Former Archbishop Wood High School priest found unsuitable for ministry

By Eric Devlin
Montgomery Media
February 26, 2014

http://www.montgomerynews.com/articles/2014/02/26/public_spirit_willow_grove_guide/news/doc530e5aff3a58f545870086.txt

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has found a former priest, who previously served in Maple Glen, unsuitable for ministry, following allegations of sexual misconduct.

In an official Feb. 23 statement released by the Archdiocese, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has found the Rev. John P. Paul, a former priest at St. Alphonsus Church in Maple Glen, unsuitable for ministry, following a substantiated allegation that he sexually abused a 17-year-old minor over 40 years ago.

Paul was placed on administrative leave, according to a Dec. 15 statement, following allegations that he had sexually abused minors more than 30 years ago. Originally, the allegations stated that Paul abused minors during his time in the seminary more than 40 years ago.

Paul resigned as pastor of Our Lady of Calvary Parish, Philadelphia, Nov. 6, where he had been serving since 2000, according to the Archdiocese.

“He came to that decision of his own accord,” the Dec. 15 release stated, “during the course of the Archdiocesan investigation regarding this alleged abuse.”

Following the resignation, Paul moved to a private residence and was not assigned to a new parish or active ministry, according to a press release.

“Subsequently, the Archdiocese received multiple, new allegations that Father Paul had sexually abused minors over 30 years ago.”

Paul, 67, was ordained in 1972. He served at the following parishes and schools: St. Alphonsus, Maple Glen (1972-1974); Faculty, Archbishop Kennedy High School (1974-1975); St. Isaac Jogues, Wayne (1974-1975); Faculty, Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote (1975-1986); Faculty, St. James Catholic High School for Boys, Chester (1986-1990); St. Robert, Chester (1986-1990); Faculty, Archbishop Kennedy High School (1990-1993); St. Philip Neri, Lafayette Hill (1990-1995); Faculty, Kennedy-Kenrick High School, Norristown (1993-1997); Faculty, Archbishop Wood High School, Warminster (1997-2000); St. Andrew, Newton (1997-2000); Our Lady of Calvary, Philadelphia (2000-2013); placed on administrative leave (2013).

To report an allegation of sexual abuse, contact local law enforcement agency and the Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010. To report a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, contact the Archdiocesan Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010. Victim services are also available by contacting Victim Assistance Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or philavac@archphila.org.