News Release
July 28, 2008
Cardinal Justin Rigali has received an allegation that Reverend Gerard J. Hoffman sexually abused a minor more than 30 years ago. Cardinal Rigali has relieved Father Hoffman of his assignment pending formal investigation.
This is the first allegation of sexual abuse of a minor that the Archdiocese has received regarding Father Hoffman. Since 2002, he has been assigned as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Doylestown, Bucks County. Father Hoffman is no longer residing at the parish rectory as of a week ago.
An announcement was made this past weekend at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish regarding Father Hoffman. Counselors from the Archdiocese Victim Assistance Office were available after Masses and parishioners were urged to contact the Archdiocese Victims Assistance Coordinators at 1-888-800-8780 or the Network of Victim Assistance of Bucks County if they had concerns or if anyone wished to make a report of the sexual abuse of a minor.
Father Hoffman was ordained in 1973. Since that time he has served in the following parishes/schools prior to his assignment at Our Lady of Mount Carmel: St. Teresa of Avila, Valley Forge; St. Basil the Great, Kimberton; St. Isaac Jogues, Wayne; King of Peace, Philadelphia; St. John the Evangelist, Philadelphia; assistant pastor at Cathedral Basilica SS. Peter and Paul; faculty member at St. Pius X High School, Pottstown; Saint John Neumann High School, Philadelphia; and Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that this public notice may be painful to those who have experienced sexual abuse within the Church. If someone needs assistance please contact the Victim Assistance Office for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780.
Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747