Interesting....

Did y'all see this from the Diocese web-site?

The Diocese of Scranton has received a report from an individual that the late Father James M. McAuliffe was sexually abusive to young people.

In late June, a classified advertisement published in a local newspaper asked altar boys and students from Holy Saviour Parish, Wilkes-Barre, to call a telephone number if they wanted to talk about Father McAuliffe, who served as assistant pastor in the parish between September 18, 1954 and April 3, 1963. Diocesan personnel contacted the individual who placed the classified ad. This person reported that Father McAuliffe was sexually abusive to young people. Father McAuliffe died on August 7, 1989, so it is not possible to question him about his behavior with the individual making the claim or with any other child.

Nevertheless, the Diocese of Scranton is eager to assist any person who has been the victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy. If there is anyone claiming to have been abused by Father McAuliffe or any priest, he or she should come forward and make it known. Such abuse should be reported to the Diocese by calling the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Joan L. Holmes, (570-344-5216), or the Chancellor, James B. Earley, (570-207-2216) or the Vicar for Clergy, Father Thomas M. Muldowney, (570-207-2269).

The Diocese has requested that a bulletin announcement be printed and circulated in the parishes where Father McAuliffe served: St. Ann, Tobyhanna, 1942 and 1954; St. Thomas, Archbald, 1942-1945; Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit, 1945; St. Mary, Help of Christians, Pittston, 1945-1947; St. Paul, Scranton, 1947-1953; St. Therese, Shavertown, 1953; Holy Saviour, Wilkes-Barre, 1954-1963; Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dickson City (St. Thomas, Dickson City), 1966-1969; St. Joseph, Forest City (St. James, Pleasant Mount), 1969-1973; St. Patrick, Scranton (St. David, Scranton), 1973-1989.

The Diocese has notified law enforcement officials in the counties where Father McAuliffe served about the classified ad, the claim made against Father McAuliffe and the Diocese’s efforts to locate victims.

The Catholic Church is eager to assist those who have been hurt by sexual abuse.

I wonder if the Diocese is so pro-active if the priest in question were still alive?