Richfield Priest on Leave of Absence after Abuse Claim Surfaces

By Jennie Lissarrague
KAAL
May 19, 2015

http://www.kaaltv.com/article/stories/S3801203.shtml?cat=10151

Rev. Gerald Dvorak

A Twin Cities priest is on a leave of absence after Archbishop John Nienstedt said the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis received a credible allegation that he sexually abused a minor in the 1970s.

Rev. Gerald Dvorak, who is the pastor of St. Peter in Richfield, will not be part of the ministry during the investigation. Nienstedt says law enforcement has been notified of the claim and they are notifying his previous parishes.

Dvorak denied the allegations. In a statement, he said, “I pray for all victims of sexual abuse, but I have never abused anyone. Please pray for me and all those involved.”

Nienstedt says Dvorak has never had any other allegations against him.

Here’s a list of Dvorak’s assignment history, as provided by the Archdiocese:

Pastor at Saint Peter in Richfield from July 1, 2011, to the present

Canonical Administrator at Blessed Trinity Catholic School from July 1, 2011, to July 1, 2014

Pastor at Saint Joseph in Hopkins from Sept. 3, 2002, to July 1, 2011

Pastor at Saint Michael in Saint Paul from June 14, 1989 to Sept. 3, 2002

Parochial Administrator at Saint Andrew in St. Paul from Jan. 20, 1989 to June 14, 1989

Parochial Administrator at Holy Cross in Minneapolis from Oct. 9, 1987, to June 14, 1989

Spiritual Director, Legion of Mary, St Paul Comitium, North Mpls Curia from March 23, 1987 to June 14, 1989

Parochial Administrator at Saint Cyril in Minneapolis from June 10, 1986 to March 23, 1987

Assistant Priest at Holy Cross in Minneapolis from June 12, 1984 to June 14, 1989

Assistant Priest at Cathedral of Saint Paul from June 13, 1979 to June 12, 1984

Teaching Parish Seminarian at Saint Matthew in Saint Paul from 1978 to 1979