2 Accused in This Religious Order
Fr. Gerald J. Ornowski
Suit filed against Ornowski and his Order in 5/2009 alleged that he abused a young girl in the village of Stebbins at least three times 1990-1994. Bishop removed him in 6/2009 after learning of the suit. Order recalled him for testing and evaluation. Had worked at St. Mark's University Parish and Catholic Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks since 1997. Ornowski denied the allegations. Suit dismissed by court in 5/2010 after plaintiff withdrew her claims.
Fr. Donald Petraitis
Accused of abuse of a boy in the early 1960s when Petraitis was 'filling in' at St. Mary's parish in Norwich. The alleged victim said he told Rev. Donat Jette during confession and that Jette then abused him, too. Per the 2002 Official Catholic Directory, Petraitis was Provincial of the Marian's Office in Chicago. One article refers to him as Superior of the Marians St. Kazimierz Province in the USA, and former General of the Congregation. Denied the allegations. Died 6/12/2012. Not included on the Norwich diocese's list 2/22/2019.