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	Priest with Local Ties Defrocked over Child Abuse Allegations Shore News Today March 4, 2010 http://www.shorenewstoday.com/news.php?id=7680 The Diocese of Camden has permanently removed a 75-year-old retired priest with local ties from the ministry following a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The allegation was made to the diocese by an adult male who said Rev. Brendan V. Sullivan abused him in 1981 when he was 14 years-old. Father Sullivan, 75, was permanently removed from ministry on Feb. 23 and may no longer function or present himself as a priest. Sullivan was ordained in 1960 and served in 10 South Jersey parishes including Blessed Sacrament in Margate (1965-1976), and St. James Ventnor (1987-2004). He also served as vice principal (1964-1973) and later principal at Holy Spirit High School (1973-1978). He retired from full-time ministry in June, 2004. On Sept. 16, 2009, Father Sullivan Hall was unveiled at Holy Family Regional School, formerly St. James School, as the new science lab and Sullivan was present for the unveiling. He also served at St. Theresa, Runnemede (1960); Queen of the Apostles, Pennsville (1960-1961); St. Maurice, Brooklawn (1961); St. Joan of Arc, Camden (1963-1965); St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Absecon (1976-1978); Our Lady of Grace, Somerdale (1978-1979); Assumption, Atco (1979-1982); and St. Patrick, Woodbury (1982-1987).He was on the faculty at Camden Catholic High School (1963-1965). Sullivan was removed in a process called for in the Essential Norms for Diocesan Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons, according to a diocese press release. The Norms were approved by the U.S. bishops in 2002. In accordance with its policy of reporting all allegations of sexual abuse of minors to law enforcement, no matter how long ago the abuse is alleged to have occurred, the diocese has reported the allegation to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, the county in which the incident abuse occurred. Assistance and professional counseling has been offered to the victim through the diocese's Victims Assistance Program. The diocese has not received any other allegation of sexual abuse against Sullivan. The last known abuse of a minor by a priest of the diocese occurred 15 years ago. The diocese has established a toll-free number (800-964-6588) to facilitate the reporting of abuse allegations. For a list of county prosecutors and the local offices of the Division of Youth and Family Services and for information about the diocese's programs for the protection of children and young people, see www.camdendiocese.org.
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