A Letter from Rev. William Lies, C.S.C.

June 12, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ,

Over the last two decades, but particularly in the last year, we have all become more aware of the problem of sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Church and its mishandling. I share your frustration, anger and sadness at these revelations. I also share your desire for transparency and healing. It is for this reason I am writing today to release the list of names of the individuals of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross who have been credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor.

On behalf of the members of the U.S. Province, I apologize. I am profoundly sorry for the pain and suffering inflicted on anyone who has been abused or impacted in any way by the actions of any of our members. All victim-survivors and their families are deserving of transparency and accountability. I hope that these disclosures, while painful to review, will help bring about some healing and peace.

Our provincial administration, with the assistance of an independent, external audit, a review board (which consists primarily of lay members), as well as our provincial council, has worked hard to make sure that this list is accurate. Nonetheless, we know there may be other victims who have not come forward. We are committed to accompanying all who have been abused by these or other men, and we encourage any victims to please come forward. Any victimization of a minor should be reported to law enforcement immediately. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a member of Holy Cross, please contact our victim assistance coordinator, Fr. Peter Jarret, CSC, at pjarret@holycrossusa.org or (574) 631-1126. The report will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

Since 2002 and the “Dallas Charter,” the U.S. Province of Holy Cross, along with other religious communities and dioceses throughout the country, has deepened its commitment to the protection of children and young people. We are doing everything possible to prevent such abuse from occurring again. Please find attached to this letter the measures we have in place.

We must make this a safer world for children and a new day for our Church. In the wake of Pentecost, as we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the early Church and even upon us now, we will work together to keep children safe and our communities faithful, healthy and strong. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us for the task and bring us new life and hope on the way to the Father.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C.
Provincial Superior

Please direct any media inquiries related to this list of credibly accused to Ms. Julie Clark at jclark@holycrossusa.org. More information and resources are also available on our website at holycrossusa.org/safe-environment, as is our policy on responding to allegations of sexual abuse.