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	Scranton Diocese Investigating Decades-old Claim of Priest Sex Abuse By Erin Moody Times-Leader August 3, 2010 http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-diocese-investigating-decades-old-claim-of-priest-sex-abuse-1.917794 The Diocese of Scranton is looking into an allegation of sexual abuse by the Rev. James M. McAuliffe, who was assistant pastor at Holy Saviour Parish in Wilkes-Barre from 1954 to 1963. The Rev. McAuliffe died in 1989. The investigation was initiated when a classified ad was placed in The Times Leader in June seeking former altar boys and students who were "friends" of the Rev. McAuliffe. "We should talk," the ad said, and included a phone number. The man who answered that number Monday declined to comment or give his name, but confirmed he had placed the ad, went to Holy Saviour and the diocese had contacted him. Spokesman Bill Genello said the diocese had no further comment than a press release posted on its website Friday. "This person reported that Father McAuliffe was sexually abusive to young people. Father McAuliffe died on Aug. 7, 1989, so it is not possible to question him about his behavior with the individual making the claim or with any other child," the statement said. "The diocese is seeking alleged victims of the Rev. McAuliffe or any other priests, and law enforcement has been notified in all areas where he served," it said. John McKeown, a longtime member of Holy Saviour who had children in the school during the time period in question, said he never heard of any allegations against the Rev. McAuliffe. The diocese will circulate bulletins at all parishes where the Rev. McAuliffe served about the investigation. They include: 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; St. Mary's, 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. Contact the writer: emoody@citizensvoice.com
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