Trouble at Regis High School

[monte]

I'm hearing that Regis, the gold standard for Catholic high schools, just put their president, Fr Daniel Lahart SJ, on administrative leave related to allegations of inappropriate interactions with members of the Regis community. Way more questions then answers at the moment, but  they must be credible and serious allegations for Regis to take this kind of action pending a full investigation.  

 

[BrookJersey Redmen]

I didn't go to Regis, but had three close freinds who did, and hung out there with them and made other friends there.

As a result I got to go on some trips with them and I went on a Regis HS ski trip to Wyndam Mountain (near Hunter), let's just say nothing happened but I did not want the priest chaperone to hear my confession in the "other room."

This was a very long time ago (50 years).

 

[mm52]

For what it is worth, the allegations do not involve any current or former students, but adults.

 

[L J S A]

For what it is worth, the allegations do not involve any current or former students, but adults.

I'd say that's worth a whole damn lot. 

 

[BrookJersey Redmen]

Adults.....makes a big difference.

Reminds me of a much older man who lived next to us when we bought our first house, he'd be in his mid-90's now.

He told me a story when he was a 16 yr old all city track star at Fordham Prep. He was invited to the rectory, and a priest got a little too friendly. I said to him "that was awful".

Bill said to me, "yeah........... it was......... for him; I pounded his arm so hard, the priest must have seen into next week".

No more issues for the rest of his time at Fordham Prep or Fordham U.

 

[beast of the east]

We happen to know a lot of kids who have gone to Regis and it undoubtedly is the best Catholic HS in the tri-state area.  Being tuition free and having entrace examinations, most Regis grads have tremendous career success.

There are some gay men in adminsitration, and it's not a well kept secret, but does not affect their job performance.   Jesuits are an interesting group - they are extremely devout but also very liberal Catholics.    I'm not sure how their president conducted himself, but the old Olympia Dukakis line to John Mahoney, "Don't you know not to shit where you eat?" may ring true here, even with adults or alumni. 

In the circa 2000 roundup of accused Catholic clergy against minors, one group was untouched and that was gay priests in adult relationships.   Reasonably, the priesthood has a proportional number of gay clergy to the general population.  Arguably, the number may be much higher, 

I know the story will kick up a lot of negativity regarding priest pedophiles but this is a different story, IMO. 

 

[monte]

We happen to know a lot of kids who have gone to Regis and it undoubtedly is the best Catholic HS in the tri-state area.  Being tuition free and having entrace examinations, most Regis grads have tremendous career success.

There are some gay men in adminsitration, and it's not a well kept secret, but does not affect their job performance.   Jesuits are an interesting group - they are extremely devout but also very liberal Catholics.    I'm not sure how their president conducted himself, but the old Olympia Dukakis line to John Mahoney, "Don't you know not to shit where you eat?" may ring true here, even with adults or alumni. 

In the circa 2000 roundup of accused Catholic clergy against minors, one group was untouched and that was gay priests in adult relationships.   Reasonably, the priesthood has a proportional number of gay clergy to the general population.  Arguably, the number may be much higher, 

I know the story will kick up a lot of negativity regarding priest pedophiles but this is a different story, IMO. 

http://www.nypress.com/news/local-news/in-a-word-its-a-horror-DFNP1020190205190209984

Raslowsky,
current president at Xavier, tries to mitigate the damage by stating they were only here(at Xavier) a short period of time. Except for the fact that so many of these jesuit priests were moved around from Xavier, to Regis, to St. peter's Prep, etc, that it was obvious what what was going on. All one need do is look at the list of priests that was provided jesuits, to see the pattern of moving them around to provide a cover for them. 

 

[monte]

We happen to know a lot of kids who have gone to Regis and it undoubtedly is the best Catholic HS in the tri-state area.  Being tuition free and having entrace examinations, most Regis grads have tremendous career success.

There are some gay men in adminsitration, and it's not a well kept secret, but does not affect their job performance.   Jesuits are an interesting group - they are extremely devout but also very liberal Catholics.    I'm not sure how their president conducted himself, but the old Olympia Dukakis line to John Mahoney, "Don't you know not to shit where you eat?" may ring true here, even with adults or alumni. 

In the circa 2000 roundup of accused Catholic clergy against minors, one group was untouched and that was gay priests in adult relationships.   Reasonably, the priesthood has a proportional number of gay clergy to the general population.  Arguably, the number may be much higher, 

I know the story will kick up a lot of negativity regarding priest pedophiles but this is a different story, IMO. 

This was the Dean of students at Regis when my daughter was in high school and had many friends at Regis.

[URL]https://www.google.com/amp/s/w...eroin-pills-bust-article-1.1400632?outputType[/URL]=amp

Busted for heroin possession. Not his first run in with the law. Dean of students! There are other stories I've heard similar to this. Seems Regis should be doing a better job vetting their job applicants. 
 

