Fr. Elwood “Woody” Bernas

Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Steubenville OH

First named as accused on the Steubenville diocese’s list 10/31/2018. Noted to have been suspended from ministry in 1986. In 2019 Bernas said he was on the list because had picked up a 17-year-old male prostitute, and that he paid a fine and went to treatment for sex addiction. Left the priesthood in 1989, moved to Minneapolis, MN to become a therapist. Organist at a Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and substitute organist at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Worked at Hazelton Center for chemically dependent men. In 2009 became organist at a Presbyterian Church in Bremerton WA. Worked at a treatment center outside of Seattle, WA for teens struggling with substance abuse; fired in 10/2019 after the center was informed of his past.


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