Notification Regarding Paulist Fr. Ronald Burt

March 8, 2019

It is with deep regret that we advise those we serve in our ministries, and the public, of a case of sexual misconduct with a minor male by Rev. Ronald Francis Burt, C.S.P. (1921 – 1994).

The abuse occurred between 1973 and 1979. During that time, Fr. Burt was an assistant pastor at Good Shepherd Church in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City.

The abuse was reported in 1986 by the victim to his mother. His mother reported the incident to the Paulist Fathers at that time. Fr. Burt acknowledged the misconduct, spent time in a treatment facility and ultimately was removed from ministry.

In October, 2018, an attorney for the victim contacted the Archdiocese of New York and the Paulist Fathers to report the misconduct by Fr. Burt.

Fr. Burt was ordained a priest on May 1, 1951. During his priesthood, he served at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City (1951 to 1955); St. Paul the Apostle Church in Los Angeles (1955 to 1962); Blessed Sacrament Parish in Johannesburg, South Africa (1962 to 1963); and Good Shepherd Church in New York City (1963 to 1986).

Fr. Burt then resided at the Paulist Fathers residence in Vero Beach, FL, from 1987 to 1992, and the Guadalupe Care & Retreat Center in Cherry Valley, CA, from 1992 until his death on October 24, 1994.

We are deeply sorry for the pain suffered by the victims and survivors of abuse due to actions of some members of our missionary society.

The Paulist Fathers are committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. We follow safety protocols issued by Praesidium, Inc., a national organization that works with religious and other institutions to establish and maintain rigorous standards for protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Any person who has further allegations or concerns about Fr. Burt, or any Paulist Father, is asked to contact Rev. John Behnke, C.S.P., vice president and safety officer of the Paulist Fathers, at (212) 757-8072 or via email at [email protected].

At this time, we are in prayer for all victims and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy, especially minors, that they may receive healing, justice, and peace.