI 53172 April 10, 1990 To: Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B From: Rev. Tom Trepanier Re: My Response to the Allegations Made Against Me On December 8,1998 @ approximately three-fifteen (3:15) p.m. I was accused of sexual misconduct and interrogated by Bishop Sklba and Fr. Kohler. I was handed a one page statement with some basic information on it, but no explanation of exactly what I was being accused of. Approximately 3-5 days later, I was informed that the report from Elizabeth Piasecki, Psy.D., was being sent in the mail for my review. After reading the report I submit the following as my response and ask that it be included in my personnel file with the report from Ms. Piasecki. 1. With God as my witness I categorically deny that I had any improper contact with I ( w h e n he was 15 or 16 years of age as is reported by Ms. Piasecki. I was not even stationed at the parish at that time but reported to the parish in July of 1978. 2. I take responsibility for one inappropriate contact w i t h j | when he was in the last half of his 17th year. As the adult in the situation, I am responsible for the action and take that responsibility very seriously and consider the action despicable for an adult who held a position of trust. 3. I deny that I ever had | | i n my apartment when he was a minor, since in fact, I lived in the parish rectory for the first three (3) of my five (5) years at the parish. I moved to an apartment in 1981. Thus, the detailed, graphic descriptions of my apartment that were given would have had to be when ( w a s a legal adult, since I was not living in an apartment at the time he and Ms. Piasecki claim that I was. ADOM016146 Page 2. 4. I deny that I ever plied | | w i t h any type of liquor or alcohol even though I myself did struggle with alcohol addiction at the time. 5. I deny that I ever sexually accosted^ | i n a public theater nor can I remember ever even seeing the movie in a public theater that he alluded to. 6. I did not seek out t h e | | family to get t o | ^ ^ H H a s is alleged in Ms. Piasecki's report. His family repeatedly sought me out and continually invited me to their house for every possible occasion approximately six (6) to ten (10) months after I arrived in the parish. More often than I want to remember after some drinks and dinner, his mother would suggest that I stay over and D sleep in | | room.D I never availed myself of this invitation. I have taken responsibility for my actions at that time and shared these details with my therapist and continue to investigate the issues in my own life. Thus, I take issue with the report disseminated by Elizabeth Piasecki as truth, when in fact it is not nor ever will be the whole truth. I suspect that while Ms. Piasecki was working diligently for some DRepressed MemoriesD she also was able to garner some D False Repressed Memories D and used them to substantiate her lurid report to the Archbishop. Since I was never given the report prior to my interrogation even though it was already completed and held in abeyance, nor did I receive any type of canonical or legal representation or an explanation of my rights during the interrogation, I further believe that any rights I may have had as a citizen let alone as a human being were denied and I was simply judged D guilty of all the issues as reported by Ms. Piasecki.D This I believe is a travesty of justice and I take issue with the manner in which this whole case has been handled and its future consequences to me personally and to my career and function within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. To date, I have not sought any legal civil or canonical counsel on this issue. I further believe t h a t | | did not act maliciously in bringing this issue forward, but did so outof^^esperate need for some professional therapeutic intervention to help him deal with his dysfunctional childhood, I feel no animosity toward] | o r his family and pray that he will be healed of any harm that I may have caused him. ADOM016147 Page 3 I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to the serious allegations made against me and I trust that in time, the true facts of this situation will dispel much of the accusation and innuendo that is alluded to in Ms. Piasecki's report. Sincerely, Rev. Tom Trepanier ADOM016148 AJOJDIOCESEIBQF MLWAUKEE OFFICE OFTHE ARCHBISHOP April 19,1999 Reverend Thomas Trepanier St. Sylvester Parish South Milwaukee WI 53172 Dear Tom, Thanks for your second letter of April 10. I received it last week; and I have in front of me your letter of March 29, as well. I will be answering both of them with this letter. It is indeed time we sat down and talked. I will ask Len to set up that appointment for this week. First of all, I want you to know that your letter of April 10 will certainly be put in your file; and it is important that it be placed there for any future reference and to balance the document from( ] Since we did not proceed in our usual fashion when the allegations were first made, you are right that we have not given you the chance to rebut his comments or allegations. If we had gone ahead as usual, you would have had that chance at once. I understand your reluctance at that time to cooperate, but it also made any rebuttal on your part impossible, tt is good to have the document now. The report of | | is a statement of how he remembers the events. We have not taken steps to corroborate them or not. You have every right to deny them, but they have stood there unsubstantiated because we did not proceed as we usually do in such cases. I do not believe it will be helpful for you now to blame Dr. Piasecki, or anyone else for that matter. You know more psychology than I do and know that finding a scapegoat is not helpful. If it seems necessary to make a complete investigation, then I will do so regardless of the costs to your reputation. I wanted to avoid having to broaden this inquiry and resent your stating that it has been unjust. Some might say the opposite, namely, that we acted too leniently with you by leaving you in your position as pastor of St. Sylvester and not pursuing at once the course of investigation that we normally do. We wanted to do as you requested in permitting you to stay on till spring at St. Sylvester to save as much as possible any harm to your reputation. As far as I can see, I believe we have done the best possible for you, Tom, under the circumstances, giving you the time to sort it all out with competent psychological help. I hope that has been beneficial for you. As it stands, we have to look at what options are open at this point. I know how difficult it is for you to have to face realistically the situation in which you find yourself, but remember also the limits being placed on all of us who are trying to act responsibly with very little to go on. 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee. WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3497 ADOM016149 ARcr-POCiESEijpoF MILWAUKEE OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP April 19, 1999 Reverend Thomas Trepanier St. Sylvester Parish I can see much bitterness in your letter, Tom. That will do you more harm than good. I hope that you can find some sort of serenity as you try to sort out your future. In my previous letter I pointed out that I cannot just ignore the whole situation and hope that it will go away. You have been fortunate that nothing has reached the press, and I hope that nothing does. We can talk about particulars when we meet. I hope all will go well for you. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee. WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3497 ADOM016150 'Rev. Thomas JL Trepanier MiCwaukee, 1/VI53207-1964 May 1, 2 0 0 2 Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 S. Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207 Dear Rembert, Peace and Blessings! Pursuant to our conversation this morning, I here by sumbit my resignation from active ministry effective upon receipt of your return letter. For twenty-seven years I have served the Church to the best of my ability and sincerely grieve the loss of this inherent part of my faith life and my personal life. In that time the privilege of celebrating Eucharist and Reconciliation have fostered my faith and trust in God a faith which I now hope will get me through the fear and pain that I must endure these last years of my life. As Archbishop for 25 of those years, I am grateful for your spiritual and moral support and wish you peace and blessings in your retirement. I apologize for my role in embarrassing you and the Church and can only pray that the Holy Spirit will offer some hope during this horrendous and unconscionable period of Church history. Sincerely, Fr. Tom Trepanier ADOM016151 ARCEOOCESE^IIJjOF MILWAUKEE OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP September 7, 2004 His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith -Piazza del S.Uffizio 11 00193 Rome, Italy Your Eminence: In accord with the norms of Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela, I am submitting for your consideration the case of a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier has been accused of multiple acts of sexual abuse of a minor, The summary of these allegations is enclosed. Father Trepanier has admitted that sexual acts with the individual making the allegation did take place but he contests the frequency and nature of the acts as well as the age of the accuser. (Family members have provided second hand accounts of additional, suspected victims. At the time of this writing these alleged victims have not approached the Archdiocese. However, one victim is sufficient that action needs to be taken. The impact on this victim has been significant. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee paid therapy costs for a number of years. Recently the Archdiocese finally arrived at an out of court settlement in this case which included a provision for ongoing therapy as well as financial compensation. Our new found awareness of the severity of damage caused by sexual abuse at the hands of clergy makes it impossible for us to ignore this situation. Given the nature and frequency of the alleged and admitted sexual abuse, along with the serious abuse of office, I have pondered long and hard to arrive at an opinion about the most appropriate action to be taken. I am requesting that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee be authorized to. conduct a penal trial to determine the facts that Father Trepanier disputes as well as to determine what, if any, penal remedy should be assessed. If it is your judgement that this case should proceed through a canonical penal process, I humbly request a dispensation from prescription as well as a sanation of any procedural errors that may have occurred during the years this case was under investigation. The severity of the offenses is such that it is my opinion that this request is justified. However, if the judgement of Your Eminence is that this case should proceed to a dismissal by decree of your Congregation, I would cede to that judgement. 3501 South Lake Drive, PO. Box 070912, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 PHONE: (414)769-3497 o WEB SITE: www.archmil.org ADOM016155 His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith P-2 At the time he resigned from active ministry Reverend Trepanier was provided with $20,000 to assist with transition. He is capable of gainful employment and remains eligible for his pension benefits when he reaches age 68. I look forward to your further instructions in this matter. With sentiments of deepest esteem, I am, Siiieerely yoursji^Christ, Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan Archbishop of Milwaukee ADOM016156 DIOCESE Milwaukee N A M E OF ORDINARY Timothy M. Dolan C D F P R O T . N . (if available) Thomas Trepanier N A M E OF CLERIC PERSONAL DETAILS OF THE CLERIC Date of Birth April 30, 1945 Age 59 Ordination May 24, 1975 Years of ministry 27 Milwaukee ORIGINAL DIOCESE OF INCARDINATION MINISTRY IN/TRANSFER TO OTHER DIOCESE IHHHH CONTACT ADDRESS OF THE CLERIC PROCURATOR (include original signed mandate) Milwaukee, WI 53207 Consulted: Reverend Patrick Lagges fno signed mandate produced) CONTACT ADDRESS OF THE PROCURATOR ASSIGNMENTS Year Parish Location Appointment 1975 St. Agnes Parish Butler, WI Associate Pastor 197.7 Study leave Marquette University Student 1978 St. Robert Parish Shorewood, WI Associate Pastor 1983 Study leave University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Student 1985 St. John de Nepomuc Parish Milwaukee Pastor 1988 Priests' Personnel Board Milwaukee Executive Secretary 1993 St. Sylvester Parish South Milwaukee Pastor 1999 Personal leave 2000 St. Dominic Parish Brookfield, WI Associate Pastor o ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THE CLERIC Year Victim Age Imputable Acts Denunciation 1977 ^^^^^H 15 Oral sex, genital fondling, masturbation 1998 ADOM016157 CIVIL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE CLERIC Year 2004 Type/Case Conviction Sentence (include copies of civil documents) Out of court settlement with MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE DIOCESE Year 1999 Cleric placed