Father Donal Ward
Diocese of Burlington
Ordained: 1963
Removed: 2002
Died: 2018
Assignment History
- 1963 Christ the King (Rutland, VT)
- 1963-1967 St. Mary (Middlebury, VT)
- 1967-1968 University of Notre Dame (post-grad studies) (South Bend, IN)
- 1968-1969 Mount St. Joseph Academy (Faculty) with residence at College of St. Joseph the Provider (Rutland, VT)
- 1969-1975 University of Notre Dame, (continued studies) (South Bend, IN)
- 1976-1985 North American Martyrs (Marshfield, VT)
- 1985-1991 St. Monica (Barre, VT)
- 1991-2002 St. Peter (Vergennes, VT)
Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Donal D. Ward:
Father Donal D. Ward served in the Diocese of Burlington in Vermont for approximately 39 years. According to media reports, in May 2002, he was placed on leave after being identified as an active priest with past accusations of abuse of a minor.
In September 2002, the Attorney General referred to one priest being investigated who “groomed” a young man until he was 17 (legal age), then began a sexual relationship with him. Father Ward admitted to a consensual sexual relationship with a young adult male but denied any grooming.
In October 2002, he resigned from St. Peter’s upon Bishop Kenneth Angell’s orders, and his public priestly faculties were revoked. He died in 2018.
In August 2019, Father‘s name appeared publicly on the Diocese of Burlington’s list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors.
The attorneys at Horowitz Law have a long history of representing survivors of child sex abuse. If you or someone you know was abused by a priest in the Diocese of Burlington, please contact Horowitz Law today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve. The Burlington Diocese has filed for federal bankruptcy protection, and strict deadlines will soon be set by the bankruptcy court. Please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or e-mail sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected] for a free consultation to discuss your options today.