Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend publishes names of credibly accused priests and deacons
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend published today the names of the priests and deacons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.
During a news conference on August 17, in which he made the announcement to release the names, Bishop Rhoades stated the importance for victims to see the names of their abusers made public “for all to see. For everyone to know the pain caused by these priests.” Bishop Rhoades added, “It is my hope that by releasing these names, the innocent victims of these horrific and heartbreaking crimes can finally begin the process of healing.”
Bishop Rhoades reiterated the diocese’s commitment to protect children and young people saying, “We must be vigilant in our efforts to protect our youth. With the Lord’s guidance and love, we will do so.”
The list of those credibly accused was developed with the assistance of the Diocesan Review Board, which was established to assist the bishop in complying with the requirements of The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and The Essential Norms. The Diocesan Review Board is comprised of mostly lay people and its members assess all allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests and deacons presented in this diocese.
In the determination of credibility for the purpose of the list, Bishop Rhoades followed the recommendations of the Diocesan Review Board. Bishop Rhoades expressed gratitude for their expertise and counsel. A full list of the Diocesan Review Board members and their bios can be found on the diocesan website.
The list of the names of priests and deacons who have served in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and have been credibly accused of at least one act of sexual abuse of a minor consists of: James Blume, Michael Buescher, Brian Carsten, William Ehrman, William Gieranowski, John Gillig, Gabriel Hernandez, Edward Krason, Paul LeBrun, CSC, Thomas Lombardi, Robert Mahoney, Eldon Miller, Edward O. Paquette, Cornelius Ryan, CSC, James Seculoff, Richard Stieglitz, Richard Thompson and James Trepanier, CSC.
For the purposes of this list, a “credible accusation” against a priest or deacon of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is an accusation that, after a thorough investigation and review of available information, appears more likely true than not in the judgement of the Diocesan Review Board, and is accepted as credible by the Bishop.
If the accused is or was a member of a religious congregation, the credibility of an accusation was determined by the accused priest’s religious congregation. The number of credible accusations received against each priest or deacon is noted. The ordination date for each priest and deacon named on the list is noted. Changes in the clerical status of each priest and deacon named, including dates of the changes, are noted. If the accused is deceased, his date of death is noted.
This list will be supplemented as appropriate based upon any future determinations of credible allegations.
The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend stands firm in its commitment to investigate any allegation of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy and to listen to and support anyone who has been abused. Please contact Mary Glowaski, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, [email protected], 260-399-1458 or Father Mark Gurtner, JCL – Vicar General, 260-399-1422.
DETAILED BACKGROUND FOR EACH CREDIBLY ACCUSED PRIEST OR DEACON
James Blume
Date of Ordination: June 14, 1980
Removed from Public Ministry: April 1989
Dismissed from Clerical State: June 23, 2007
Number of Credible Allegations: 5
Places Served:
July 7, 1980 – St. Anthony de Padua Parish, South Bend, Indiana
July 7, 1982 – Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne, Indiana
September 8, 1987 – St. Andrew/St. Hyacinth Parishes, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Current Status: Incarcerated
Michael Buescher
Date of Ordination: June 16, 1979
Removed from Parish Ministry: November 1989
Loss of Clerical State: May 14, 1991
Number of Credible Allegations: 6
Places Served:
July 9, 1979 – St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Fort Wayne, Indiana
August 1, 1983 – Part-time membership on the faculty of Bishop Dwenger High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana; continuing at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Fort Wayne, Indiana
July 9, 1984 – Chaplain, Marian High School, Mishawaka, Indiana, with residency in the Marian High School Rectory
August 8, 1985 – Culver Military Academy, Coordinator of priests who offer Mass and provide spiritual guidance
December 20, 1985 – St. Francis Xavier Parish, Pierceton, Indiana
June 24, 1986 – St. Patrick Parish, Ligonier, Indiana; Blessed Sacrament Parish, Albion, Indiana
Brian Carsten
Date of Ordination: May 30, 1970
Terminated as Pastor and Resigned as a Member of the Roman Catholic Church: May 9, 1987
Dismissed from the Clerical State: June 23, 2007
Number of Credible Allegations: 1
Deceased: 3/27/2009
Places Served:
July 1, 1970 – St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Elkhart, Indiana
July 2, 1973 – St. Henry Parish, Fort Wayne, Indiana
July 1, 1974 – St. Patrick Parish, Fort Wayne, Indiana
July 1, 1975 – Chaplain, Allen County Police, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with residence at St. Andrew Parish, Fort Wayne, IN