The timeline below provides a visual representation of the writings, events and activities related to the topic of clergy sexual abuse which resurfaced in 2018.
June 19, 2019
Bishop Ricken provides an update on the church's commitment to healing
View update
May 23, 2019
A substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was made against a deceased priest, Fr. Steven Scherer. His name is added to the current list of priests of the diocese with a substantiated allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor. Updates to the disclosure list will be made following the recommendation of the Independent Review Board and the notification of the District Attorney in the county where the abuse was alleged. These updates will be reflected on the diocesan website (gbdioc.org/clergydisclosurelist), noting next to the priest’s name, the date information was updated.
View Clergy Disclosure List
April 5, 2019
A substatiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was made against a deceased priest, Fr. Raymond Hietpas.. His name is added to the current list of priests of the diocese with a substantiated allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor. Any future updates to the disclosure list will be made following the recommendation of the Independent Review Board and the notification of the District Attorney in the county where the abuse was alleged. These updates will be reflected on the diocesan website (gbdioc.org/clergydisclosurelist), noting next to the priest’s name, the date information was updated.
View Clergy Disclosure List
March 28, 2019
The Diocese of Green Bay issues press release: Bishop Ricken to host Prayer Service for Healing Apr. 10 and Apr. 11
View press release
March 7, 2019
The Diocese of Green Bay issues press release: Bishop Ricken and Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga to celebrate Masses for Healing
View press release
January 25, 2019
Bishop Ricken publishes a column in The Compass Newspaper, reflecting in the release of diocesan priests' names
View column
January 25, 2019
Editor Sam Lucero, publishes the article 'Profoundly Sorry' in The Compass Newspaper, recapping the press briefing held one week earlier.
View article
January 18, 2019
Statement from Diocese of Green Bay released: Statement following the SNAP press conference
View statement
January 17, 2019
The Diocese of Green Bay issues press release: "Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Green Bay to bring in Trauma Recovery Associates, host two workshops on the Trauma Model".
View press release
January 17, 2019
The Diocese of Green Bay issues press release: "Diocese of Green Bay releases list of clergy with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor". A press conference is held.
View press release | View Clergy Disclosure List | View press conference video
October 12, 2018
Bishop Ricken publishes first column in The Compass Newspaper, reflecting on the listening sessions held throughout the Diocese of Green Bay. Subsequent columns follow, as noted by release dates below.
October 12 | October 19 | October 26 | November 2 | November 9
September 27, 2018
The Diocese of Green Bay issues press release: Diocese of Green Bay selects independent investigative firm to review clergy files
View press release
September 21, 2018
A press briefing in held, during which Bishop Ricken announces the Diocese of Green Bay will soon hire an independent agency to review all priest files. Opportunity provided to discuss Bishop Morneau's letter announcing his withdrawal from public ministry.
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September 19 - October 4, 2018
Bishop Ricken holds listening sessions around the Diocese of Green Bay. Locations include: St. Rose Parish, Clintonville; St. Mary Parish, Appleton; Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, De Pere; St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood; St. Francis and St. Mary Parish, Brussels; and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Newton.
September 7, 2018
Bishop David Ricken publishes an “action steps to accountability” report in The Compass Newspaper and shares a video announcing his plan. In the report, he list the ways the Diocese of Green Bay would commit to addressing the clergy sexual abuse crisis. View report