Catholic School Pastors' Responses and Reactions to the Church Sexual Abuse Crisis: Early Study Results

• In Event: Developments in and for Catholic Schools Concerning System Leaders and University Change Efforts

Abstract

The clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church has been well documented in media, but there has been little research examining the impact on Catholic schools. As part of a larger study on the crisis, this paper explores how pastors of Catholic schools perceive the crisis has impacted their schools and how they have subsequently addressed the crisis within their communities. Survey results from 243 pastors revealed that most pastors have observed little direct impact of the crisis in their schools, but nearly all pastors have addressed the crisis in some way within their schools, with the most frequent responses being revisions to safe environment policies, direct communication with families, and increased ministry of presence in the schools.

Authors

• Monica J. Kowalski, University of Notre Dame

• Kathryn Lichon, University of Notre Dame