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1 800 686 9921
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1 800 686 9921
Father James Daniel McKenna was ordained in 1950 and served for decades within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. His assignments spanned numerous parishes and institutions, including Holy Name Parish in Springfield, St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Lenoxdale, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Greenfield, and Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, among others.
Father McKenna died on October 7, 2000. In fall 2018, a woman reported to the Diocese of Springfield that McKenna had sexually abused her over approximately 18 months at St. Francis Church in South Lee, beginning when she was a high school sophomore in the early 1970s. She alleged that McKenna regularly served her alcohol in the parish rectory before initiating sexual contact she felt unable to resist. She also reported the alleged abuse to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and to state police.
The Diocese of Springfield opened an investigation in 2019. In June 2021, McKenna was added to the Diocese’s official Report of Findings of Credibility of Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor — a list that the Diocese describes as reflecting allegations determined to be credible by its review process. Survivors connected to any parish where Father McKenna served may have legal rights under Massachusetts law.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
When allegations describe repeated abuse across a period of months or years, survivors may carry profound and lasting harm. Civil claims for childhood sexual abuse may be brought in Massachusetts court, entirely separate from any determination made by a religious institution.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may pursue civil claims seeking accountability from both individuals and the institutions that supervised them. Courts may examine personnel records, prior complaints, and the broader context of oversight and assignment decisions. Civil claims are evaluated independently of any church determination.
Even when an accused priest has died, legal action may still be directed toward the diocese or other entities responsible for his supervision and placement. Inclusion on a diocese’s official list of credibly accused clergy provides public acknowledgment but does not replace or foreclose the civil justice process.
Massachusetts courts have recognized that delayed disclosure is common in cases of childhood sexual abuse, and survivors are encouraged to speak with an attorney about how the timing of disclosure may affect their legal options. Survivors often come forward years or decades later, particularly when public disclosures or diocesan reports validate their experiences. For survivors of Father McKenna, the civil justice system may offer a path toward acknowledgment, transparency, and accountability.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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