on leave and sent for therapy 2000 Cleric placed in a monitored ministry assignment with written restrictions 2002 Accepted resignation from active ministry SUSTENANCE PROVIDED BY THE DIOCESE TO THE CLERIC At the time he resigned from active ministry, cleric was provided with $20,000 to assist with transition expenses. o RESPONSE/RECOURSE MADE BY THE CLERIC Year 1998 Admitted sexual misconduct with| encounters I but differed on age (16 not 15) and number of 2002 Resigned from active ministry 2002 Attempted to revoke resignation after it was accepted in order to receive more funding; requesting full canonical process BISHOP'S VOTUM Seek dispensation from prescription in order to conduct a penal process. ADOM016158 1 t*=iK- CANON LAW PROFESSIONALS December 6, 2005 Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan Archdiocese of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive P.O. Box 070912 Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 RE: Reverend Thomas Trepanier Dear Archbishop Dolan; I write to you as the canonical counsel, procurator and advocate for Father Thomas Trepanier in response to your letter of November 28, 2005. I have spoken with Father Trepanier and he does not wish to seek a return to the lay state. Rather, he seeks to continue his life as a priest living a life of prayer and penance. While Father Trepanier has admitted to one act of indiscretion, this was not with a minor and could in no way be considered a grave delict punishable by removal from the clerical state. Since-it appears that you will proceed with an administrative penal process in accord with canon 1720,1 formally request a copy of all of the acts of this case. I will then provide a defense statement for Father Trepanier so that a just and equitable decision can be made. I will be in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in early January as soon as Father Paul Hartmann determines dates for another matter. If it would be more convenient, I would be happy to receive any information at that time. Thank you for your consideration in this most difficult matter. Sincerely yours/' J. Michael Ritty, J.C.L., Ph.D. Canonical Counsel for Father Trepanier Cc: Father Trepanier 29 LOWER COPELAND HILL ROAD o FEURA BUSH, N E W YORK 12067 >>5I8-768-2507 o WWW.CANONLAWPROFESSIONALS.COM>>JMR@CANONLAWPROFESSIONALS.COM ADOM016161 Entry for the Chart of Tom Trepanier By Liz Piasecki December 14,1998 Today, I returned a call t o ( ( f r o m Catholic Mutual Insurance. She had called me on December 9, 1998, and requested some information. She had received the intake report on Tom Trepanier. She was fairly stunned by the allegations. She wondered if there were retaliatory allegations because of LheJ (embezzlement tnauer. Apparently, it has been a number of months that Father Tom Trepanier has been assisting Catholic Mutual and the Archdiocese on bringing charges against an individual who was employed by Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. That individual, M r . H ^ H ^ ^ H allegedly has stolen almost $300,000 over many years from the Cemetery. | | noted that this has been going on for months and months. Also, that M r . ( | has "relatives in very high places." One is a state senator, one is a county commissioner, one is a former mayor. Catholic Mutual is ready to start civil action against( | if these charges are not forthcoming imminently. I told | ( t h a t I did not believe that this case was related to that case. She wondered if in fact, we have to acknowledge the reason for his removal if the Diocese chooses to remove him, and that perhaps we could say it was for personal reasons so as not to mess up the ongoing investigation and charging regarding this embezzlement problem? | ( also noted that Father Tom Trepanier has no insurance coverage as of this date. ^ ^ ^ H also thought the Archdiocese we should put a monitor on Tom Trepanier until his resignation from the parish for its own protection. ECP:saz ADOM016162 / AKCHDIOCESE^gOFMILWAUKEE ^C*frej?-~t*n!~*is(-' fa>~4~ii?~- [RECEIVED OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP M Y 1 12002 A BY --. May 8, 2002 Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier Milwaukee, WI 53207-1964 Dear Tom, I received your letter formalizing our conversation of May 1st and stating your decision to resign from active ministry. I know that this is a difficult decision but one. that has been made understanding the serious challenges facing the Church today. With your resignation from ministry, all of your priestly and diocesan faculties cease, as does authorization for ministry or the exercise of Orders with the exception of the specific provision in canon law for danger of death cases. We agree that you will no longer present yourself in public as a priest nor use the titles and garb that would indicate such a status, Your health insurance coverage will continue in place and Father Homacek will see that your receive any new cards or verification of a change in group. When you have been able to move into a secular position that provides this benefit, please let us know so that we can make the adjustment. You will be receiving a check to assist you in the process of transition. If you wish to make arrangements for the transfer of your portion of pension funds, please contact Wayne Schneider (769-3319) who will assist in that process. I will continue to keep you in prayer, Tom, as you make this difficult transition. Sincerely yours in Christ, Af Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3497 ADOM016204 Archdiocese of Milwaukee Clergy Personnel Action Notice Employee #2906 Effective Date 7/1/99 Last Name Trepanier Address Zip Code 53207 Country SS#^H First Rev. Thomas Middle A, City Milwaukee State WJ Home Phone Number < D.O.B. 04/30/45 Ordination Date 05/24/75 Current Position Definition Dept. Clergy Personnel Office Vicar for Clergy GNot Assigned [^Personal Leave o Sick Leave oAwaiting Assignment oPersonal Study Leave o Sabbatical oRetired oGraduate Studies oOther: Wage and Benefit Information Salary/Benefit Gross Compensation Minimal Salary Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Pension Housing Food Allowance Continuing Ed. Fee Retreat Retirement Supplement Professional Expense Q * (M=montbly; Y=yearly) Amount $0 $0 194.86 20.75 $0 Terms* M M $0 $0 $0 Paying Unit -- Acct 46 Acct 46 * > +* (e.g. Account #, SMPF, Self, Other) Termination oQuit/Resigned oDischarged QLaid Off DOther Reason Extension of health insurance benefits? (Y/N)^ to Extension of dental insurance benefits? (Y/N)D to OLast Day Worked Approval Derdisor Dcpaitoenfficad/Superw^orj\ f Chancery Priest Pension Fund ' Finance-Dan/Mert Payroll June 11,1999_ Date Placement Board "Cont. Form. Fund Mission Office Human Resource ADOM016210 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 3501 SOUTH LAKE DRIVE o P.O. Box 07912 o MILWAUKEE. WISCONSIN 53207-0912 o PHONE 414/769-3300 OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP May 12, 1993 Rev. Thomas A. Trepanier P r i e s t s ' Personnel Board Cousins Center Milwaukee, WI 53207 Dear Father Trepanier, It is with a sense of joy in our shared faith that I ask you to become the Pastor of St. Sylvester Parish in South Milwaukee. Following the recommendation of the Priests' Personnel Board, I am happy to e n t r u s t the faithful of this parish to your pastoral care beginning on June 22, 1993. This appointment is being made for a period of up to six years after which time it will be reviewed for possible extension. As the Pastor for this p a r i s h you are called upon to serve the needs of God's people so that they can take their rightful place as baptized Catholics in their own Faith-community and in society. Your mission, like my own, is one of teaching and sanctifying, and also of administrating the p a r i s h , t o g e t h e r with the Parish Council and those organizations designated to work with you. Also, I t r u s t that you will work diligently with the p r i e s t s in the district and enter fully into the c u r r e n t Archdiocesan Parish Planning, "Walking Together: Collaborating for the Future". It is a privilege to share my ministry with you. fill your life. May God's blessings Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O . S . B . Archbishop of Milwaukee V \ iivj'l-i*- ----' ~r ADOM016236 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 3501 S. Lake Drive o P.O. Box 07912 o Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 o (414) 769-3300 Priests' Personnel Board (414) 769-3458 November 4, 1992 Dear I , I am writing in response to y o u r letter of October 29, 1992 in which you e x p r e s s y o u r feeling r e g a r d i n g sexual misconduct by members of the c l e r g y . I have s h a r e d your letter with the Personnel Board and also your ideas about married clergy as well. Obviously, as you know the issues a r e complicated and demand a quick and pastoral r e s p o n s e . For the past six y e a r s we have worked totally with the police, District Attorney and social services in all areas to e n s u r e the safety of alleged victims and that justice be s e r v e d . As you know, some p r i e s t s have been prosecuted and even jailed. Because of Canon Law they cannot be thrown out of the priesthood. Priesthood, like marriage, is a sacrament with obligations and r i g h t s . <& The i s s u e of married clergy has long been discussed b y the h i e r a r c h y , b u t Pope John Paul II does not want this discussed at this time. While I probably have not answered all of y o u r questions, I hope my response has helped somewhat. Sincerely, (Sfe o Phone 1 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H UEtf^jOKUHa&h 27, 1987 Most Reverend Richard 0. Sklba 3501 South Lake Drive M i l w a u k e e , W i s c o n s i n 53207 Dear Dick: I EtjELTrinEr _.' Peace and b l e s s i n g s ! Having completed my p e r i o d i c r e v i e w , I want to share some c o n c e r n s r e g a r d i n g the e v a l u a t i o n s . S i n c e I was on the original c o m m i t t e e that e s t a b l i s h e d periodic r e v i e w s , I hope my comments will assist y o u in f u t u r e developments in e v a l u a t i o n s . 1) While I am sure that some men complained about the p r e vious e v a l u a t i o n s , the current either/or model simply m e a s u r e s w h e t h e r or not a priest is a good pastoral p e r Either is a c c e p t a b l e , since son or a good a d m i n i s t r a t o r . a good pastor is a blend of both. But, what are the man's s t r e n g t h s or growing edges in this m i n i s t r y ? What are the s k i l l s , talents or undeveloped potential that could be d e v e l o p e d ? 2) I have a sense that the Diocese as well as t h e Church is stumped about t h e priest shortage and thus r e f u s e s to address the r e l e v a n t issues regarding future s t r u c t u r e s of p a r i s h e s , and e s p e c i a l l y what the role of t h e priest himself will actually b e . I am concerned that we will be forced to fit the s i t u a t i o n , rather than h e l p i n g define how and w h e r e we will minister let alone l i v e . 3) Being involved in counseling and having gone through several y e a r s of personal p s y c h o t h e r a p y , I am w o n d e r i n g what support systems are available to men who need p s y c h o l o g ical h e 1 I_know from experience that few men will go to simply because of his i n v o l v e m e n t in f o r m a tion an< er d i o c e s a n p r o g r a m s . While I am sure that are most supportive and c o n f i d e n t i a l , w h y not you and some s u p p o n groups or on-going emotional d e v e l o p m e n t specifically for priests? 4) There seems to be an undefined s c h i z o p h r e n i a in which we as priests are c o n s i d e r e d "self-employed" in some situations and D i o c e s a n employees in o t h e r s . What is our status? Accountability? We seem to be in t h e middle of the h i e r a r c h y and the people, let alone the I.R.S. ADOM016278 Most Reverend Richard J. Sklba 5) While the pension plan is certainly better than it w a s , the fact that we lo/fse what we have invested should we die on or before age 70 seems beneficial to the Diocese but not to our sense of s e l f - w o r t h . How would we assist aging parents should we die prior to them? I believe that this creates a false sense that there will always be money to care for priests and so we need not plan or save for the f u t u r e . 6) While we continue to hear of "just rem u n e r a t i o n " and now especially for s i s t e r s , religious and t e a c h e r s , it becomes s e l f - d e f e a t i n g for priests to work at lesser We wages than others with the same qualif i c a t i o n s . seem to confuse vocation when it comes to priesthood. I believe that this adds to the lack o f self-respect and identity which are key to mental h ealth, job satisfaction and over-all p r o d u c t i v i t y . Wh ile no one wants to be greedy, it seems a bit paradoxic al to see value in one job and then call another a min istry and fail to see the same values, or compensate for them by forcing people to live in r e c t o r i e s . 