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Father Richard Joseph Welch served as a priest in the Diocese of Springfield during the mid-twentieth century. Born in Adams, Massachusetts, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1926, at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield. He served at multiple parishes across the diocese, including Sacred Heart Parish in Northampton and Notre Dame Parish in Pittsfield, where he served as assistant pastor from 1941 to 1953.
In June 2021, the Diocese of Springfield publicly released its expanded Report of Findings of Credibility of Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Father Welch was included among deceased clergy for whom a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor had been determined by the Diocese’s review process. The diocese noted that because he was deceased when the allegation was reported, criminal or canonical proceedings were not completed and no formal determination of guilt was made. The allegation identified Notre Dame Parish in Pittsfield as the location of the reported conduct, with a timeframe of approximately 1948 to 1952. In 1953, Father Welch was granted a leave of absence by Bishop Christopher J. Weldon. He later served at Holy Cross Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he died in late December 1969 at the age of 71.
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.
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse by Father Richard Joseph Welch may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Diocese of Springfield for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the diocese for negligent supervision of clergy. Even though Father Welch is deceased, civil proceedings may still enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records — including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations — which may reveal knowledge of prior misconduct or systemic failures within the diocese. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to continue.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy costs, and emotional distress. Equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse.
For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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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