Fr. Thomas J. Bauernfeind – Archdiocese of Baltimore
Fr. Thomas J. Bauernfeind
Ordained: 1963
Removed: 2002
Died: 2003
Assignment History
1964-1968: St. Francis of Assisi (Baltimore, MD)
1968: Holy Cross (Baltimore, MD)
1968-1978: Catholic Center & St. Anthony of Padua (Washington, DC)
1978-1979: St. Mark (Catonsville, MD)
1979-1988: St. Lawrence (Woodlawn, MD)
1988-1991: Our Lady Queen of Peace (Baltimore, MD)
1992-1996: St. Anthony of Padua (Washington, DC)
1995-1996: Most Precious Blood (Baltimore, MD)
1996-1998: St. Alphonsus (Baltimore, MD)
Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Thomas J. Bauernfeind
Father Thomas J. Bauernfeind was a Catholic priest who worked in multiple parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland. In 2002, Fr. Bauernfeind was listed on the Archdiocese of Baltimore's Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of Minors list. In April 2023, Maryland's Attorney General released a report alleging 156 Catholic clergy members sexually abused at least 600 children over six decades. The report lists the names of the abusers, including Fr. Bauernfeind.
According to the AG's report, in February 1987, a victim reported to the Archdiocese that she was sexually abused by Bauernfeind ten years earlier when she was 16 years old and working at the St. Anthony rectory. Bauernfeind, who then held the office of Chancellor of the Archdiocese, fondled, kissed, and "attempted sexual relations" with her numerous times. She reported that Bauernfeind talked to her about masturbation, told her how he could "satisfy her," and that he wanted to know how she would "feel naked." The victim stated she would take food to Bauernfeind's room, and on a few occasions, he tried to molest her. The victim said that Bauernfeind was usually drunk and aggressive. The victim further reported that, on one occasion, Bauernfeind invited her to his room, locked the door, said, "How do you feel without these clothes on," and attempted to rape her, tearing her blouse in the process.
Bauernfeind admitted that he had abused the victim, though he claimed to be unable to remember the specifics of particular incidents and denied sexually abusing any other victims. In March 1987, Bauernfeind was sent for four days of "Psychotheological Evaluation and Assessment" at the International Therapeutic Center for Clergy and Religious at the House of Affirmation in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Bauernfeind continued to serve in pastoral roles until his retirement in 1998.
Bauernfeind was removed from ministry in 2002 and included on the Archdiocese of Baltimore's list of credibly accused clergy of sexually abusing minors in 2002. After that list came out, a second victim reported that, in approximately 1974, when she was 17 years old and working as a secretary in the Archdiocese's administrative office, Bauernfeind abused her on multiple occasions, both in the office and at the St. Anthony rectory. Bauernfeind died in 2003.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Maryland, contact our office today. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse nationwide. We can help. Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.