Indianapolis, In. — A priest in Indianapolis with ties to the St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon has now resigned from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis following what officials are calling a “credible” accusation of sexual misconduct has been suspended. Father Patrick Doyle, 68, has resigned as the priest of the Nativity Church after a review board looked at a sexual misconduct allegation from decades ago, officials at the diocese say.
A separate investigation is being conducted by law enforcement.
Here is the full statement from the diocese:
“The Review Board for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has found an allegation of sexual misconduct by Father Patrick Doyle credible. Father Doyle has resigned as pastor of Nativity Parish in Indianapolis. He remains removed from ministry.
The single allegation from decades ago involved an emotional relationship with a vulnerable 18-year-old female.
Members of Nativity Parish were informed of the Review Board’s findings and Father Doyle’s resignation at Masses this past weekend.
The Archdiocese is working with parish leadership to assist the parish through this time of transition and healing and will begin the process for assigning a new pastor.
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is committed protecting children and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse and misconduct. If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of such misconduct, please contact civil authorities and the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Carla Hill at 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 or email her at [email protected].”
In August of 2018 Father John Maung was suspended following an allegation of child sexual abuse.
Fr. Doyle has had numerous ministry assignments. The complete list of his assignments are as follows: 1975, St. Mary-St. Michael, Madison, and part-time instructor, Father Michael Shawe Memorial Jr./Sr. High School; 1979, director, Christian Formation Program, Bishop Chatard High School, and part-time instructor; 1987, administrator, Holy Cross, Indianapolis, and continuing as full-time instructor, Bishop Chatard High School, Indianapolis; 1989, administrator, St. Patrick and Holy Rosary, Indianapolis, while continuing as administrator, Holy Cross, Indianapolis; 1993, priest moderator and sacramental minister, Holy Rosary and St. Patrick, Indianapolis, while continuing as administrator, Holy Cross, Indianapolis; 1993, dean, Indianapolis East Deanery; 1994, sabbatical 1995, pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Indianapolis; 1996, dean, Indianapolis North Deanery, while continuing as pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Indianapolis; 1999, reappointed dean, Indianapolis North Deanery, while continuing as pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Indianapolis; 2000, priest moderator, St. Andrew the Apostle, Indianapolis, while continuing as pastor, St. Joan of Arc and dean, Indianapolis North Deanery; 2001, reappointed pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Indianapolis, while continuing as dean, Indianapolis North Deanery and priest moderator, St. Andrew the Apostle, Indianapolis; 2005, pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Indianapolis; 2010, priest moderator, St. Maurice, Napoleon, while continuing as pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Indianapolis; 2011, reappointed pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Indianapolis, while continuing as priest moderator, St. Maurice, Napoleon.
Fr. Doyle is prohibited from all public ministry while an investigation is pending.
If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of such misconduct, please contact civil authorities and the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Carla Hill.
