Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • Our Team
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Practice
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Fr. James Shaughnessey – Diocese of Harrisburg

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. James Shaughnessey – Diocese of Harrisburg

February 17, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. James Shaughnessey – Diocese of Harrisburg

Fr. James Shaughnessey

Diocese of Harrisburg

Ordained: 1937 Absent on Sick Leave: 1941-1944 Assigned in the Archdiocese of Boston: 1964-1989 Retired (in good standing): 1977 Died: 1989

Assigned in Harrisburg as follows:

  • 1937-1941 St. Mary of the Assumption (Lebanon, PA)
  • 1941-1944 Absent on Sick Leave
  • 1944-1945 St. Lucy (Waltonville, PA)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Fr. James Shaughnessey:

Father James Shaughnessey's name appears on the Diocese of Harrisburg's 2018 list of accused priests. According to the Diocese of Harrisburg, his name is listed not because he was accused of abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg, but rather because he was accused of abusing children in the Archdiocese of Boston. That Shaughnessey spent three years of his young career in Harrisburg absent on sick leave is certainly a red flag that needs additional scrutiny. While the designation in the Official Catholic Directory is not itself conclusive of sexual misconduct, that is the designation most often used to identify accused priests who are sent for inpatient treatment and aftercare following allegations of abuse. The transfer to the Archdiocese of Boston following that sick leave is also suspicious for the same reasons. It is not uncommon for an accused priest to be barred from ministry in his home diocese following repeated allegations, such that they need to find a "benevolent bishop" in another diocese to take them in if they wish to continue in the priesthood. Whether that was the case with Shaughnessey would require additional investigation into the records maintained by both dioceses. Once Shaughnessey left for the Archdiocese of Boston, he never returned to ministry in Harrisburg. According to the Archdiocese of Boston, Shaughnessey died in 1989. 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. Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your legal options today.

Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • What Kind of Attorney Handles Sexual Abuse Cases?
  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap