Fr. Thomas Scala – Diocese of Harrisburg

Fr. Thomas Scala - Diocese of Harrisburg

Ordained: 1973

Died: October 2018

Assigned as follows:

Immaculate Conception BVM (Berwick, PA) 1987-1989
St. Columba (Bloomsburg, PA) 1986-1987, 1989-1994
Christ the King Mission (Bloomsburg University) 1986-1987
Good Shepherd (Camp Hill, PA) 1973-1974
St. Joseph Hospital (Lancaster, PA) 1977-1986
St. Joseph (Milton, PA) 1994-2011
St. Joseph (York, PA) 1974-1977

Summary of Allegations against Fr. Thomas Scala:

Thomas Scala was not identified or discussed in the 2018 grand jury report. His name was included on the list of accused priests published by the Diocese of Harrisburg in August 2018, however. Unfortunately, very little information about the allegations against Scala was provided. All the Diocese of Harrisburg has disclosed is that Scala has been the subject of three allegations of sexual abuse. Additional details, such as the age/gender of the victims and Scala's assignment(s) at the time of the allegation were not provided.

That is not to say that Scala's assignment history is without red flags. In our experience, accused priests are often transferred to assignments as chaplains in hospitals and prisons, the thought being that they are not as likely to encounter children. Scala held both assignments. Of course, the assignments are not themselves conclusive that the Diocese of Harrisburg had knowledge that he was a pedophile, but they are suggestive enough to merit additional investigation in litigation.

Scala recently died in October 2018. He had been residing in the Clearwater, Florida, area. His status with the Diocese of Harrisburg is unclear; the Diocese has not confirmed if he was a retired priest receiving pension and benefits, or if he had been laicized (removed from the priesthood by the Vatican). In his obituary, he was identified as "Rev. Thomas Scala," which suggests he was considered a retired priest (hopefully without faculties to minister).

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Harrisburg may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.

Fr. Thomas Scala – Diocese of Harrisburg