Response to inquiry from NewsChannel 5:
The diocese did receive and takes very seriously a report from Ms. Mason alleging sexual abuse by an unidentified priest as well as physical abuse by religious sisters at Parmadale in the 1960’s. The diocese reported the allegations to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, Cuyahoga County Children & Family Services, and to the diocese’s Review Board. The Review Board’s investigation into the allegation against the unidentified priest is ongoing, and the Review Board’s third party investigator has interviewed Ms. Mason and Ms. Demming as part of that investigation. The Sisters of Charity have commenced their own investigation into the allegations of abuse by the religious sisters of their order.
We continue to pray for anyone who has experienced or been affected by child abuse and encourage anyone who suspects that any cleric has committed child abuse to report their suspicions to law enforcement and to the diocesan confidential response line by phone at 216-334-2999 or by email at response_services@dioceseofcleveland.org.