 

[beast of the east]

There's a simple rule that should be applied to children and adults.   An adult should NEVER be alone with a child in a private or semi-private area.   Teach your children and grandchildren this no matter what the penalty is for refusing on the part of the child.

My kids had an AAU coach who followed this rule implicitly.   I was an assistant to him one season, and I asked him if he could give my daughter a ride to a practice.   HE told me flat out no, that he would never put himself or a kid in a situation where he is alone with them.

A few years later, I coached CYO, and at the first coach's meeting repeated this directive to the head of CYO.   He said, that's a great rule, but it doesn't apply to me.   What a pompous ass!!!  I told the pastor, who wasn't particularly concerned.  I didnt think either were the birghtest bulbs.   That pastor was made an auxiliary bishop, which gives you an idea of the status of our church.

 

[fuchsia]

There's a simple rule that should be applied to children and adults.   An adult should NEVER be alone with a child in a private or semi-private area.   Teach your children and grandchildren this no matter what the penalty is for refusing on the part of the child.

My kids had an AAU coach who followed this rule implicitly.   I was an assistant to him one season, and I asked him if he could give my daughter a ride to a practice.   HE told me flat out no, that he would never put himself or a kid in a situation where he is alone with them.

A few years later, I coached CYO, and at the first coach's meeting repeated this directive to the head of CYO.   He said, that's a great rule, but it doesn't apply to me.   What a pompous ass!!!  I told the pastor, who wasn't particularly concerned.  I didnt think either were the birghtest bulbs.   That pastor was made an auxiliary bishop, which gives you an idea of the status of our church.

Beast, the flip side of this can be found in some of my work.  The rule in addict rehabilitation was to never be alone with a female client.  Most of the many women I know in recovery from heroin addiction at some point supported their habits by performing sex work.  

Both the research literature, ACES studies and the pioneering work of one of my psychiatrist teaching partners, (and anecdotally some of the counseling work done by my staff) show a strong relationship between histories of childhood physical and sexual abuse and later problems with mental illness and substance use.  The trauma inflicted upon the women both as children and adults had long term consequences and staff were warned from day one to avoid situations that could compromise them and/or their clients.  Violations of the "never alone" rule were grounds for firing staff.

Childhood physical and sexual abuse history in male clients was considered to be less prevalent but how of much of that was rooted in denial and cover-up is unknown.

 

[panther2]

I attended LaSalle Military Academey in Oakdale, LI from 1961-1965. Last February, I had lunch with three of my former classmates at Dock's in Manhattan. Some of us had connected through Facebook and we were finalizing plans for our 55th Class Reunion. We shared email addresses and a group email was sent out to more than 50 of our surviving classmates. One came back stating that he had been sexually abused by one of the Brothers during his time at LaSalle. Then another person stated that he had also been abused.

They are presently looking into filing a suit against the Order. I had no knowledge of any of this happening while I was there, Howeever, some of my classmates said that they had heard the rumors. This is not an issue to be taken lightly,

 

[monte]

I attended LaSalle Military Academey in Oakdale, LI from 1961-1965. Last February, I had lunch with three of my former classmates at Dock's in Manhattan. Some of us had connected through Facebook and we were finalizing plans for our 55th Class Reunion. We shared email addresses and a group email was sent out to more than 50 of our surviving classmates. One came back stating that he had been sexually abused by one of the Brothers during his time at LaSalle. Then another person stated that he had also been abused.

They are presently looking into filing a suit against the Order. I had no knowledge of any of this happening while I was there, Howeever, some of my classmates said that they had heard the rumors. This is not an issue to be taken lightly,

I am sorry that your friends had to endure that abuse. I believe that what we know is just the tip of the iceberg. I ageee that this needs to taken very seriously. I still question whether the church is doing that, in spite of what they claim. 

 

 

[panther2]

I attended LaSalle Military Academey in Oakdale, LI from 1961-1965. Last February, I had lunch with three of my former classmates at Dock's in Manhattan. Some of us had connected through Facebook and we were finalizing plans for our 55th Class Reunion. We shared email addresses and a group email was sent out to more than 50 of our surviving classmates. One came back stating that he had been sexually abused by one of the Brothers during his time at LaSalle. Then another person stated that he had also been abused.

They are presently looking into filing a suit against the Order. I had no knowledge of any of this happening while I was there, Howeever, some of my classmates said that they had heard the rumors. This is not an issue to be taken lightly,

I am sorry that your friends had to endure that abuse. I believe that what we know is just the tip of the iceberg. I ageee that this needs to taken very seriously. I still question whether the church is doing that, in spite of what they cl
 

Fuschia made a very valid point, childhood sexual abuse can be very damaging. When I was Durector of an Adolescent Substance Abuse Program, I was astounded at the number of clients who had been sexually abused. The substance abuse was just a symptom of the underlyiong psychological dame that had been done to these children.

