Despite its historical significance, the Diocese of Marquette has been forced to confront serious allegations of sexual abuse by clergy, raising concerns about the protection of the vulnerable.

The Michigan clergy abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are dedicated to supporting survivors in the Diocese of Marquette. Our mission is to ensure survivors receive the justice, compensation, and respect they deserve while helping drive reforms to protect future generations.

Background and Influence of the Diocese of Marquette

The Diocese of Marquette was originally established in 1853 as the Vicariate Apostolic of Upper Michigan and later elevated to a diocese in 1857. Covering the entire Upper Peninsula, it serves a predominantly rural Catholic population through 65 parishes and missions. The diocese’s cathedral, St. Peter Cathedral, located in Marquette, stands as a historical and spiritual landmark for the region.

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Over the years, the diocese has played a significant role in shaping the spiritual and cultural identity of Upper Michigan. With a focus on community engagement and religious education, the diocese has contributed to the well-being of countless families in the region. However, its legacy has been marred by clergy sexual abuse allegations that have surfaced in recent decades.

Under the leadership of various bishops, including the current Bishop John F. Doerfler, the diocese has undertaken efforts to address abuse claims and support survivors.

Nevertheless, these initiatives have not erased concerns regarding past mishandling of cases, leading to increased scrutiny and demands for transparency. Balancing its historical mission with the need for accountability remains a crucial challenge for the Diocese of Marquette today.

Abuse Allegations Within the Diocese of Marquette

The Diocese of Marquette has faced several allegations of sexual misconduct involving clergy members. Below are some notable cases.

Fr. Joseph D. Carne resigned after a credible allegation surfaced regarding sexual misconduct with a minor 27 years earlier. He was placed on health-related leave and permanently removed from ministry due to multiple allegations against him, including the sexual abuse of boys aged 8 to 17, male college students, and an attempt to forcibly kiss a teenage girl.
Fr. Richard T. Craig was permanently removed from ministry after a 12-year-old boy reported to his counselor that he had been sleeping in the same bed as Fr. Craig. Upon learning this, Bishop Schmitt initiated an investigation, leading to a report to Child Protective Services. Fr. Craig underwent treatment at St. Luke’s Institute and Rogers Memorial Hospital.
A woman reported to the Diocese that Fr. Gino S. Ferraro had molested her from the ages of 8 to 17 and alleged that others were also victimized. When she initially disclosed the abuse to another priest, Rev. Raymond Hoefgan, he reportedly dismissed her claims, stating, “Fr. Gino would never have done that.”
Father Aloysius J. Hasenberg was investigated for allegedly raping a cognitively impaired man, whom he had reportedly been paying for sexual acts in the rectory over three years; although police found the allegations credible, no charges were filed. Then, an individual accused Hasenberg of abusing him as an altar boy, followed by another similar allegation. Following this, Bishop Alexander K. Sample temporarily removed Hasenberg from priestly ministry and his residence at Immaculate Conception Parish. The Diocese deemed the allegation credible and referred the case to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In accordance with the Vatican’s directives, Hasenberg was permanently removed from ecclesiastical ministry and prohibited from wearing clerical attire or publicly presenting himself as a priest.
Three people had reported being sexually abused as boys by Fr. James L. Menapace, after which he was permanently removed from ministry. The MI Attorney General’s report notes that Menapace’s personnel file shows a report of him trying to fondle a nun’s breast at a party and that he was inappropriate with teenagers. He was also accused of sexually abusing two boys when they were ages 13-14, at his cottage in Gulliver Lake. The boys and their family, who were relatives of the priest, did not want to notify civil authorities. One of the boys died by suicide, leaving a note that said, “The same Catholic Church that got my dad, got my sister, got me.” His sister later told the diocese that the priest also abused their father and uncle as boys and that she walked in on abuse of her brothers when they were ages 7 or 8. Another allegation of abuse of his cousin, age 13, when a seminarian followed. Fr. James L. Menapace was sent to St. Luke Institute, then allowed limited ministry. However, more reports of abuse of boys surfaced against him. A relative of Menapace reported that he abused her son at ages 7-9. He was accused of abuse of another boy, age 8 or 9. He was reported to have propositioned a teenage boy at Superior State University; who later died by suicide at age 31. There was also an allegation that Menapace impregnated an adult woman. [1]

The list of Michigan priests accused of sexual misconduct in the Catholic Diocese of Marquette includes:

