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Father Richard L. Kirouac was publicly identified by the Diocese of Springfield on June 2, 2021, as a priest against whom credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor had been made. According to diocesan records, the reported abuse occurred between 1998 and 2000. Kirouac served at Sts. Patrick and Raphael Parish in Williamstown from 2001 to 2003, when he was removed from public ministry. He was incardinated in the Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy (Ukrainian Rite), not the Diocese of Springfield itself, but he exercised public ministry within its boundaries.
Prior to his assignment in Massachusetts, Kirouac served in Bismarck, North Dakota; Chicago, Illinois; and Houston, Texas, among other locations. The geographic scope of his career raises significant concerns about whether individuals in those communities may also have been harmed.
The Diocese’s decision to include his name in its June 2021 disclosure reflects a broader institutional commitment to transparency and acknowledgment of past harm. For many survivors, public identification of a credibly accused clergy member can be a meaningful step — one that confirms their reports were taken seriously and that their experiences are part of the official record. The passage of time does not diminish the seriousness of these allegations or the lasting impact such abuse can have on a person’s emotional well-being, relationships, and sense of trust.
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.
Even when an accused priest has been removed from ministry or is no longer active, survivors may still have options to seek acknowledgment and accountability. Massachusetts law includes provisions that account for delayed disclosure, particularly in cases involving childhood sexual abuse. Civil claims can focus on the responsibility of institutions that may have failed to protect children, rather than solely on the individual who committed the alleged abuse. Such actions may result in formal recognition of the harm suffered and may provide financial recovery to help address counseling costs, mental health care, and other long-term needs.
Pursuing justice is not only about compensation. It is also about being heard, establishing the truth, and ensuring that what happened is not dismissed or minimized. When survivors come forward, they help expose patterns of concealment or negligence and support stronger safeguards within religious institutions. Taking legal action may restore a sense of agency, reinforce dignity, and contribute to broader accountability within communities that should have prioritized the safety of children.
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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