Update Regarding Monsignor George J. Mazzotta

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
May 20, 2012

http://archphila.org/press%20releases/pr001982.htm

Monsignor George J. Mazzotta has been found unsuitable for ministry following a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. Since May 2010 when the Archdiocese received the allegation and reported it to law enforcement, Monsignor Mazzotta has not been permitted to exercise his public ministry, wear clerical garb, or present himself publicly as a priest. Following Archbishop Chaput's determination of unsuitability for ministry, Monsignor Mazzotta has agreed to accept a supervised life of prayer and penance.

An announcement updating the situation regarding Monsignor Mazzotta was made this weekend at Stella Maris Parish in Philadelphia and Saint Madeline Parish in Ridley Park, his two most recent assignments. Counselors were present at Stella Maris Parish.

On May 4th, Archbishop Chaput announced resolutions to eight of the 26 cases of priests on administrative leave as a result of the February 2011 Grand Jury report. The announcement regarding Monsignor Mazzotta is not connected to those cases.

Monsignor Mazzotta is 73 years old. He was ordained in 1966. He served at the following parishes and schools: Saint Joseph, Downingtown (1966-1971); Epiphany of Our Lord, Philadelphia and Saint Maria Goretti High School (1971-1976); Saint Gabriel, Philadelphia (1976-1978); Saint Clement, Philadelphia (1978-1980); Saint Eugene, Primos (1980-1985); Saint Paul, Norristown (1985-1988); Saints Cosmas and Damian, Conshohocken (June 1988 - November 1988); Saint Robert Bellarmine, Warrington (1988-1990); Mother of Divine Grace, Philadelphia (1990-1997); Saint Madeline, Ridley Park (1997-2008); Stella Maris, Philadelphia (2008-2010).

We recognize that this public notice may be painful to victims of sexual violence. If you need support or assistance, victim services are available to you through the Victim Assistance Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or philavac@adphila.org.

If you would like to report an allegation of sexual abuse, contact your local law enforcement agency and/or the Office for Investigations at 1-800-932-0313.