Father Paul T. Twiddy

The Troubling Legacy of Paul T. Twiddy: Church Sex Abuse Allegations, and How Survivors Can Seek Justice

The Catholic Church sex abuse crisis continues to reverberate through communities, with stories of survivors and revelations about priests who abused their positions of trust.

One such case is that of Paul T. Twiddy, a priest whose decades-long career was marred by multiple allegations of child sexual abuse, repeated removals and returns to ministry, and ultimately, a legacy of pain for his victims.

This page details the timeline of Twiddy’s career, the church’s response, and offers resources for survivors seeking justice and compensation.

1952:  Ordained
1965:  Abuse first reported to ADW
1965:  Removed from ministry, evaluated and treated
1968:  Cleared for return to ministry
1968-1971:  Accepted assignment in the Diocese of Monterey
1971-1979:  Long-term inpatient treatment after additional report of abuse in CA
1980:  Cleared for return to limited ministry
1980-1986:  In residence at ADW parish with limited responsibilities while in outpatient treatment
1986:  Retired
2009:  Died

Timeline: Paul T. Twiddy’s Career and Abuse Allegations

1952:  Paul T. Twiddy is ordained as a Catholic priest, beginning his ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW).

1965:  The first report of child sexual abuse by Twiddy is received by the ADW. He is removed from ministry, evaluated, and treated. However, after three years, he is cleared to return to the ministry.

1968:  Twiddy is assigned to the Diocese of Monterey in California, where he serves from 1968 to 1971. This transfer, a common practice at the time, placed him in a new community despite his prior abuse report.

1971:  Another report of sexual abuse is made against Twiddy in California. He is placed in long-term inpatient treatment, where he remains until 1979.

1980:  After nearly a decade in treatment, Twiddy is cleared for return to “limited ministry.” He resides at an ADW parish and is given limited responsibilities, while also participating in outpatient treatment. This arrangement continued until 1986.

1986:  Twiddy retires from active ministry. Despite his history, he remains in residence at the parish until his retirement.

2009:  Paul T. Twiddy dies, leaving behind a legacy tarnished by abuse and institutional failures.

The Church’s Response to Abuse Against Minors in the Catholic Church

The case of Paul T. Twiddy is emblematic of a wider pattern of how the Catholic Church handled — and too often mishandled — allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy.

Instead of removing abusers from ministry and notifying law enforcement, church officials frequently opted for internal evaluations, treatment, and reassignment. This approach placed more children at risk and allowed abusers to continue their crimes.

In Twiddy’s case, the ADW removed him from ministry after the first report in 1965, but after three years of treatment, he was cleared to return to ministry in California.

Even after another report of abuse and nearly a decade of inpatient treatment, Twiddy was again allowed to serve in a limited capacity.

This cycle of abuse, treatment, and reassignment is now recognized as a major institutional failure.

The Impact on Survivors: Carrying Trauma for Decades

Survivors of Catholic priest abuse, like those harmed by Paul T. Twiddy, often carry the trauma for decades. Many do not come forward until years after the abuse occurred, due to fear, shame, or mistrust of institutions.

When survivors do speak out, they not only seek justice for themselves but also help protect others and drive much-needed change.

The repeated return of Twiddy to ministry, even after multiple credible allegations and years of treatment, is a stark example of how institutional priorities were placed above the safety and well-being of children.

The pain inflicted by such actions is long-lasting and profound.

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Scandal. Why These Stories Matter

The Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal has led to widespread calls for transparency, accountability, and justice.

High-profile investigations and grand jury reports have revealed the extent of abuse and cover-up, prompting legal reforms and increased support for survivors.

Key issues highlighted by the crisis include:

• Delayed and Inadequate Responses: Reports of abuse were often met with internal investigations and treatment, rather than removal from ministry and criminal prosecution.
• Reassignment of Accused Priests: Instead of being defrocked or reported, many accused priests were transferred to new parishes or dioceses, where they continued to have access to children.
• Barriers to Justice: Survivors have faced legal, emotional, and institutional obstacles in their pursuit of accountability and compensation.

Recent changes in law, such as the Child Victims Act in several states, have expanded the rights of survivors to pursue civil claims, even decades after the abuse occurred.

How The Yost Legal Group Supports Survivors

Survivors of church sexual abuse by Catholic priests, including those harmed by Paul T. Twiddy, deserve compassionate support and skilled legal advocacy.

The Yost Legal Group is committed to helping survivors hold abusers and institutions accountable, secure compensation, and begin to heal.

What The Yost Legal Group Offers:

• Free, Confidential Consultations: Survivors can speak with experienced attorneys at no cost and with complete confidentiality.
• Contingency Fee Representation:  No legal fees are charged unless compensation is recovered.
• Proven Track Record: The Yost Legal Group has successfully represented survivors of clergy abuse and taken on powerful institutions.
• Comprehensive Support:  From filing claims under new laws to negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation, survivors receive guidance and advocacy every step of the way.

Why Legal Action Is Important: Contact The Yost Legal Group

Pursuing justice is not just about financial compensation — it’s about accountability, validation, and helping to prevent future abuse. Survivors who come forward play a crucial role in exposing wrongdoing, protecting others, and driving institutional change.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse, it’s never too late to seek justice. The Yost Legal Group stands with survivors, offering respectful, confidential support and determined advocacy.

Phone: (800)-YOST-LAW or (800)-967-8529

Text: 1-410-659-6800

The story of Paul T. Twiddy is a painful reminder of the failures that allowed abuse to continue within the Catholic Church. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.

With the help of dedicated legal advocates like The Yost Legal Group, survivors can pursue justice, accountability, and healing.

Church Sex Abuse – Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims – Priest Sexual Abuse Claims