Notice of Credible Allegation of Abuse

June 2, 2020

 

Bishop Johnston and diocesan leaders recognize how difficult it can be for a survivor of clergy sexual abuse to come forward and appreciate the great courage it takes in making a report to the Church.

The Diocese has received and deemed credible an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by deceased Father Michael Spegele, CPPS. This allegation was deemed credible following the diocesan Policy for Response to Allegations, by the Ombudsman, the Independent Review Board and Bishop Johnston. The abuse occurred in the 1960’s when Fr. Spegele was assigned as Pastor at St. Ludger Parish, Germantown, Missouri. In 1990, St. Ludger Parish closed and became a mission of Immaculate Conception Parish in Montrose, MO.

Fr. Spegele has been added to the diocesan List of Diocesan Clergy With Substantiated Abuse Allegations, which can be found on the diocesan website here.  The Diocese of Bismarck, ND, also published Fr. Spegele on their diocesan list of Clergy with Substantiated Sexual Abuse of a Minor regarding a separate substantiated allegation.

Fr. Spegele was born May 29, 1915, in Germany and ordained for the Society of the Precious Blood (CPPS) on June 14, 1941.  He served in parishes in Ohio and North Dakota in his first decade as a priest.  In the 1950’s, he practiced ministry in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. In the 1960’s he practiced in Wisconsin, Missouri (St. Ludger) and then Idaho.  He departed the Society of the Precious Blood on November 5, 1970, and was incardinated within the Diocese of Boise, Idaho. Fr. Spegele retired in 1992 and died in 1998.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph takes very seriously any allegations of sexual abuse made against employees, clerics or volunteers who serve in the diocese. Anyone who has knowledge of such abuse or inappropriate behavior is encouraged to make a confidential report with the Ombudsman.  If you were harmed by Fr. Spegele or any other person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese, no matter how long ago, the diocese wants to provide care and healing resources to you and your family. Please contact the Ombudsman, Joe Crayon, at 816.812.2500 or crayon@ombudsmankcsj.org.

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