7) As the priest shortage g r o w s , the p r e s s u r e s , r e s p o n s i bilities and sacramental work load of priestswill have to increase unless we do some serious redefining of p a r i s h / o t h e r sacramental m i n i s t r y . We still seem to be filling slots with available p e o p l e . How can we be more honest and responsible about f u t u r e d e v e l o p m e n t s ? While the Synod may help, most people don't believe there is a shortage and there is little support from Rome regarding the future development of priesthood or even d i a c o n a t e . Thank you for taking the time to read these c o n c e r n s . I am sure that you share some of them in your position and know the f r u s t r a t i o n that we p r i e s t s are e x p e r i e n c i n g . Perhaps just the a c k n o w l e d g e m e n t affords us the o p p o r t u n i t y to begin dealing with the pressing issues for the future of our C h u r c h . Fraternally, // Fr. Tom T r e p a n i e r , Pastor ST. JOHN DE NEPOMUC PARISH Fr.TT:ml -2- ADOM016279 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE Priests' Personnel Board i a U u A p r i l 4, 1985 I The Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier 3501 S. Lake Drive P.O. Box 2018 Milwaukee Wis. 53201 414/769-3300 Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center ilwaukee,Wisconsin 53211 Dear Tom, This letter is to inform you that you have been recommended by the Priests' Personnel Board to the Pastorate of St. John de Nepomuc Parish, Milwaukee, and this recommendation has the approval of the Archbishop. In previous discussions with you, we have stated the sensitivity necessary in delaying the final decision by requesting consultation with the priests of District 13 and the staffs of Holy Angels and St. Agnes Parishes. I have been informed by Don Thimm that the staffs of Holy Angels and St. Agnes will not be able to meet until April 24th; the next district meeting is April 15. While you have expressed a sensitivity to receiving input from these groups and a willingness to meet with them, I feel that developments at St. John's Parish require speedier action. Should you decide to accept the recommendation of the Board, I ask you to set an effective date after consultation with Father Mark Stangel, the current Administrator of the parish. Once that date has been set, please inform this office so that proper publications and letters can be prepared. If you accept the position, I would encourage you to remain sensitive to the input still coming from the staffs of the neighboring parishes and the priests of the Central City. I am also aware that the Office of Education has been in touch with you, and I am sure that you will continue to work closely with them as the situation at St. John's School continues to unfold. Copies of this letter will be sent to Father Vince Kobida and Father Don Thimm. It is the hope of the Board that you will accept this position, and the Board is confident of the priestly leadership that you bring, not only to the parish, but also to District 13. ADOM016281 The Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier April 4, 1985 Page Two With sincere best wishes for a grace-filled Easter season, I am Sincerely, Reverend Eugene C. Neuman Executive Secretary Priests' Personnel Board ADOM016282 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 345 N O R T H N I N E T Y :; h F I F T H S T R E E T o P O. B O X 201B o M I L W A U K E E . W I S C O N S I N 5 3 2 0 1 o P H O N E 4 1 4 / 4 7 6 - 2 1 0 1 o -- " ~ r. ' "1>> offijf Jfjf*' ' ir THE CHANCERY >d ft. >>..<< jPH 145. Vicar - Tom Trepanier February 17,1999 Vicar meets with Tom Trepanier to present list of restrictions, which will be monitored by Tom McGuine. Tom seems in reasonably stable health thanks to weekly conferences with Dr. U Band some medication. He is encouraged lo meet with the Archbishop to discuss current reservations about an evaluation /assessment process. JFH 497. Trepanier, Tom December 24, 1998 Tom Trepanier is phoned. He states he has 2 more appointments scheduled with l)T, H M H H w h o reported the diocese's request for an evahiauon report. Trepanier gives permission to release whateverinfonnation is necessary to the diocese. Hornacek reiterates thai there be no contact with i h | family, and the possibility Uiat Trepanier would be asked to leave St. Sylvester's before June of '99. This came as a great surprise to Tom. He is told that this would probably happen if other allegations surfaced. Tom also stated he had contacted Fr. Stephen Braddock about possible AIDS ministry in the future. JFH 53. Trepanier, Tom January 15. 1999 Tom meets with vicar. Both received letter report from Dr. I I Vicar explains this is inadequate for our needs and we will ask Bflflwhether an "iiisntuuonaT5Sreis'' can be arranged. Vicar will phone B B B b n 1/1S after his return from vacation. (Trepanier also sees him again that day.) Tom explained that B Hchose to deal initially with the trauma and depression Tom was experiencing before moving into Tom's recollection of events, etc. Vicar states he will contact Tom McGuine to act as Tom's monitor. JFH 63. Trepanier, Tom January 18, 1999 Tom reports he met today with D r . J Band was placed on Prozac. He requests sick leave because he lacks the psychic energy to continue. He may need to discern his vocation at this time. He prefers to remain pastor while on sick leave and while a TA is assigned. He's willing to meet with Tom McGuine during sick leave. He sounds extremely anxious and prefers to leave parish as soon as possible. Vicar reminds him of possible need for further evaluation. 68. Trepanier, Tom January 19, 1999 Tom Trepanier phones to say he's feeling better -> the Prozac is working; he had a good night's rest. He explained that when he asked for a sick leave with a TA yesterday, he really meant some days off for a vacation/retreat. He is told we need an evaluation done either at Southdown or St. Luke's. He's not sure he wants to commit himself to this because it means psychosexual history, etc. He will talk to Dr. BJB#bout this on 1/25, Dr.BBBis phoned and thanked for his helpful medication of Tom and is asked to help Iiim see the value of cooperating with the need for an evaluation. Bishops Weakland and Sklba are given an update of all this. JFH 243. Trepanier, Tom March 26,1999 Tom is phoned to inquire about his health and ministry. He has been taken off one of the medications, continues to see Dr. | HJ> and is pleased with the monitoring process with Tom McGuine. Trepanier is working on a letter with Dr. ^ j | for the Archbishop to clearly outline future options, JFH ADOM016305 459. Trepanier, Tom June 11,1999 Tom was seen briefly at St. Sylvester's. He stated that his assessment with Dr. | B s scheduled for later this month, and that we would be getting a report after that. Tom is asked if he needs anything at this time; he says "no" and he's grateful that Sr. Kathleen has already contacted him about insurance form. JFH 497. Trepanier, Tom ^^^^ June 30,1999 Tom is phoned and told the Archbishop received Dr. I ^ report. Tom is asked to send him a letter formally requesting a sick leave per their previous discussion. Archbishop will then grant the request with faculties to help out on weekends. The restrictions remain and he will meet bimonthly with Tom McGuine. JFH u 414. Thomas T r e p a n i e r On J u l y 9 , 1999 I met w i t h F r . Thomas T r e p a n i e r f o r t h e f i r s t time since December. He seemed more s e r e n e a n d r e l a x e d t h a n I h a v e e x p e r i e n c e d him f o r a l o n g time. He r e p o r t e d t h a t h e h a d t a k e n u p r e s i d e n c e i n a condominium in t h e C u d a h y T o w e r s . Conversation w i t h t h e A r c h b i s h o p t h e following d a y i n d i c a t e d t h a t F r . T r e p a n i e r would b e g r a n t e d a s i x month l e a v e w i t h f a c u l t i e s a n d o n g o i n g r e s t r i c t i o n s as a g r e e d upon. RJS 590. Trepanier, Tom August 13,1999 Tom is phoned for an update. He mortgaged his house to be able to purchase the condo he now occupies in Bay View. He celebrates Mass twice a week at Camilhis Center and works withjp | with AIDS ministry. He attends Mass regularly at St Josephat's. He returned to St Sylvester's for a day of their festival last weekend. He continues to see Dr. o | he'll study Spanish at MATC. ^ ^ JFH 682. Tom Trepanier September 14,1999 Tom is called to reassure him that he is free to accept help-out opportunities in the Archdiocese, apart from St. Sylvester's. No disclosure of his past would be required except at time of new assignment. JFH 804. Tom Trepanier November 3, 1999 Tom meets with Vicar for lunch. He continues to appreciate his ministry at St. Camillus Health Center where he works with AIDS patients and our diocesan priests. He may be leaving this Center because Fr. Steve Braddock, Tom's monitor, has been relieved of his duties Tom is taking Spanish at MATC and continues to see Dr ' JFH 383. Tom Trepanier April 18, 2000 Tom is called to affirm that wc are looking for a special chaplaincy position for him. Bill Kohler has already contacted Tom about this possibility. The Placement Board meets today and could have a recommendation For him. Tom also is willing to serve this summer in Gene Pocemich's place while he is on sabbatical. JFH 444. Tom Trepanier May 11,2000 Vicar receives from Tom Trepanier copy of his resume as promised. JFH ADOM016306 450. Tom Trepanier May 15, 2000 Paul Schwan talks to Vicar about remaining chaplaincy needs while Gene Pocemich is on sabbatical, such as on-call service at night. Paul is sent Tom Trepanier's resume and is asked to work out coverage for remaining needs directly with Tom. JFH 480. Tom Trepanier May 22,2000 Tom is phoned in response to his letter of 5/21/00 received today. Vicar supports Tom's acceptance of help-out position on on-call basis for nights and weekends at St. Mary-Columbia Hospitals beginning June 1st. JFH 498. Tom Trepanier May 30, 2000 Vicar receives copy of contract from Rev. Paul Schwan, Manager of Chaplain Services at Columbia/St. Mary's Hospitals, for the part-time chaplaincy services of Tom Trepanier from June 5 - Aug 27, 2000. Vicar signs contact and faxes it back to Schwan on 5/31. JFH 571. Tom Trepanier June 21, 2000 Tom is called to check how his help-out, on-call chaplaincy work is going at St. Mary's-Columbia Hospitals. He requests^^opyofthat contract. Tom is informed of the latest correspondence received fromB I he turns down option to see this. Dr. | | will send a final report of Tom's therapy with him and Vicar will then outline Tom's status and restrictions for the record. JFH 652. Tom Trepanier July 17, 2000 Tom states he would be interested in the chaplaincy position at St. Joseph Hospital, but they do not pay the full priest's salary and other benefits to which he is entitled. JFH Tom Trepanier July 24, 2000 Tom is called by Vicar and given more helpful info concerning the difficulty I Now Personnel Dept has had in carving out a job for Tom to work along withB that a chaplaincy opening at St. Joe's Hospital has occurred, Tom is encouraged to meet with staff there on 7/27 to pursue that position. Vicar will confer with Bishop Sklba over who needs to be told what about tom's background. JFH 665. "478. 727. 750. Thomas T r e p a n i e r On A u g u s t 3 , 2000 I h a d d i n n e r with F r . T r e p a n i e r a n d d i s c u s s e d his h o p e s r e g a r d i n g t h e t y p e of notification g i v e n t o S t . J o s e p h Hospital r e l a t e d t o a n a s s i g n m e n t a s C h a p l a i n . RJS Tom Trepanier August 12, 2000 Tom reports Linda Piotrowski is ready to sign him up for the chaplaincy position at St. Joseph Hospital. Tom agrees with Joe that the hospital president should be informed of his personal history and a monitor whom Tom would choose be named from hospital staff. Joe will contact hospital president, then Tom and Linda week of August 21st. JFH Tom Trepanier A T r f 2i' S ? ? V i C 3 r Gaa&ami W i t h T o m T(TM)P**x (TM)d sported on his conversation w m Pat Kaldor, President of St. Joseph Hospital fa which hSSSSSSSSST p ohow*KS! s SSS**preference that m o**>> a l s o bc shared 22* l( th 2 5 3 5 , W h ^ f , u 28 iande get eback ato m 0 n i t 0 r f 0 r T ? m >> s i 7 e S Vicar. week of August T ? m w i l i (TM)*t with Pat Kaldor JFH ADOM016307 306, Tom Trepanier April 12, 2002 Tom is phoned by Vicar to offer support, check how he's doing in today's church climate, and thank him for return of the consent form. He is also told of the efforts still being made to explore two hospital chaplaincy positions. JFH ^218. Thomas Trepanier On April 17, 2 0 0 2 I received a p h o n e call from Fr. Trepanier seeking any further information r e g a r d i n g t h e w o r k of the C o m m i s s i o n in order to u n d e r s t a n d a c c u r a t e l y t h e m a t e r i a l s reported in t h e local p r e s s . RJS 317. i/239. 