When it comes to the Clergy, these are individuals that we have been taught to listen to and obey. What has taken place in the Catholic Church is a complete abuse of power. I hope and pray that this deviant behavior is being seriously addressed now.
 

 

[beast of the east]

There's a simple rule that should be applied to children and adults.   An adult should NEVER be alone with a child in a private or semi-private area.   Teach your children and grandchildren this no matter what the penalty is for refusing on the part of the child.

My kids had an AAU coach who followed this rule implicitly.   I was an assistant to him one season, and I asked him if he could give my daughter a ride to a practice.   HE told me flat out no, that he would never put himself or a kid in a situation where he is alone with them.

A few years later, I coached CYO, and at the first coach's meeting repeated this directive to the head of CYO.   He said, that's a great rule, but it doesn't apply to me.   What a pompous ass!!!  I told the pastor, who wasn't particularly concerned.  I didnt think either were the birghtest bulbs.   That pastor was made an auxiliary bishop, which gives you an idea of the status of our church.

Beast, the flip side of this can be found in some of my work.  The rule in addict rehabilitation was to never be alone with a female client.  Most of the many women I know in recovery from heroin addiction at some point supported their habits by performing sex work.  

Both the research literature, ACES studies and the pioneering work of one of my psychiatrist teaching partners, (and anecdotally some of the counseling work done by my staff) show a strong relationship between histories of childhood physical and sexual abuse and later problems with mental illness and substance use.  The trauma inflicted upon the women both as children and adults had long term consequences and staff were warned from day one to avoid situations that could compromise them and/or their clients.  Violations of the "never alone" rule were grounds for firing staff.

Childhood physical and sexual abuse history in male clients was considered to be less prevalent but how of much of that was rooted in denial and cover-up is unknown.

What you are stating is no flip side to what I had communicated.   Sexual abuse against minors is criminal, predatory behavior.   Often the abuser was himself/herself abused as a child.   When the abuser is a person in a role of protector, it makes the damage far greater.   Imagine the shepherd harming his sheep.

Religious vocations were a good place for sexual predators to hide.   Clergy was given the added protection of being trusted by parents, and predators sometimes sought out children without fathers whose mothers felt that a priest would be a great role model to help their son develop in the absence of a dad.  

    

 

[NCJohnnie]

I graduated from Regis in 1970 and like all alumni received the communication regarding Father Lahart being put on adminstrative leave pending a full investigation of alleged inappropriate interactions with adult members of the Regis community.
Like anyone who attended catholic grammar and high school, I am painfully aware of the numerous cases of clergy abusing their trust with young men who were often their students over the years. Terrible and covered up for far too long. While I never witnessed it in my days at Regis or at my grammar school we all heard rumors of priests/brothers who were overly friendly.
From everything I've read on this case, it does not involve students at all. Doesn't mean things weren't going on that were inappropriate (the investigation will tell) but this does not appear to be in any way a case involving abuse of teens.      
Panther, coincidental that you recently got together with your LaSalle classmates planning your 55th reunion. When I came up to NYC for the 2019 Big East tourney, I had lunch and drinks with 3 Regis classmates I hadn't seen in many years and among the topics we discussed was our 50th reunion which was supposed to be last October; it's slated for this October assuming all goes well with the pandemic abatement. 

 

[Knight]

I guess we know who populates that certain section in hell.

 

[mjmaherjr]

I guess we know who populates that certain section in hell.

i assumed that was Duke and UConn fans

 

[beast of the east]

My opinion on the subject of clergy predators is that these are sick individuals that should have been exposed to the full consequence of the civil and criminal justice system.    However, those perhaps even more culpable are those in authority who tried to hide these behaviors by shuffling them around, perhaps to avoid civil litigation.   Bishops, school admnistrators, and leaders at religious orders simply did nothing to expose these predators to justice.  

Panther and Fuchsia are correct.  Victims of sexual predators suffer serious psychological damage, and have a much higher incidence of substance abuse and suicide.   They and often their families have had their faith destroyed by the actions of the church in general.   I would go one step further and say an entire generation of those under 40 have turned their backs on the church over this issue.

 

[BrookJersey Redmen]

Beast and everyone else on here, you are correct, sexual abuse(all abuse) of children is predatory and criminal and those who do it or enable it, deserve the most severe consequences. Period end of discussion.

However, if my 20 years of Catholic schooling (Kindergarden and Law) is anything to go by, I was not approached nor anyone I know, by any religious or layperson in any of those schools. My one perhaps, almost incident happened on a ski trip for Regis, and it would have been flat out ended. No doubt victims are often chosen because of their vulnerabilities and it may account for my not seeing it.

