January 14, 2020
Sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy is an evil that deeply impacts the person abused, their family and the larger community. The recent news of the indictment of Fr. Jack Spaulding brings up many emotions and feelings. He was assigned to several parishes throughout the Diocese of Phoenix:
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale, June 1971-September 1975
- Christ the King in Mesa, September 1975-November 1976
- Santa Teresita in El Mirage, November 1976-September 1977
- St. Louis the King in Glendale, September 1977-August 1979
- St. Raphael in Glendale, August 1979-October 1979
- St. Helen in Glendale, October 1979-August 1980
- St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale, November 1982-August 1996
- St. Thomas the Apostle in Phoenix, August 1996-November 2002
- St. Gabriel the Archangel in Cave Creek, November 2002-June 2005
- St. Timothy in Mesa, July 2005-June 2011
He was suspended from ministry in 2011 because of a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor. In 2014 a special tribunal convened by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith found him guilty of sins against the sixth commandment, which is currently pending an appeal.
At this time, the Diocese of Phoenix is aware of six individuals who have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct against Rev. Jack Spaulding. We encourage anyone who is aware of abuse to please contact law enforcement and to seek help. It takes courage for people to come forward in the hope that justice will be served. Bringing these terrible actions to light can be painful but we trust that God’s grace and healing is greater than any evil act.
Let us be united in prayer for the healing of our community, for the true repentance and conversion of those who have abused, and especially for the victims of abuse and their families.