391. , v y Tom Trepanier ^^^^^^^ April 19, 2002 Tom informs Vicar that he knows an article aboutB flts going to press this week and in light of that Tom will not apply for a chaplaincy position in the diocese. He will meet with his parents this evening to tell his story and then ask the Archbishop for a year of study leave during which he expects to decide to leave active ministry for a different career. He needs to get out from under this "shame-based" stress of waiting for the publication of his name. JFH Thomas Trepanier On M o n d a y April 2 2 , 2 0 0 2 I h a d a n extended t e l e p h o n e conversation with T h o m a s Trepanier w h o reported h i s growing inclination to a s k for a year's s t u d y leave in order to be freed from c u r r e n t p r e s s u r e s a n d to seek a n e w direction in life. He appreciated t h e e n c o u r a g e m e n t received from Fr. H o r n a c e k to revisit a j o b possibility available earlier in t h e m o n t h . RJS Tom Trepanier May 1. 2002 Tom Trepanier submits letter of resignation from active ministry and on 5/8/02 receives the Archbishop's acknowledgement of same. JFH 269. l Thomas Trepanier On May 1, 2 0 0 2 I received a telephone call from T h o m a s Trepanier who r e p o r t e d t h a t h e w a s s u b m i t t i n g h i s resignation from priestly m i n i s t r y immediately a n d r e q u e s t i n g t h a t I c a l l | |(homeBBBBBi B ) o n a s soon a s possible. After consultertionwitn Dr. B a r b a r a Reinke a n d with h e r approval I a t t e m p t e d to convey t h a t m e s s a g e t h e s a m e day. RJS 283, Thomas Trepanier On May 9, 2 0 0 2 I m a d e c o n t a c t with Fr. Trepanier (private h o m e phone: B a t t h e r e q u e s t of p r i e s t s of t h e Archdiocese i n order to offer s u p p o r t d u r i n g t h i s t i m e of s e r i o u s transition, especially i n light reports of h i s p r o f o u n d d e p r e s s i o n i n view of t h e forthcoming s t a t e m e n t to the p a r i s h a n d inevitable m e d i a coverage. RJS 394. Tom Trepanier May 10, 2002 Tom Trepanier sends to the Vicar's office a letter revoking his consent for release of information and records to the Special Commission or anyone else stating the confidentiality of these records is protected by Federal Law (42CFR Part 2). Tom is called by Vicar on 5/11 with expression of concern for his emotional state and promise of prayers. Tom gratefully acknowledges receipt of this message on 5/12 or 13 by voicemail. JFH ADOM016309 26. 114, Tom Trepanier January 9, 2002 Tom is seen by Vicar. Tom confirms his decision to transfer from AP position at St. Dominic, Brookfield, because a) of the 40 miles per day commute and the long hours needed to respond to many needs of so large a parish, b) the reluctance of having to share his story with new, additional Parish Council personnel each year, c) the hope of using his clinical skills in a ministry more conducive to that focus. We talked about an opening at West Allis Memorial Hospital. He will meet with Dick O'Donnell who is back at St. Camillus. He is also open to another AP position in a parish closer to home. Tom also gave Vicar copy of his letter to Council, Staff and Parishioners announcing his decision to transfer. JFH Tom Trepanier February 11, 2U02 Tom Trepanier meets with Archbishop, Bishop Sklba and Vicar to explain his application for a social worker position with Milwaukee County while being available for parish help-out on weekends, lie is counseled LO withdraw his application and work with Vicar toward a different assignment within the Archdiocese both because the above type of assignment has not worked out well for the Church when such priests refuse to return to a parochial setting, and because it causes morale problems among the clergy when it appears some priest is "writing his own ticket," ADOM016310 OFFICE OF THE PASTOR Rev. Joseph Janicki Vicar of Priest Personnel 345 No. 95th Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dear Joe, On January 19, 19 83 during a meeting with Archbishop Weakland, I explained my plans to attend graduate school to complete a masters degree in educational psychology-counseling. After some discussion and a very pleasant visit, the Archbishop agreed to my request with the understanding that during the course of my studies I would be responsible for covering the cost of my education and personal needs. Since I am a priest in good standing with the Archdiocese and will be available for help out in a parish on week ends, I requested that the diocese pay my health insurance premiums for the period that I will be in school. The Archbishop agreed to this verbally. With regard to my pension, I will try my best to maintain the payment schedule as required by the diocese. I also recognize that this will not create a grave difficulty in the near future, for I am not even eligible for the pension for the next 33 years during which time I believe I can fulfill any unpaid portion. In compliance with diocesan policy, I hereby formally request a leave for further studies to complete a masters degree in counseling at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. During this period of educational leave, I will continue to function sacramentally and help out specifically at St. Hedwig on week ends, or where the need for a priest is specifically requested. If there are any questions Joe, please feel free to call me. Thank you for your help and concern in this matter. Sincerely, Rev. Tom Trepanier Associate Pastor ADOM016337 MAR 3 0 1990 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE The Chancery March 3 0 , 1990 The Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 Dear Father Trepanier: 3501 S. Lake Drive P.O. Box 2018 Milwaukee Wi& 53201 414/769-3300 Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center Following the recommendation of the Priests' Personnel Board and in accord with Canons 539-540 of the 1983 Code, you have been appointed temporary administrator of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Milwaukee. This appointment is effective April 1, 1990. As temporary administrator you come under the provisions of Canon 540 which is quoted here in full: ?1 The parochial administrator is bound by the same obligations and has the same rights of the pastor, unless the diocesan Bishop prescribes otherwise [cf. cc. 519; 528-530; 535]. ?2 The parochial administrator may not do anything which could prejudice the rights of the pastor or could do harm to parochial property. ?3 When he has discharged his office, the parochial administrator is to give an account to the pastor. Note that you have the responsibility for the Pro Populo Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation [c. 534]; you are authorized to sign checks on all parish accounts to cover ordinary expenditures and to meet payroll obligations. Please note that in keeping with Canon 540, ?2, no extraordinary changes are to be made. Urgent matters should be referred to the Archbishop. Thanks, Tom, for assuming this assignment in addition to your other duties. Your willingness to do this is greatly appreciated. Fraternally in Christ, cm*. RCG/mk CC: (Re*.) Ralph C. Gross Chancellor and Vicar General By special delegation Most Rev. Leo J. Brust, Co-Vicar for Clergy Personnel Most Rev. Richard J. Sklba, Co-Vicar for Clergy Personnel ADOM016375 ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 3501 S. Lake Drive< Date: Thu, 29 Aug 1996 11:12:03 -0500 Organization: Exec-PC X-Mailer: Mozilla 3.0 (Win95; I) MIME-Version: 1.0 To: Archbishop Weakland CC: "Fr. Tom Trepanier" - f l Subject: Correspondence Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Thursday August 29,199$ America Online: Rgeow Page: 1 ADOM016444 A Learning Community of Faith Dear Members of St. Sylvester Parish, As you know, this is my 6th year as your pastor and I have had to discern my future in the past few months. For six years we have been blessed by God with many new members, positive ministries some wonderful prayer and a stable parish budget. But there have also been many stresses with the high level of activity, many deaths of friends and parish members and I find myself struggling with some burn out issues, low emotional energy and in need of some self care. So, at the recommendation of my doctor and with the approval of the Archdiocese I have asked that my position as pastor be open listed this Spring. It is my hope that a new pastor can bring some renewed energy, new life and innovative new ministries to St. Sylvester Parish. I take this opportunity to thank you for your generous contributions of time, talent and financial support. Without them I could not have done my job as Pastor. In the interim I ask for your prayers and continued support as we face the future with hope. With love and God's blessings, Fr. Tom Trepanier Pastor 675 College Avenue o South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 o 762-6800 ADOM016445 RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS OF MINISTRY Fr. Thomas Trepanier 1. Continue in individual therapy with a therapist approved by the Vicar for Clergy. 2. Refrain from all unaccompanied and unsupervised contact with minors (those under 18 years). This includes: No pastoral or psychotherapeutic counseling to minors, whether in a parish or extra-parochial setting. Extra-parochial is defined as all activities, including youth activities, retreat work, individual or group counseling, sporting events, musicals, etc. even if your attendance is requested by a parishioner of St. Sylvester or elsewhere. Extra-parochial also includes any formal counseling practice which exists outside of parish work. Any exceptions, which are absolutely unavoidable, are to be cleared in advance by the Vicar for Clergy. An explanation of why this event is unavoidable should be provided at the time of the permission request. No overnight guests in your place of residence. No e-mail or on-line relationships with minors. 3. Nocontact withB | , and| | and his immediate family, his motherB I grown siblings and their families. 4. You will cooperate with the monitor appointed by the Vicar for Clergy regarding oversight of compliance with these restrictions and conditions for ministry. 5. In the case of a questionable situation where it is not clear if you are restricted from participation, clarification should be sought from the Vicar for Clergy. 6. The Vicar for Clergy will notify you of any changes, which may occur in these restrictions and conditions. ADOM016449 I have read and have been explained the conditions of ministry established by the Vicar for Clergy. (Page One) I have also received copy. I agree to abide by these instructions. I also have read and received a copy of the Monitoring Program for Priests dated April 1996. Signature 'J?j(/-*fr5s*> Monitor - Deacon Tom McGuine Date Date ADOM016450 St. Sylvester Parish A Learning Community of Faith March 29, 1999 Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee 3501 S. Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 Dear Rembert, (I trust that this letter will be confidential and inter nos.) Thank you for your response to my letter of 2-12-99 which I received today. I am also appreciative for the opportunity to complete my term of office as Pastor of St. Sylvester Parish. The added time has been very beneficial to our faith community as we all face the profound losses involved in my nonrenewal and the change of pastors. Your letter seems clear enough regarding my not getting another assignment. I was not surprised by the letter, but thought I would at least have some type of meeting with you regarding this situation. To date, I have been accused, interrogated, judged and given some punitive sentence but not even had the opportunity to discuss this situation with you my bishop. Then too, the detailed report disseminated by Mrs. Liz Piasecki Psy.D, 3-5 days after I was accused, has a number of substantive errors as well as a seeming sense of coercion in which the information garnered may fulfill an agenda, but it has also falsely accused me of things I did not do and at a time when I was not even at the parish in question. I did share these facts with Bishop Sklba, Fathers Joe Hornacek and Bill Kohler in case they did not communicate this with you. ADOM016454 Based on your letter, I will have to make some preparations for the months ahead. Thus in the face of a home mortgage, my cancer and heart arrhythmia health issues and the fact that our new Diocesan Health insurance does not cover the cost of my therapy with Dr.