However, a couple of things to consider: 

A Priest (or anyone) who is accused 15-25-30- sometimes 50 years later (and the only testimony is the victim), has a very hard if not impossible time defending himself, even if truly innocent. Go and try to prove a negative.

Some of the victims have other motivations, i.e., obvious one is money; but studies have shown they may be motivated by wanting to hurt the church as an institution or they may suffer from a mental illness that causes them to make things up. Lawyers have been known to approach and coach some people into remembering things that never actually happened. There are many layers to this.

Personally, I related the Fordham Prep story to explain the inability to grasp some of the stories we have heard of older students, some as older teens or young adults to claim abuse, when what may have happened is a consensual relationship gone wrong. One that could have been shut down, by en explicit NO, or physically leaving the situation. Now, the disparate power positions come into play, and all of that, so there is no bright line here. One case in NJ involved a 22 year old and forgive me, but he claimed the Parish priest forced him to have sex, but I didn't buy it. He got a big settlement too.

One last point, the % of pedofiles among Catholic Priests mirrors pretty closely the % in Protestant clergy, Boy Scouts, Rabbis, teachers, coaches, etc., etc. Power position people and youths, so the Catholic Church has a lot of company when it comes to rooting out this horrible evil. It is just the Catholic Church is one centralized place and these others are many times de-centralized, one or two-off places so it stays out of the limelight.

Interesting to note, nuns' sexual abuse (and female sexual abuse in general) is practically non-existent (comparatively), so the Catholic Church teachings that the female Catholics received I guess does not fall on deaf ears.  Same teachings.



 

 

[monte]

Beast and everyone else on here, you are correct, sexual abuse(all abuse) of children is predatory and criminal and those who do it or enable it, deserve the most severe consequences. Period end of discussion.

However, if my 20 years of Catholic schooling (Kindergarden and Law) is anything to go by, I was not approached nor anyone I know, by any religious or layperson in any of those schools. My one perhaps, almost incident happened on a ski trip for Regis, and it would have been flat out ended. No doubt victims are often chosen because of their vulnerabilities and it may account for my not seeing it.

However, a couple of things to consider: 

A Priest (or anyone) who is accused 15-25-30- sometimes 50 years later (and the only testimony is the victim), has a very hard if not impossible time defending himself, even if truly innocent. Go and try to prove a negative.

Some of the victims have other motivations, i.e., obvious one is money; but studies have shown they may be motivated by wanting to hurt the church as an institution or they may suffer from a mental illness that causes them to make things up. Lawyers have been known to approach and coach some people into remembering things that never actually happened. There are many layers to this.

Personally, I related the Fordham Prep story to explain the inability to grasp some of the stories we have heard of older students, some as older teens or young adults to claim abuse, when what may have happened is a consensual relationship gone wrong. One that could have been shut down, by en explicit NO, or physically leaving the situation. Now, the disparate power positions come into play, and all of that, so there is no bright line here. One case in NJ involved a 22 year old and forgive me, but he claimed the Parish priest forced him to have sex, but I didn't buy it. He got a big settlement too.

One last point, the % of pedofiles among Catholic Priests mirrors pretty closely the % in Protestant clergy, Boy Scouts, Rabbis, teachers, coaches, etc., etc. Power position people and youths, so the Catholic Church has a lot of company when it comes to rooting out this horrible evil. It is just the Catholic Church is one centralized place and these others are many times de-centralized, one or two-off places so it stays out of the limelight.

Interesting to note, nuns' sexual abuse (and female sexual abuse in general) is practically non-existent (comparatively), so the Catholic Church teachings that the female Catholics received I guess does not fall on deal ears.  Same teachings.



BJR, based on everything that I've read and heard, the Jesuits in particular have had a disproportionate number of child abuse charges levied against them. Here's the prevailing wisdom amongst
me and many of my Jesuit educated friends; a large majority of Jesuit priest either were involved in child abuse, or knew it was going on and did nothing about it. As has been discussed before, the fact that you or I never saw anything-I've heard plenty of stories many years later, including one today about a now deceased Regis/Loyola priest-means nothing IMO. Remember,
for every 1,000 kids a priest encounters, they may molest 1 or 2. The fact that a priest is a pillar of the community (aren't they all), and has wonderful relationships with countless children and their families(don't they all), means absolutely nothing. Too many have been wolves in sheep's clothing, and have preyed on the most vulnerable. One only need Google "sex scandal amongst Jesuits" to find a laundry list of sex abuse(and much worse) cases. I have been researching a lot over the past few days, and the more layers of the onion I peel away, the more it stinks. 

Just a couple of sickening examples:
[URL]https://www.adn.com/alaska-new...sts-to-retire-on-a-washington-college-campus/[/URL]

These are not isolated cases.