Father Thomas Shea
Diocese of Norwich
Ordained: 1946
Removed: 1984
Died: 2006
Assigned as follows:
- 1946: Catholic girls summer camp (New Hartford, CT)
- 1946-1949: St. Mary's (Simsbury, CT), Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Washington Depot, CT); Holy Angels (South Meriden, CT)
- 1950-1953: St. Bernard's (Rockville, CT)
- 1953: St. John the Evangelist (Montville, CT)
- 1954-1957: St. Mary Star of the Sea (New London, CT)
- 1958-1962: St. Patrick's (Mystic, CT)
- 1963-1968: St. Stephen's (Putnam, CT)
- 1969-1972: Our Lady of Lourdes (Gales Ferry, CT)
- Mary Mother of the Redeemer in Groton and St. Peter's in Higganum, CT
- 1973-1975 Sick Leave; St. John's (Norwich, CT)
- 1976-1978: St. Joseph's and Sisters of Mercy School (New London, CT)
- 1982-1983: St. John the Apostle; Daughters of the Holy Ghost School (Plainfield, CT)
- 1985-1997 Retired
- 1998-2004: St. Mary Home (West Hartford, CT)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Thomas Shea:
Fr. Thomas Shea was ordained a priest in 1946, who served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Norwich. According to media reports, in 2004, he was accused of molesting at least 16 girls in 11 different parishes over the span of 30 years. The abuse was often recorded as "prolonged kissing" and not as sexual abuse. Parents reportedly complained about the abuse and as a result, Shea was transferred.
In 2005, the Vatican refused to laicize Shea. He died in 2006.
In 2008, one woman's claim was settled. Another woman's suit was settled for $1.1 million in September 2012, just before trial was to begin.
One of the victims was allegedly abused from 1969 to 1971 when she was 10 to 12 years old. The abuse is said to have occurred at Our Lady of Lourdes in Gales Ferry, Connecticut.
In 2019, Shea's name was included on the Diocese of Norwich list with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. It noted he was removed from ministry in 1984.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Connecticut, contact our office today. In July 2021, the Norwich Diocese filed for federal bankruptcy protection. The Court will resolve all claims of sexual abuse in this process but strict filing deadlines will apply and no late claims will be considered, so contact us today. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Connecticut and nationwide. We can help.
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