( 1 1 will have to know my status in terms of salary and benefits in order to prepare for the month of July and thereafter. Again my thanks for the clarification and your genuine concern and compassion for me and my circumstances. If you feel that it is not necessary or beneficial to meet, I will accept a written statement of my present canonical standing when my term as pastor ends in June. Your expedience in this matter will be greatly appreciated since I only have about 60 days to prepare for this transition and change of residence. I will be seeing my heart doctor this coming week and based on his recommendation may apply for some health leave to adjust to the many stresses incurred in the last four months, let alone the last twenty fours years of ministry. I am open to your discretion in this matter and patiently await your response. Sincerely yours; Fr. Tom Trepanier Pastor ADOM016455 June 25, 1999 Archbishop Rembert Weakland Archdiocese of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53235 Dear Archbishop Weakland: I recently saw Fr. Tom Trempanier in evaluation. He was referred to me by his treating psychiatrist, Dr. I I for a second opinion. I concluded an extensive psychiatric evaluation of Fr. Trempamei on 6-21-99 Fr. Trempanier has been seeing Dr.B I since December of 1998 for treatment of anxiety and depression after he was accused of sexual misconduct with a 17 year old boy which apparently occurred approximately 20 years ago. The person involved was seeing a psychotherapist who referred him to the Sexual Abuse Program through the Archdiocese which resulted in a report to the Personnel Director. Fr. Trempanier takes full responsibility for one encounter with the person involved, who was then 17 years old. He admits he was the aggressor at the time. He has been in psychotherapy since he was first in the parish and currently has been seeing Dr. | |in psychotherapy for anxiety and depression. He is currently on Prozac 20 mg. q.d., with good result. I do feel from the results of my evaluation, that Fr. Trempanier is not an ephebophile and certainly not a pedophile. His basic orientation certainly appears to be homosexual. There have been no other situations as far as I am able to determine involving any person under the age of 18. Fr. Trempanier himself was abused as a child. There is a fairly high incidence of sexual abuse as well as physical abuse in his family. He does feel somewhat conflicted about his sexuality vs his spirituality but is actively involved in treatment and appears to be very open, honest and self-aware. He has taken all the necessary steps to get treatment. ADOM016456 Fr. Tom Trempanier Page Two Consequently, I do not believe him to be a current danger in any way. He is not an ephebophile and as far as I can determine in my entire evaluation of him, there are no other cases that are likely to surface. If you have any questions in this regard, please feel free to contact me. ADOM016457 Update NOV 1 6 1999 Subject: Update Date: Thu, 14 Oct 1999 11:03:46 -0500 From: ttrep(V4HVHHl Organization: Exec-PC To: Archbishop Weakland C C : "Fr. T o m Trepanier" #ls my finding that.the delicts are proven with certainty. Thediscussion with the as?e'ss.ors-(C)n the penalty to be imposed was also thorough. Various options were studied. The options considered included the following: o '.lEemoval from anyjpublic ministry or public presentation as a priest but retention of the clerical state and accompanying permission for private celetfraElmjafM'ass o Allow early retirement with limited and monitored ministry o Impose a life of prayer and penance o Dismissal from the clerical state. Concerns about the various options were discussed. One major concern shared by all is the fact that we have no assurance that there will not be ongoing liability for the Church if Father Trepanier is permitted to continue in any kind of ministry or remain in the clerical state. ADOM046681 11 . , Prot.No. 137/03-19050 P. 2 His Excellency, The Most Reverend Angelo Amato, SDB Early retirement would not be an option because the Archdiocese of Milwaukee would then be bound to continue paying his support until he reaches the age allowed by the pension plan. Civil law governs the plan and it does not allow exceptions for early retirement except for serious health conditions. This high expense would be difficult to justify at a time we are cutting back pastoral services and laying people off because of financial constraints. We have no facilities which wou.ld be available for a life of prayer and penance and his previous foray into living as a.religious was not successful. The only defense offered by the canonical advocate dealt with*a.procedural issue that is not applcable in canon law and a challenge to the exact mohtli^iiilfegsjbf the victim. I have pondered this matter longjrnd hard oyer these many months, weighing in the balance, first, my deep respect and-Jose for the^iiesthood which informs my understanding of why an individual would want to cling to his clerical state and, secondly, arising from that same respect and love, an awareness that there is no place in ministry for someone who has^bnsed-a child. "Itis true that no additional victims have come forward but the one^who has is^credible an^esnvincing. He came forward at a time when there was not potential for personal or financial gain. Therefore, I have arrived at the conclusion that Father Thomas Trepanier should be dismissed froni~the clerical state. I am requesting that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issue a-iiecr.ee to that effect; Because this matter has been protracted over sucfrfji long time, I am hoping that its conclusion will be forthcoming soon. WimXgratitude for your consideration, sentiments of esteem, and prayerful best wishes, I arfty: Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan Archbishop of Milwaukee ADOM046682 CC)N G R E G ATlO PRO DOCTRINA FIDEI 00120 Cm del Valwano, ^ del s uffi(TM) PaJ 8 April 2009 PROT.N. 4.06/2004 r 29281 (In respotisione fiat m&tiio hum numeri) - *' CONFIDENTIAL Your Excellency, The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has received your correspondence of 15 January 2008 and 16 March 2009, in regard to the case of Reverend Thomas A. TREPANIER, a priest of your Archdiocese accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. Your Excellency has asked the Congregation to reconsider the decision communicated to you in our letter of 2 August 2006 (Prol.N. 406/2004 - 23872). After a careful reconsideration of the facts in this case, the judgment of the Congregation remains in decisis. As communicated in our earlier correspondence, while the gravity of the elbric's behavior is manifest, this case does not involve a delictum gravius, because the victim was over the age of 16 at the'time the immoral acts occurred. This does not lessen the culpability of Rev. Trepanier, nor your Excellency's need to seek an appropriate solution. Therefore, the Congregation suggests that Your Excellency apply the provisions of the Essential'Norms, n. 9, and can. 223 ?2 CIC. prohibiting any public ministry, for an indeterminate time, rather than for a specific number of years. The law does not permit the imposition of a perpetual penalty in this case. The solution suggested protects minors, the good of the Church and the credibility of the Archdiocese in dealing with these scandalous cases of sexual abuse. At the same time, it reflects the fact that the Church must be seen as administering the law with justice and equity. ' Grateful for your vigilance in these difficult matters, with prayerful support and fraternal best wishes, I remain Yours sincerely in Christ, O^ * Luis F. LAD ARIA, S.J. Titular Archbishop of Thibica Secretary His Excellency Most Rev. Timothy M. DOLAN Archdiocese of Milwaukee 3501 South Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADOM046686 ADOM046689 AKCHDlOCESFflBCF" MILWAUKEE BFPARTMF-NT FOR CLERGY November 21,2008 Dear Tom, Thank you for your letter of November 9,2008. I received it on November 17,2008 and have read and reread it. I appreciate the pain and the personal desire it expresses. I do not have answers to some of the issues that you wish addressed. I have no idea why the CDF has not responded definitively. The archbishop periodically contacts the CDF and asks for responses to all of the cases before it from our archdiocese. The last contact I am aware of was January 15, 2008. I agree with you, Tom, that justice delayed is justice denied. It is my observation over these past few years that no one here has the push or pull to get a quick responsefromthe CDF. I do know that the archbishop continues the conversation with the CDF regarding your case. With regard to the facts of your case, I have obtained and am attaching two documents. The first document is what the CDF calls a "table." It is used in submitting a case before the CDF. It summarizes the facts of the case and the CV of the priest and concludes with the bishop's requests from the CDF given the aforementioned data. You may notice that Pat Lagges is noted as your advocate. I understand that the table was submitted prior to your contracting with Mr. Ritty. The second document is the archbishop's decree at the conclusion of the administrative penal process that the CDF authorized in your case. It states the findings of the administrative penal process using the facts of the case and declares the wish of the archbishop in point three, given the facts stated in the first two points. I am confused with your mention of a "votum" created by certain canon lawyers. I don't know what you are referencing. I may be able to be of help to you if you would provide the source of the information you have or the name(s) of the author(s) of the alleged document. I hope that this information is helpful to you, Tom. It is my belief that your canonical advocate, Mr. Ritty, has had access to the acts of the case, so I'm not certain that I am adding any new information, Tom. As always I send you my best wishes and assure you of my continuing prayers. I continue to look back fondly and appreciatively on the time we spent together at St. Dominic's and in friendship. In the Lord Jesus, Very Reverend Curt J. Frederick Vicar for Clergy Cc: Mr. J. Michael Ritty 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 070912, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 PHOME: (411)769-3184 o E-MAIL clergy@archmil.org o WED SITF: wwiv.archmil.org CONFIDENTIAL ADOM046689 Ill . NOV 1 7 2008 Very Rev. Curt Frederick Vicar for Clergy 3501 S. Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207 November 9, 2008 Dedication of St. John Lateran Dear Curt, Peace and blessings on your ministry to our brother priests. After six and one half years of waiting for the CDF to make a decision in my Canonical case and at the request of my spiritual director, I write to ask you for a written description of my current position as a validly ordained priest within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In October of 2002,1 met with Archbishop Dolan. During the 30 minute lunch at his residence he told me, "Tom, I read your case and your victim sounds like a requited gay lover!" It is difficult to comprehend the circumstances that have occurred since that lunch and the way in which his decisions have affected me spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially and how those decisions have also jeopardized the health and welfare of my elderly parents and my invalid brother as well as given the faith communities I served the impression that in fact, I am a serial pedophile, the reality of which you and everyone connected with my case knows is not true. As you are aware, when the allegation from some 18 prior years was brought against me in December 1998, Archbishop Weakland conducted an investigation which included Bishop Sklba, Very Rev. W. Kohler, D r . | Jand a myriad of psychiatrists and psychologists who conducted various interviews and in-depth interrogations. At the conclusion of the 2 year investigation, I received a letter from the then Vicar for Clergy, Very Rev. Joseph Hornacek informing me that I had completed the necessary requirements of the investigation and found to be a priest in good standing in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In fact, Rev. Hornacek commended me for the cooperation and honesty with which I approached the investigation. I was then assigned to you as the associate pastor of St. Dominic Parish, Brookfield, with the necessary precautions and sufficient staff and parish members being informed of the allegation against me. I served in that position from November 2000, until May 2,2002 at which time I resigned in the face of my name being released to the public media by the Archdiocese and the distinct impression from that release, that I too was serial pedophile. This impression was further corroborated by Jerry Topziewski, the Archdiocesan Spokesperson, when he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that in fact I was requesting laicization, which was simply not true. ADOM046690 LI Since that time, there are few words that can describe what these past years have been for me and my family and the serious damage this has done to my family and faith community relationships. To add to the pain of being destroyed, isolated and abandoned by the Church of Milwaukee, I was also dropped from any diocesan mailing lists driving me even further away from the Church that I faithfully served for some 27 years of ministry. It has also been brought to my attention by a credible source that certain canon lawyers created a Votum which was sent to Rome that in no way reflected the true facts of my case and even worse, exaggerated some of the fallacious details presented by the former psychologist Liz Piasecki. This I was told was done to give more credence and moral support to the case against me, which included dates and times of alleged abuse on my part, when I wasn't even assigned to the alleged parish. These abuses of my canonical rights and the double jeopardy I have been subjected to is beyond moral comprehension. Thus, following these six and one half years of isolation, without any type of support from the faith community, let alone the ability to celebrate the Eucharist, it has become necessary to seek Canonical justice in the case brought against my by Archbishop Dolan. I believe that I