Fr. Casimir Adasiewicz
Fr. Thomas Anderson
Fr. Emil J. Beyer
Fr. Joseph D. Carne
Fr. Leonard Cornelius
Fr. Richard T. Craig
Fr. Thomas P. Dunleavy
Fr. Gino S. Ferraro
Fr. Wilbur M. Gibbs
Fr. Basil Goerner
Fr. Michael F. Hale
Fr. Gerald F. Harrington
Fr. Donald Hartman
Fr. Aloysius J. Hasenberg
Fr. Terrence M. Healy
Fr. Raymond J. Hoefgen
Fr. John G. Hughes
Fr. Gary Allen Jacobs
Fr. Roy Joseph
Fr. Norbert Paul LaCosse
Fr. Frank M. Lenz
Fr. Clement J. LePine
Fr. Mark McQuesten
Fr. James L. Menapace
Fr. Robert J. Monroe
Fr. Aaron Nowicki
Fr. Vincent L. Ouellette
Fr. Wilfred Pelletier
Fr. Anthony J. Polakowski
Fr. Armour R. Roberts
Fr. David H. Rocheleau
Fr. Nelson Daniel Rupp
Fr. Walter J. Sheedlo
Fr. Ephraem Sitko
Fr. B. Neil Smith
Fr. Charles J. Strelick
Fr. Guy S. Thoren
Fr. Bernard Van der Schueren

Legal Proceedings and Investigations into the Diocese of Marquette

The Michigan Attorney General’s office released a detailed report in May 2024 per which, since its establishment, the Diocese of Kalamazoo has faced allegations of sexual misconduct involving 19 priests. Of these, 12 were ordained or incardinated by the diocese. [2]

While some cases resulted in convictions and prison sentences, others remain unresolved due to jurisdictional issues or the statute of limitations. Some of the former include:

Father Terrence M. Healy, who established a foster home for boys during which time several accusations of abuse emerged, pleaded no contest to charges of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy, resulting in a prison sentence of four and a half years. Subsequent reports from men who alleged abuse by Healy during their youth surfaced, and he admitted to sexual involvement with 18 boys, the youngest being 14.
Fr. Gary Allen Jacobs was arrested in New Mexico on multiple charges of criminal sexual conduct involving abuse of minors aged between 13 and 16, as well as a child under 13. He pleaded guilty to charges in four separate cases and was sentenced to 8 to 15 years in prison. Subsequently, he pleaded guilty to additional charges, receiving a concurrent sentence of 8 to 15 years. He was also mandated to register as a sex offender.
Father Roy Joseph, a priest from the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle in India, was removed from ministry after the diocese received a complaint from an adult woman alleging inappropriate behavior by Joseph earlier that year. The woman also filed a police report, after which Joseph was returned to India. He was later charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for another incident, a felony charge punishable by up to life in prison and a lifetime of electronic monitoring.
Father Aaron Nowicki resigned from priestly ministry following allegations of an improper, though not criminal, relationship with a vulnerable adult. These allegations did not involve misconduct with a minor or a criminal offense. However, he was later arrested during a child trafficking sting operation in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He had been communicating online with law enforcement officers posing as a 15-year-old boy and was apprehended upon arriving at a location where he expected to engage in sexual activity. Nowicki was convicted of child sexually abusive activity. [1]

The Diocese’s Role in Enabling Abuse or Cover-Ups

The Diocese of Marquette faced criticism for mishandling abuse allegations, often delaying action or reassigning accused priests. In many cases, the diocese failed to report incidents promptly, prioritizing secrecy and internal management over transparency.

External investigations, including the Michigan Attorney General’s inquiry, exposed these systemic failures. While recent reforms have been promised, decades of inaction caused lasting harm to survivors.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse Within the Diocese of Marquette

Survivors of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Marquette can seek justice through criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

Criminal prosecution is possible, especially with recent extensions to the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. Civil claims allow survivors to pursue compensation for damages and highlight institutional negligence.

Additionally, the diocese offers support services, including counseling and victim advocacy.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offer compassionate, experienced legal representation for survivors of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Marquette. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and work tirelessly to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard and justice is pursued.

Our Catholic clergy abuse lawyers handle every aspect of the legal process, from investigation to litigation, while offering support tailored to each survivor’s needs. Operating on a contingency fee basis, we ensure survivors face no upfront costs—clients only pay if the case is successful.

We represent victims of clergy abuse within the:

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If you or someone you know has been affected by clergy abuse in the Diocese of Marquette, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help. With a deep understanding of these sensitive cases, we offer compassionate support and professional legal guidance every step of the way.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

References: [1] Bishop Accountability, [2] Michigan.gov

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