Father Joseph Schuster
Ordained: 1966
Leave of Absence: 1991
Died: 2007
Assigned as Follows:
- 1966-1967: St. Isadore (East Otto, NY)
- 1967-1968: Holy Name of Jesus (Buffalo, NY)
- 1968-1970: Diocesan Preparatory Seminary (Buffalo, NY)
- 1970-1974: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Niagara Falls, NY)
- 1974-1978: Catholic Worker House (Niagara Falls, NY)
- 1983-1990: Catholic Worker House (Niagara Falls, NY)
- 1991: Not indexed
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Joseph Schuster:
According to media reports, Father Joseph Schuster was publicly accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy back in 1968. His accuser claimed to have met the priest at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, where Father Schuster often helped out. He alleged that Father Schuster pressured him to stay overnight in the rectory when it got too dark for the boy to ride his bike home after an event. He claimed Father Schuster insisted they sleep in the same bed, which lead to the alleged sexual abuse. The boy said he told his mother what had happened the very next day. He also said that he was the first of many victims.
The Diocese of Buffalo stated that Father Schuster was not on its updated list of accused clergy that March, because it only included priests with two or more allegations. In 1991, Joseph Schuster was granted a leave of absence. It is not known whether or not he has been officially laicized from the church, but he did end up marrying a man and adopting three sons.
He died in July 2007.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo 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 Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo 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.