have been abandoned and ignored with the sincere intent, if not the hope on the part of some, that I will simply give up my moral obligation to the priesthood and disappear into history or die, whichever comes first. Let this letter stand as testimony to the fact that I will exert every possible effort to receive the justice I have a right to under Canon Law, including petitioning His Holiness Pope Benedict with the true facts of my case. To quote a Canon Lawyer, "Canonical justice is not a privilege decided by the few, but the right to justice for every baptized Catholic. Therefore, justice delayed is justice denied." I await your response and respectfully request that within the next two weeks, you specifically state the facts of my case in writing, to include names and dates as to why my case has not been resolved or some explanation as to my status within Canon Law and the lack of a response from the CDF. As always, my farnily and I patiently await the justice, compassion and mercy promised by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Tom Trepanier, M. Div., M.S. '75 Cc: file ADOM046691 II Rpfrarpnn JIF1 iPh P e r i o d i c Review of Rev. Thomas Trepanier MAR 2 6 1981 This interview was conducted by Rev* Thomas Suriano Brij[fee^^irW9 1 ^a t the r e c t o r y of S t . Robert P a r i a h , Milwaukee. This interview r e p o r t w i l l he divided i n t o these general s e c t i o n s , allowing t h a t q u i t e f r e q u e n t l y t h e r e i s overlap between these areas of l i f e : M i n i s t e r i a l L i f e , Rectory Life and F r a t e r n a l L i f e , and Personal Life* Some general remarks w i l l conclude the r e p o r t . Within eaoh s e c t i o n of the r e p o r t , the remarks w i l l be l o o s e l y - k n i t ana w i l l not follow any h i e r a r c h y of importance. I. M i n i s t e r i a l Life M i n i s t e r i a l Life M i n i s t e r i a l Life Tom enjoys being a p r i e s t . He has made a generous commitment to p r i e s t h o o d . He r e l a t e s to h i s p a r i s h i o n e r s and others not j u s t o"professionally" and not j u s t " c o g n i t i v e l y " , but "emotionally" as w e l l , i n the very p o s i t i v e s e n s e . Tom says t h a t he r e j o i c e s when they r e j o i c e , and t h a t he f e e l s t h e i r p a i n s and t h e i r sorrow. Tom a l s o says sometimes he does t h i s to the extent t h a t he i s sometimes q u i t e emotionally s p e n t . A few pariBhioners commented t h a t Ton^s emotional investment i n h i s work l e a d s him t o some frayed responses t o them a t t i m e s . In general Tom i s p l e a s e d with most a r e a s of h i s d a i l y m i n i s t r y . Feedback from the p a r i s h i o n e r s confirmed the impression: Tom i s doing well* Preaching seems to be a s p e c i a l g i f t of Tom. He takes i t very s e r i o u s l y , and the p a r i s h i o n e r s expressed warm appreciation for this* The feedback s h e e t s contained numerous g r a t e f u l comments from i n d i v i d u a l s who have been touched by Tom'a s e n s i t i v e m i n i s t e r i n g t o them i n time of s p e c i a l need* Tom says with a smile t h a t he had an overly "romanticized" notion of p r i e s t h o o d a t the time of o r d i n a t i o n . Subsequent years have given him h e a l t h y doses of what he c a l l s " r e a l i t y therapy". People in general f e e l t h a t Tom works very hard, and Tom a g r e e s . Some think t h a t Tom works "too hard"; Tom does not a g r e e . Though he does admit to being something of a " p e r f e c t i o n i s t about work, he f e e l s t h a t he does get more "R & R" than 1 B v i s i b l e to o t h e r s . Tom says t h a t he has not yet found a s o l u t i o n to the challenge of g e t t i n g unhassled "quiet time" around the r e c t o r y , tanless i n desper a t i o n he simply r e f u s e s to answer c a l l s sent up to h i s room by the "overzealous" secretary* Again r e g a r d i n g t h i s work-hard-unto-overwork p a t t e r n , Tom and h i s e v a l u a t o r s both commented on the high expectations which St* R o b e r t ' s p a r i s h i o n e r s have of t h e i r p r i e s t s . Even beyond t h i s , Tom and I discussed how some of t h i s may be " p r o j e c t i o n " ; i . e . a t times he may be reading h i s own very high expectations into some of t h e i r remarks and r e a c t i o n s * ADOM046697 -2Tom sees himself as liking young people. Personnel in the school and in the religious education program see him as generally helpful and contributing. Some disagreement does exist between the priests of the parish on one hand and some of the religion teachers on the other hand. At times the pastor ends up as bridge-builder between Tom and some of these individuals. I did not get the impression that the situation is grave or severe. Tom is very sincere about his liturgical responsibilities. A few parishioners expressed some discomfort with some mannerisms of Tom's liturgical style, but they were not specific* Tom did not list a lot of ministerial activities outside the parish. The work at St. Robert's seems very consuming. G-enerally Tom is a very collaborating "team member", but feedback from priests and parishioners agreed that this is not always the case. Tom says that some of this bumpiness has a history, relates to tensions existing with the man who was pastor prior to Richard Gerplch. This prior pastor still lives in the rectory. There do exist some differences of viewpoint between Tom and the present pastor over some questions of pastoral vision and parochial style. Tom feels that the pastor leaves himself too available to parishioners' constant demands. Both priests are aware of these differences, both agree that they are not a major barrier between them, preventing amicable domestic life or efficient parochial ministry. Tom and the pastor do seem to like one another and respect one another. They do spend recreation time together* II. Rectory Life and Fraternal Life Rectory Life and Fraternal Life Tom's first priestly assignment was as associate pastor in Parish, Butler. It was a very difficult situation for Tom an incompatibility with the pastor. Tom feels that he was threatening to the pastor, whom Tom perceives as unable to fortable with talented individuals; Tom sees himself - and so, I believe - as a talented individual. St. Agnes due to quite be comrightly After this assignment, Tom spent some time finishing his academic degree (cf* information sheets); during this period he was a weekend helper at St. Alphonsus Parish, Greendale. Next Tom was assigned to his present assignment, St. Robert Parish, Shorewood* The first two years at St. Robert were very difficult, so difficult that he packed Inside himself lots of angers and frustrations; some of this is still in need of healing, he feels. Resultant from this, Tom did spend a very beneficial year in weekly counseling sessions. Most of the pain of these two years had its origin in the rectory situation at St. Robert Parish. One of the archdiocese's "problem priests" was residing there; he is now deceased. Another priest suffers from a very debilitating disease; he has since moved to a place which can provide more complete nursing care. The other individual with whom conflict was quite regular was the pastor then; he is still the "pastor emeritus", and he resides in the rectory yet. Both Tom and the present pastor, Richard Cerpich, have serious misgivings about this "emeritus" situation. ADOM046698 > 11 . , 1 -3It seemed to me during the interview that at present the rapport between Tom and the pastor emeritus is negative rapport or "nonrapport". Tom describes the communication as minimal, the negative feelings in Tom as quite constant* One final comment: both the present pastor and Tom feel that the parish secretary will have to be released* She has been there with four prior pastors. This covers many years, and at this point she is seen as somewhat out of step, often uncooperative and aggravating* III. Personal Life Personal Life Personal Life I had a general and positive feeling of candor about this interview; it felt good. Tom seemed willing to be honest both when it was complimentary and when it was not. (Also, Tom went out of his way to give feedback sheets to some individuals that he considers rather severe critics of himself.) Tom has had varied educational experiences over the years. He attended a minor seminary of the Franciscan fathers, went to Marquette University, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and St. Francis Seminary School of Pastoral Ministry. Interspersed among these study years were years spent "earning a living" and several years spent with the U.S. Army, including some time spent in Viet Nam. By a quirk of circumstances, Tom began his graduate studies before he completed his undergraduate degree at Marquette* He actually received his B.A. degree within the past year, and now he has also been awarded his M.A. from the Hales Corners seminary* Tom would like to begin the somewhat arduous task of working toward an M.A. degree in rehabilitation psychology from UWM, doing so in a program which extends across five academic years plus summer schools. At this point these plans are not finalized* Tom is not an avid reader, and he does not mention an "exhaustive" list of books read in contemporary Scripture, Theology, Church Life, etc* He finds his reading time quite limited and usually quite interrupted. The need for relaxation inclines him to spend his reading time mainly on literature* Tom seems to take care of himself physically. He says it takes some effort to "watch his weight", since "the cooking Is simply too good at St. Robert's". He sleeps a reasonable amount, avoids hurried or rushed meals, drinks very moderately, belongs to a tennis club, plays racquetball weekly, swims three times per week, takes his day off "religiously". Tom has a spiritual director, a Franciscan father whose judgment Tom trusts and whose respect he enjoys. Tom finds it a constant challenge to be faithful to his "prayer life": the time squeeze takes its toll here, also Tom says he is less gifted than some in this regard, less inclined than some to work at it until he does find the regular "quiet time". ADOM046699 I. II . -4We discussed Tom's need for some continued "healing" of pain frora some painful experiences e a r l i e r in h i s priesthood (cf. d e s c r i p t i o n s above). Tom i s aware of t h i s , and I too got the impression t h a t more need for t h i s remains than might meet the eye when Tom smiles warmly* Perhaps r e l a t e d : Tom can be a g g r e s s i v e , even s a r c a s t i c or cynical, i n some of h i s comments. He i s aware of t h i s , concedes t h a t i t may be a form of inner anger or p a i n " s t r u g g l i n g to get out"* Tom does a n t i c i p a t e continued growth and improvement here* He says he i s l e a r n i n g more and more about how to be " h e a l t h i l y a s s e r t i v e " but not "offensively aggressive"* Perhaps r e l a t e d a g a i n : Tom has some negative f e e l i n g s about "the i n s t i t u t i o n a l Church"; on the l o c a l scene he means mainly the chancery and the Personnel Board. Also Tom has had a d i f f i c u l t time shaking the f e e l i n g of having to "prove" himself, a f e e l i n g he has had since he l e f t the Franciscans and joined the archdiocesan presbyterate* Sometimes Tom finds emotional maintenance d i f f i c u l t a s a p r i e s t . Celibacy i s obviously a part: of t h i s f r u s t r a t i o n , he f e e l s , but other f a c t s of s a c e r d o t a l l i f e take t h e i r t o l l as w e l l : Tom i s very busy and so are h i s close p r i e s t f r i e n d s : i t i s d i f f i c u l t to find opportunity for r i c h shared time with them. Tom does l i s t f i v e other p r i e s t s as good f r i e n d s a t t h i s time, a l s o he has close r e l a t i o n s h i p s with a number of l a y persons* In t h i s context I w i l l include a few comments about Tom's family. Tom i s 35 years of age, has one older b r o t h e r , one younger b r o t h e r , and a younger s i s t e r . Tom's Dad i s dead, Mother i s remarried; Tom r e f e r s t o h i s s t e p f a t h e r warmly as h i s Dad* Tom f e e l s q u i t e close t o h i s b r o t h e r s and s i s t e r , though contact i s l e s s constant and l e s s n u r t u r i n g than i n some f a m i l i e s ; two of the three l i v e away from Milwaukee* Tom's Mother and s t e p f a t h e r are i n t h e i r 50*s, t h e r e i s no p r e s s i n g dependence upon Tom* Tom expresses a w i l l i n g n e s s to provide help to them as they grow old: emotional a i d , f i n a n c i a l a i d , e t c * * # * * * Near the end of the interview, we discussed several possible "growth areas" which might warrant future consideration by Tom: 1* Tom does work very hard. As mentioned, some saw it as bordering on overwork. Good balance here can make priesthood even more fun. 2* As regards continuing tensions in the rectory: they revolve around the pastor emeritus and around the parish secretary. Tom and the pastor seem to have a meeting of minds on this matter, and they are planning some remedies* ADOM046700 -53* The witty but sometimes sarcastic tongue may require some more attention* This mannerism has caused some pain. At the same time Tom did receive much grateful feedback about being a warm and aoceptlng Individual; this did seem to me to be the main impression that he leaves with people. (The "teaoher" in me had me suggesting a book to Tom at this point: we discussed the possible merit of reading "The Seasons of a Man's Life" by Daniel J. Levinson.) 4* Tom seems determined to continue working out the matter of "emotional maintenance" discussed above* P.S. To conclude with a personal comment: I enjoyed this interview, and as I left the rectory I found myself thinking that if Tom and I were stationed together someday, I would enjoy it a lot. ADOM046701 MCHDIOCESElpOF MlLWVUKEE JUL I 4 1999 OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP July 13,1999 Reverend Thomas Trepanier Dear Tom, With this letter I formally approve of your request for a six-month health leave with faculties. I did receive the report from Doctor( | a n d make this decision in the light of that information. After six months we can again review the situation. The restrictions outlined previously by the Vicar for Clergy will remain in place, unless he determines otherwise. I hope this will be a good period for you, Tom. Many blessings as you sort through God's Will in your own life. Peace. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Archbishop of Milwaukee CC: V. Rev. Joseph Hornacek Vicar for Clergy 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee. WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3497 ADOM046852 ,!l ARCHDIOCESE" j?OF MILWAUKEE flB\z DEPARTMENT FOR CLERGY February 12, 2001 Dear Tom, On February 1, 2001, when we met at your request in my office to discern your current options for future assignments, you asked me to describe in a letter your present status for ministry. You believed it would be helpful to formally enter this into your file particularly for the benefit of future Bishops and Vicars who will work with you in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In reviewing your file I find sufficient data logged to record the history of events which transpired between December 3, 1998, when the alleged victim of your sexual misconduct reported the incident which occurred approximately 20 years prior to 1998, to Elizabeth Piasecki, Director of the Archdiocesan Response to Sexual Abuse Office, and the June 22, 2000 letter of Dr.B (testifying to your diligent work in therapy, extraordinary progress in selhinaerstanSngand solid mastery of issues which were of concern. D r . J (further reported that he would continue to meet periodically with you, perhaps every four to six months. It is noted that among the several documents included in your file is a confidential reportfrom Dr. | | to Archbishop Weakland dated June 25, 1999. Herein Dr. | (reported conducting an extensive psychiatric evaluation of you on June 21, 1999. Dr. J | further reports from the results of his evaluation that you are not an ephebophile, certainly not a pedophile, that you have been in therapy since December, 1998, and that you are not a current danger in any way. You had also been diligently following the restrictions and conditions of ministry imposed on you by the Vicar for Clergy since February 17,1999, and continue to observe these faithfully. Following Dr. | (report dated June 22, 2000, efforts were made to secure a chaplaincy position for you in a non-parochial setting because you desired to return to fulltime ministry. A chaplaincy position was unavailable at this time. With full confidence in the evaluative reports of Dr. | ( a n d D r . ( | , the Archbishop appointed you to serve as Associate Pastor of St. Dominic Parish, Brookfield, effective November 28, 2000, for a six-year term. This appointment was only made after the pastor, Father Curt Frederick, the Chairperson of the Parish Council, and the Parish Trustees were informed of your history and of the restrictions and conditions for ministry which continue in place. These persons serve as on-site monitors, accountable to Deacon David Zimprich who oversees the Monitoring Program for the Vicar for Clergy. 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3484 ADOM046897 ,!. 2- February 12, 2001 Tom, you remain a priest in good standing in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee who has never lost use of his priestly faculties throughout the sometimes painful but necessary protocol with which you have cooperated during the past two years. Our first preference for any future assignment for you will be a non-parochial setting if that is feasible. However, given your continued program of some therapeutic relationship with Dr. | and your cooperation with the restrictions of our Monitoring Program I remain confident that you can continue to minister faithfully and effectively in a parochial setting also. Let me offer my personal thanks and appreciation to you, Tom, for your full cooperation in these matters. I commend you for the manner in which you have exercised responsibility for your spiritual and emotional wellbeing, for the integrity of your priestly vocation, and the good of the Church you continue to serve. Sincerely yours in the Lord, V. Rev. Joseph F. Hornacek Vicar for Clergy JFH/ksCc: Most Rev. Rembert G. Weakland, Archbishop Most Rev. Richard J. Sklba, Auxiliary Bishop Rev. William E. Kohler, Priest Placement Board ADOM046898 SAINT DOMINIC CONGREGATION -- ~ -- ossffNfc o' Jo irieA eac/i Ts/i**&l, CifCrhoi& TSAMAIJ cyihe ficn lAe <>aJtEUR o? all. January 15, 2002 Dear Parish Council and Pastoral Staff, (Parish Members) When my friend and classmate Fr. Curt invited me to serve at St. Dominic's following my sick leave for exhaustion and depression, I jumped at the chance to serve the parish and work with him. We also discussed a time line of my serving the parish "for a time" since Fr. Curt knows that I want to utilize some professional \ skills in other ministries before we both retire. This combined with the current 40 mile daily trip and the demands of a large suburban parish have prompted me to seek reassignment this coming June and I do so knowing that I am leaving a very fine assignment and not so sure of what the future will hold, but also aware that if I am going to move into some future ministry I must do so before I reach that magic age of 60 (in three years!). I am sharing this decision with you because you have been my faith community and friends for the past one and one half years so I wanted to share this with you personally. I look forward to our time in ministry together until the normal transition date in June and ask your prayers for the months ahead. Sincerely yours, Fr. Tom Trepanier Associate Pastor 18255 WEST CAPITOL DRIVE BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN 53045 o PHONE:262-781-3480 FAX:262-781-3283 E-MAIL: parish@stdominic.net WEB PAGE: www.stdominic.net oo o -- ADOM046899 ,1! MCI^IOCKFIIE^MWAUKEE DEPARTMENT FOR CLERGY April 3, 2002 Rev Thomas Trepanier Dear Tom, As you know from Archbishop Rembert Weakland's letter to all priests of March 21, 2002, he has appointed a Special Commission to review all diocesan policies concerning our diocesan response to sexual abuse cases. Bishop Richard Sklba also informed me that either he or the Archbishop has contacted you in recent weeks to inform you that your case is one of six which will also be reviewed by the Special Commission to make certain that all policies and protocols have been and are being followed. Enclosed, you will find two copies of a consent for release of information form which has been formulated by Matthew Flynn, diocesan attorney. Please sign and date both copies and return one to me in the envelope enclosed for your convenience. I ask you to do this as soon as possible to help expedite the work of the Commission. If you have any questions concerning the form or its meaning do not hesitate to contact me or Matt Flynn. You are in my prayers during this time of special challenge for our Church. If I can be of any assistance or support to you please be in touch. Fraternally yours, V. Rev. Joseph F. Hornacek Vicar for Clergy JFH/ks 3501 South Lake Drive, EO. Box 070912, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 PHONE: (414)769-3484 o E-MAIL: clergy@archmil.org o WEB SITE: www.archmil.org ADOM046900 I 0 ARCHaOCiSE^||fc)F MLWAUKEE t.mscERV ALLEGATION 1. Quantity of allegations 2. Nature of allegation(s) {child/adult} 3. Proof of/substance to allegation 4. Any "public" VICTIM 5. Counseling offered 6. Counseling paid 7. Other expenses paid 8. Criminal complaint filed 9. Civil suit filed 10. Settlement reached PARISH/INSTITUTION 11. Parish trustees informed 12. Membership informed 13. Counseling offered to membership PRIEST 14. Psychological evaluation made 15. Evidence gathered and/or testimonies taken 16. Counseling provided 17. Legal fees paid 18. Canonical advisor provided/paid 19. Salary, housing, insurance, etc. paid 20. Any additional problems ( e.g., drugs, alcohol, etc.) 21. Church action: a) Options other than penalties: 1) voluntary resignation from office 2) voluntary leave (without resignation) 3) voluntary request for papal dispensation 4) declaration impeding priest from orders (c. 1044, S2, 2?) 5) restriction of ministry 6) withdrawal of faculties b) Penalty - administrative acts/process: 1) establish penal precept, which should include a determinate penalty in case of violation (cf. cc. 1319, ?1? 1321, ?2; and 1323, 2?) 2) impose/decree penalty -- recognizing that c. 1395, S2 allows for a "just penalty", which iB a broad term, and that c. 1341 provides for the imposition of a penalty by either a judicial or administrative procedure (thus, cc. 1341 and 1718-1731 apply): a) as established by a penal precept (c. 1321, S2) b) administrative leave (c. 1722) c) removal from office (cc. 193-195 and, if a pastor, cc, 1740-1747) d) censure, most probably suspension, (cc. 1331-1335) e) expiatory penalties (non-perpetual), such as establishing a residence requirement, or restricting 3501 South Lake Drive, P.O. Box 07912 Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 o (414)760-3340 ADOM055850 ADOM016159 ^? 1? & 3 3 3 9 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 2 0 0 0 8 - 3 6 8 7 APOSTOLIC NUNCJATUEE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 24.957 No. This No. Should Be Prefixed to the Answer September 1 3 , 2004 Dear Ms. Cusack: In the temporary absence of His Excellency, The Apostolic Nuncio, I acknowledge your kind letter of September 8, 2004, with enclosure. Rest assured that that the correspondence regarding Reverend Thomas A. Trepanier will be duly forwarded in the Diplomatic Pouch to His Eminence, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. With cordial regards and best wishes, I remain, Sincerely yours in Christ, (Rev. Msgr^) LeopoMo Girelli charge d'Affaires a.i. Ms. Barbara Anne Cusack Chancellor Archdiocese of Milwaukee P. 0. Box 070912 Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 ADOM036159 ADOM016313 ARCHDIOCESiiOF MLWAUKEE CHANCERY September 8, 2004 Most Reverend Gabriel Moutalvo Apostolic Nunciature 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008-3687 Your Excellency: Archbishop Dolan has asked that I send you the enclosed con-espondence for transmission by diplomatic pouch. The matter addressed in this correspondence pertains to a case restricted to the Congregation's action. The envelope is unsealed sliould you need to review the contents for your records. Once again, we are grateful to you for your kindness. With every best wish for you and your ministry of service, I am, Sincerely yours in Christ, Barbara Anne Cusack Chancellor Enclosures 3301 South U k e Drive, PO. Box 070912, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 PHOMP C41 WMAWn o F i v (A 1417fiO.W\R . HMm- .-lv..i< CC: "ttrep" Dear Sister Kathleen, A blessed Christmas. I need your help with something. Archbishop Dolan told the people of St. Dominic Parish that the Archdiocese was "continuing to care for Father's material needs". I have not received any financial support from the Archdiocese since November 1, 2002, so I am wondering if your would be able to facilitate this issue of my material support to ensure that the statement is credible for all of us. Thank you for your help in this matter. Fr. Tom Trepanier 12/17/2002 8:34 AM ADOM056225 149833 XRCHOIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE VENDOR 1.0." TREPAN01 . NAME ' o - o1 THOMAS TREPANIER, M DIV 1 1 PAYH1ENTNUM8EB 00X088? t YOUR VOUCHER NUMBER-vl DATE"- >>***o* OUftVOUCHERNUMBER o 5/13/2002 | - AMOUNT " , | CHECK U A I E ^ ^ M S/iS/2002 .(. AMOUNT PAID ***** $20,000 00 SO. 00 $20,000.00 -$207000-00 0OH460 $20,000 0 0 " ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE 3501 SOUTH LAKE DRIVE PO BOX 070912 MILWAUKEE, WI 53207-0912 DISCOUNT -$fl 00 o $0.00 $0 00 $20,000.00 $2ff;08&"O0 MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 149833 12-5760 DATE 5/15/2002 \y 1 WRITE-OFF AMOUNT $20,000.00 Twenty Thousand D o l l a r s And 00 Cents THOMAS TREPANIER, M. DIV. M.S. THE IDER & ?? MILWAUKEE WI 532 07-1964 Wayne A Schneider ch*<*ZtL^?