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Father James T. McDonald was ordained in 1953 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston for decades. In 1993, a woman reported that he had sexually abused her when she was 14 years old. In 1994, another woman stated that he had abused her at age 10. Following these reports, he was removed from active ministry in 1994.
When his personnel file was released in February 2003, it contained allegations that he had abused several girls. Records indicate that he admitted to abusing four to five girls. In 1996, another woman came forward alleging abuse that occurred in 1965 and 1966. In 1997, Father McDonald wrote a letter of apology to that woman, but the Archdiocese did not provide it to her until 2003. At least one known survivor reached a civil settlement with the Archdiocese. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other case.
Father McDonald retired in 1996 and died in 1999. Cardinal Law officiated at his funeral. His name was included on the Archdiocese of Boston’s August 2011 list of accused priests. Survivors who were abused by Father McDonald 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 personnel records reflect admissions of abuse and the delayed disclosure of critical documents — including a written apology withheld from a survivor for years — serious questions arise about institutional accountability and the Archdiocese’s handling of abuse disclosures. Civil litigation under Massachusetts law provides an independent forum for examining these issues, one that operates separately from the Archdiocese’s internal actions, such as removing a priest from ministry or accepting his retirement.
In cases involving documented admissions or withheld communications, courts may evaluate how information was handled and whether church officials responded promptly and transparently. Delayed disclosure of critical documents can become relevant in assessing both individual misconduct and supervisory failures at the institutional level.
Even when a priest has died, civil claims may proceed against the Archdiocese if legal standards for negligence or other liability are met. Each claim is evaluated based on its own facts, evidence, and applicable statutes.
For many survivors, pursuing civil justice means acknowledgment, transparency, and the opportunity to have their experiences formally recognized. The civil justice system offers structured procedures for reviewing evidence and determining responsibility, independent of ecclesiastical determinations.
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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