Monsignor Henry Francis Zerhusen
Ordained: 1953
Elevated to Monsignor: 1990
Retired: 2000
Died: 2003
Assignment History
- 1953: St. Martin Church (Baltimore, MD)
- 1953-1964: St. Clement Church (Rosedale, MD)
- 1964-1968: Our Lady, Queen of Peace (Middle River, MD)
- 1968-1987: St. Ambrose Church (Baltimore, MD)
- 1987-1995: St. Anthony Church (Gardenville, MD)
- 1995-2000: St. Mark Church (Catonsville, MD)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Monsignor Henry Francis Zerhusen
Msgr. Henry Francis Zerhusen was ordained a Catholic priest in 1953 and worked in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. 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 Msgr. Farabaugh.
According to the Attorney General's report, in 2013, Msgr. Zerhusen was accused of abusing an 8/9-year-old boy in 1982-1983 while assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Ambrose Church in Baltimore, MD. According to the allegations reviewed by the Attorney General's office, the victim's grandmother was a long-time church employee and would bring the victim with her, sending him to spend time with Zerhusen. On five to ten occasions, Zerhusen brought the victim to his room and sexually abused the child under the guise of giving him a medical exam, according to the report. The report describes the abuse stating Zerhusen brought the victim to his room, pulled down the victim's pants, and touched his penis. A legal case relating to the abuse was later settled.
According to the Attorney General Report, another priest residing at St. Ambrose was actively abusing a girl while Zerhusen lived with him. He also supervised two other priests accused of sexual abuse, Fr. Charles Rouse and Fr. Thomas Bauernfeind.
Zerhusen's name does not appear on the Archdiocese of Baltimore's list of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse. Zerhusen 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.