&/^ ADOM056228 ! ! AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE This Agreement and Mutual Release (hereafter "Agreement") is made by and bcf ween I B'hcreafter I Bi and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and all of its affiliated entities, schools, and parishes, including, without limitation, St. Robert Congregation and its successors in Milwaukee, AVI (hereafter "Archdiocese") Iftas brought to the attention of the Archdiocese that he was sexually abused by Thomas Trepanier (hereafter "Trepanier"), a priest of the Archdiocese, when I was a minor, Hind the Archdiocese entered into mediation to achieve reconciliation and restoration, to help repair the harm tofl I to address issues of concern toB Bihoul prevention of sexual abuse of minors in the future and reformation of Church practices in this regard, and to otherwise resolve and settle all disputes between them. Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement wish to resolve and satisfy all claims of any nature thafl l l 1:1:-; against the Archdiocese, and all of the Archdiocese's employees, agents, officers, directors, affiliates, insurers, and assigns, including, without limitation, all members of the Roman Catholic clergy and all parishes, schools, and religious orders, and any person or entity affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church in the territory of the Archdiocese, arising from the sexual abuse o f | | b y Trepanier without the QBMKE\5497644.I ADOM056712 'I necessity of further proceedings or expense of any nature, and all parties wish to generally release one another from all liability for any claims that may exist to the date of the signing of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any claims for sexual abuse 6ffl I by Trepanier. So, in consideration of the mutual promises made here, and other valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement agree as follows: 1. The Archdiocese agrees to provide I used atB I with $25,000. These funds shall be Bown discretion 2. The Archdiocese agrees to reimburseB I for past therapy bills and medication in the amount of $15,000. 3. The Archdiocese agrees to provide payment not covered by insurance for counseling and non-experimental medication prescribed by a licensed counselor relating to the medical and physical well being of I I and his immediate family members (parents, siblings, spouse and children). This payment and reimbursement is limited to medication and therapy expenses related to injuries suffered as a result of the sexual abuse olB Bhy Trepanier. The Archdiocese shall make payments to the counselor for reasonable costs, billed at the counselor's usual and customary rate. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Archdiocese's therapy payments owed under this provision shall be based upon treatment plans submitted by each individual and his/her counselor. 4.1 B and the Archdiocese will each bear their own costs and any attorney's fees associated with the Agreement, and there will be no payment to I Bother than that specifically enumerated above. QBMKEV5497644.1 9 ADOM056713 II 5. In return for the payment set out above, and for the mutual promises contained herein, B I releases and forever discharges the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and all of the Archdiocese's employees, agents, officers, directors, affiliates, insurers, and assigns, including, without limitation, all members of the Roman Catholic clergy, and all parishes, schools, and religious orders, including, without limitation, St. Robert Congregation and any person or entity affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church in the territory of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee from, and covenants not to sue them for, all claims, causes of action, charges, and demands, whether in tort, contract, or otherwise, of any nature that he may have had at any time up to and including the date of signing of this Agreement, including, without limitation, any claim of any nature arising from the assault, injury, whether physical or mental, or any other activity by Trepanier. 6. The Archdiocese hereby releases and forever discharges(TM) I from all claims, demands, and causes of action of any nature that were in existence up to and including the date of the signing of this Agreement. 7. This Agreement supersedes all prior understandings and agreements between the parties, and constitutes the full agreement of the parties. No change to this Agreement shall be enforced against any party unless it is in writing signed by both parties. 8. The undersigned represent and warrant that each has read the foregoing Agreement; had an opportunity to discuss it with a lawyer; and fully understands its terms; voluntarily, freely, and without coercion signs the Agreement; and that Dr. Barbara Anne Cusack is an authorized representative of the Archdiocese and is duly authorized to execute this Agreement and Mutual Release. QBMKE\5497<544.1 ADOM056714 9. The Archdiocese agrees to make payments enumerated in this agi'eement by deposit in the Pikofsy Law Offices Trust Account according to directions provided by Cliromy. This payment will uike place within 10 business days of receipt by the Archdiocese of this signed..aRiaeirjenl.. #/ye/or Date' / ?> ZO'0? Arcadioeesc of Milwaukee by: Dr. Barbara Anne Cusack Date QBMKEV5497644.1 ADOM056715 _ I \ << , __ C (TM) TIAL DEPARTMENT FOR HUMAN RESOURCES June 6, 2000 Thank you for your letter of 5/23/00. Please allow me the opportunity to respond to your concerns. My husband died very suddenly and at a very young age last September. Since that time, I have been on extensive leave from my position at the Archdiocese. I did monitor my voice mail during that time and can't recall a message from you. I hope and trust that you can understand that my first obligation has had to be care and devotion to my children as we attempted to adjust to what can only be described as a personal tragedy in our lives. Having said that, I am now back at work and am willing to speak or meet with you at your convenience. Regarding Fr. Trepanier: Tom was removed from parish ministry a year ago in June, 1999. He is currently unassigned and understands that he will never return to parish ministry. His attitude has not been evasive or uncooperative. He has cooperated fully with the Vicars for Clergy as they have sought to do what is best for the People of God. There have been no other allegations,B B against him to this day. Tom, to the best of my knowledge, also continues in treatment. We no longer hear from D r . | | and there have been no further requests for assistance with therapy. I would be interested in knowing what happened in your therapy and if the decision to end treatment was yours or if there were any other circumstances which brought it to an end. 350! Sou.h L,kt Drive. P.O. Box 079! 2 Milwaukee. WI 53207-0912 o (414)769-3300 o Fix (414)769-3'I0B A 0 M SUPP 0022 ^ ADOM057642 CONFIDENTIAL Page 2 June 6,2000 I also offer again the possibility of some spiritual assistance in order to bring further closure and to regain your ability to live fully in a spiritual life. Please let me know if I can assist with that. Sincerely, Elizabeth C. Piasecki, PsyD, Director Archdiocesan Response to Sexual Abuse ECP:saz AOMSUPP 002232 ADOM057643 Catholic Mutuai Group P.O. Box 178 Menomonee Falls, WI 53052-0178 CONFIDENTIAL (262) 255-6906 Facsimile (262) 255-7276 |M] FEB 0 5 M) Molly Hatfield Claims/Risk Manager PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL January 29, 2001 Wayne Schneider Director of Finance and Administration Archdiocese of Milwaukee P. O. Box 070912 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207-0912 Re: Coverage issue for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee related to Rev. Thomas A. Trepanier Dear Wayne: Enclosed is a copy of an announcement that was printed in the November Catholic Herald, regarding the appointment of Fatlier Thomas A. Trepanier to the position of Associate Pastor at St. Dominic Parish'in Brookfield effective November 28th. The announcement caught my eye because Father Trepanier was identified as a sexual perpetrator back in the fall/winter of 1998. The exact incident thai gave rise to the allegations occurred over the time period of 1977^1980. Dr. Liz Piasecki kept me apprised of the incident, but there was never a formal claim because the events occurred prior to our retro date. I wrote you a letter on December 14, 1998 (copy enclosed) discussing the treatment of these allegations under the insurance policy. I am writing now to clarify that Father Trepanier's recent appointment presents an uninsured exposure for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Because of the earlier incident, there would be no coverage for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for any subsequent claims of sexual misconduct brought involving Father Trepanier. The exact coverage exclusion is found in the certificate under Coverage I - Limited Sexual Misconduct 2. Exclusions D: We do not pay for any loss resulting or arising from or related to an incident if such incident took place after the certificate holder or protected person had actual knowledge that a perpetrator had: (1) been criminally convicted of any previous act involving sexual misconduct with a ^ minor, or (2) a judgment rendered against him or her in civil court in relation to any previous sexual misconduct with a minor, or (3) admitted to any person that he or she participated in any previous incident with a minor. solving the temporal needs of the chutch since 1889 AOMSUPP 002241 ADOM057652 CONFIDENTIAL Wayne Schneider January 29,2001 Page 2 of2 My notes indicate that he admitted to the alleged behavior with the victim, although he argued on the time frame that the events occurred. The notes also show that Bishop Sklba and the Vicar for Clergy met with Father Trepanier and placed restrictions on him, allowing him to celebrate Mass up until Christmas, but after that he was to be removed from the parish setting. Since Father Trepanier is back in parish life, I wanted to bring this to your attention. The exclusion does not extend to other coverages within the certificate, but only to claims that would fall under the sexual misconduct coverage. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, T w ^ . T&tfcMolly Hatfield (/ Claims/Risk Manager MH/jm Enclosures Copy to: Mike Intrieri / ,, >^ 0 Ray Miller V f ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ T i ^ John Gorski J Vk-~u^<^32^*, t**fffi AOMSUPP 002242 ADOM057653 .85/31/2002 09:58 o4147813283 ST DOMINIC -**>><<'o PASE 04 ! CONFIDENTIAL Dear Parents, .oo'.. I am writing this letter to you, because. I know of yourponccm for and loveforyour '. children. As you arc aware, ori;May 11 and 12,1 aimounccd at the Masses that Fr. Tom Trepanier would not be rcturjHtig ji<< St; Dominic's and. had resignedftoncidie active ministry. Some of you may not have- been In attendance that weekendforvarious reasons, o so' I am writing tills to you that you may have the facts, o o . o " - . ' ' " . o "" o : ) o There was aa old -allegation of clergy nibcond uoi in Fr. Tom'sfile.This allegation o Involved a teen. The incident occurred ovcr.20.ycHr3 ago, and was brought to Eght in the . 1990'a, I was made aWare of the allegation-when Fr. Tom was assigned here. I received a letter staling that Tom was ho pedopbilp nor ephebophile, nor that he posed any dasger ' "in any way." I mri'couviaced of that; otlierwise I never would have accepted his apponTtment o . While here, he was monitored ophite by me and was-restrictedfromhaving unsupervised individual contact with a minor."$w restriction did not prevent Fr. Tom from teaching in the school classroom. During tils time here, he was also monitored by the Archdiocese, : ' In the 18 months t!iat l?r..Tom served here, at no time did he violate the restriction placed on him. The protoeob of the Archdiocese were followed at all times and there was no ' 'o . danger to anyone. o Some of yon have'spoken to n'ie or written to me with your concerns and questions and I o am grateful that you bring them forward. I hope those encounters have served to alleviate those concerns. If others h^vc cooeehis, I am happy to spfcak with you ea weli and will - answer your concerns to the test offhy knowledge and ability. o In times of difficulty and dismay,we need the strength ofeach other and the wisdom and o confidence tliat player brings. I continue to invite your prayersforone another, for o victims of Abuse,forTom and theVfamihes. .' In the tcwd. Jesus, AOM SUPP 000688 ADOM058767 Select Trepanier Sexual Abuse Intake Reports 12/2/98 Sexual Abuse Intake Report documenting abuse by Trepanier when individual was 15-18 years old in 1977-1979 at St. Robert Parish in Shorewood. Abuse consisted of oral sex, fondling, and intercourse between the survivor's legs. Trepanier also offered the survivor alcohol, especially as he grew closer to age 18. 12/4/98 E-mail from abuse survivor who reported on 12/2/98 to Piasecki enclosing materials regarding Trepanier. (46347) Narrative of relationship with Trepanier. The narrative includes a description of the abuse, which consisted of kissing, hugging, oral sex, masturbation, and Trepanier using the survivor's legs for intercourse and fondling the survivor's penis. ADOM123897