Former Curley Student Accuses Priest of Abuse

ABC 2
November 7, 2013

http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/region/baltimore_city/former-curley-student-accuses-priest-of-abuse


A priest and former Catholic school teacher has been suspended following allegations of abuse against a minor, the Archdiocese of Baltimore released Thursday.

Father Michael Kolodziej was accused of abusing a former student at Archbishop Curley High School. The 69-year-old priest taught at the high school between 1975 and 1979.

“A former student from this time period has alleged that he was abused on several occasions while Fr. Kolodziej wrestled him,” the release from the Archdiocese states. “Archbishop Curley High School reported the allegation immediately to authorities, and the police were promptly informed; the School, the Order, and the Archdiocese, which owns Archbishop Curley High School, are cooperating fully with authorities.”

Kolodziej was suspended from all public ministry. Officials in the Catholic community are unaware of any further allegations against Kolodziej.

Kolodziej was ordained in 1970. He had been serving as parochial vicar at St. Philip Benizi Parish in Jonesboro, Ga. since 2010 before his suspension.

“The Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Franciscan Order, and Archbishop Curley High School are committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse,” the release states. “Anyone who has any knowledge of child sexual abuse is urged to come forward, and to report it immediately to the police. If clergy or other Church personnel are suspected of committing the abuse, please also call the Archdiocese of Baltimore's Office of Child and Youth Protection at 410-547-5348.”