Father Thomas Hidding
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Ordained: 1986
Removed: 2002
Death: 2005
Assignment History:
- 1980-1982: Jesuit High School (Tampa, FL)
- Unknown: Jesuit College Prep. (Dallas, TX)
- 1986-1987: The Jesuit Community (Berkeley, CA)
- 1987-1992: Loyola University (New Orleans, LA)
- 1993-1997: University of Tampa (Tampa, FL)
- 1993-1997: Sacred Heart (Tampa, FL)
- 1997-1999: Immaculate Conception (New Orleans, LA)
- 1999-2000: Jesuit Provincial Office (New Orleans, LA)
- 2000-2002: Gesú Catholic Church (Miami, FL)
Summary of Sexual Abuse against Father Thomas Hidding
In 2002, the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus stripped Fr. Thomas Hidding of his “priestly faculties” after learning he allegedly abused a minor in the early 1980s. According to reports, the abuse allegedly occurred at Jesuit High when Fr. Hidding taught English there.
While the province did not release any details about the nature of the abuse or its scope, a spokesperson for the province said the allegations were credible. The Jesuits U.S. Central and Southern Province later named Fr. Hidding on its list of Jesuits with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Student Account of Fr. Thomas Hidding’s Relationship with Students
A former student of Fr. Hidding wrote an article in 2020, reflecting on his relationship with the priest. The student says he received many gifts from Fr. Hidding, including a “belly shirt”—a cut-off t-shirt.
The former student also details how Fr. Hidding had “unsupervised access to students in an isolated building.” Fr. Hidding had formed a folk music trio with two of the former student’s friends, and they practiced in the band building—which was separate from the rest of the school—the article reads.
Fr. Thomas Hidding’s Career and Whereabouts
Fr. Thomas Hidding was ordained in 1986 and served approximately 16 years before his removal. His whereabouts after his dismissal are unknown.
Fr. Thomas Hidding died on October 12, 2005.
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