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Father Paul R. McCarthy was ordained in 1980 and served in the Archdiocese of Boston. He was later accused in a civil lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy between the ages of 11 and 12 during 1989 and 1990 while assigned to St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood. The lawsuit was settled in July 2021 for an amount reported to be in the high five figures.
According to statements attributed to the Archdiocese of Boston, Father McCarthy has been absent without leave since 2005. His name has since been included on the Archdiocese of Boston’s public list of accused clergy. The listing notes that he had been laicized on grounds unrelated to the abuse allegation prior to its public disclosure.
Together, the civil settlement and the Archdiocese’s public listing reflect both legal accountability and ecclesiastical action in this case. Survivors connected to any parish where Father McCarthy served — including St. Mary’s Church in Charlestown, Our Lady of Grace Church in Chelsea, St. Ann’s Church in Somerville, St. Catherine of Siena Church in Norwood, and St. Augustine Church in Boston — 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 a civil lawsuit results in a settlement, survivors may achieve a measure of accountability, even if the case does not proceed to trial. Settlements can bring allegations into the public record and may encourage others to come forward with similar experiences.
Civil court operates independently from church disciplinary processes. In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may pursue claims against individuals and institutions responsible for supervision and placement. Courts may consider whether appropriate safeguards were in place and whether church leadership responded responsibly to known concerns.
Laicization or absence from ministry does not prevent civil accountability. Church discipline addresses clerical status, while civil litigation focuses on legal responsibility and damages under state law.
Massachusetts law recognizes that disclosure of childhood sexual abuse is often delayed. Survivors may come forward decades after the alleged events, particularly when they learn that a settlement has occurred or that a name has been added to a public list. Depending on the circumstances, legal remedies may still be available.
For many survivors, civil proceedings provide acknowledgment and documentation of harm. They create a formal record and promote transparency regarding institutional response. The civil justice system offers a structured path for accountability separate from internal church action.
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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