From the Pastor: Diocese of Covington Lists Priests Involved in Substantiated Abuse Allegations

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Dear Family,

On July 31, the Diocese of Covington released a list of all priests, deacons, brothers, sisters and
lay employees of the Diocese who have substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of minors since
1950. Lexington was part of the Diocese of Covington until 1988. Therefore, this list includes most of the territory of the Diocese of Lexington from 1950-1988. The list from the Diocese of Lexington, which will cover from 1988 to the present, is projected to be released on August 13.
You can view the whole report from the Diocese of Covington on their website at
https://covdio.org/safe-environment/substantiated-allegations-list/. 

I encourage you to read Bishop Foys’ letter and the Statement before reading the list. In part, the Statement says that the list was prepared by an independent third party and is based on probable cause. Read the statement for the important definition of “substantiated allegation.”

Some of the priests and others whose names are on the list served here at St. Paul and at other
parishes throughout our city and diocese. Some were members of the faculty at Lexington
Catholic High School. Their presence on the list does not automatically mean that their abusive behavior happened while they served in the territory of our Diocese of Lexington. But we are sure that some of it did.

Seeing their names causes me additional concern for the victims’ anger and pain. Seeing their
names may affect you that way, too. Seeing their names may encourage some victims who have
not come forward to do so. Seeing their names may stir up need for more healing in identified
victims/survivors.

The Diocese of Lexington pledges to do all it can to assist any victim of child sexual abuse by a
cleric or lay employee by providing the necessary assistance for the healing of mind, spirit and
body. The diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator is Laura Napora, LCSW who can be
contacted at 338-5695 or by email at victimsassistance@cdlex.org or by mail at 1310 West Main
St. Lexington, Ky 40508. We offer support for victims of abuse through other lay people as well.
If you are interested, please call Linda at 859 333 8593. If you were abused, please call local law enforcement and then call the Victim’s Assistance coordinator. 

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People implemented by the
U. S. Catholic Bishops’ Conference in 2002, the Diocese of Lexington has a Code of Conduct in
order to provide a safe environment for all children and vulnerable adults within our parishes,
schools and diocesan apostolates.

The Diocese of Lexington is awaiting the completion of a similar independent review of
diocesan files, commissioned by the bishop. When it is published, hopefully on August 13, we
will be prepared to offer assistance to victims who are impacted by its release as well.

Please continue to keep the victims, and everyone involved, in your prayers and if you have any concerns, please reach out to me. I’m here to help.

In the heart of Jesus,

Fr. Richard Watson
Pastor