DC Priest Form

Were You Abused by Father Thomas S. Schaefer ?

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Father Thomas S. Schaefer

served:1953-1995
ordained:1953
removed:1995
died:2009

Summary of Thomas S. Schaefer: A Timeline of Abuse and Accountability

The case of Thomas S. Schaefer is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of institutional failure to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse. The Child Victims Act allows survivors to seek justice and compensation no matter how long ago the abuse happened. If you have a child sexual abuse claim, seek guidance because your voice matters.

Schaefer’s history illustrates a pattern of child sexual abuse, delayed accountability, and the long-term impact on survivors and communities. Here is a summary of his appointments, the reports of abuse, institutional responses, legal consequences, and his final years.

Timeline of Father Thomas S. Schaefer Sexual Abuse Claims

1967: Abuse first reported to ADW (temporarily removed, evaluated and treated, cleared for return to ministry)
1982: Additional abuse reported to ADW (temporarily removed)
1983: Evaluated and treated, cleared for return to ministry
1986: Permanently removed from parish ministry
1986-95: Nursing Home Chaplain
1995: Removed without faculties
1995: Arrested
1996: Convicted

Early Career and Ordination

Thomas S. Schaefer was ordained as a priest in 1953, beginning his ministry within the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW). For years, he served in various parish roles, entrusted with the spiritual care and guidance of his congregations.

First Reports of Abuse and Institutional Response About Father Thomas S. Schaefer

1967: The first allegations of sexual abuse against Schaefer were reported to the Archdiocese of Washington. In response, Schaefer was temporarily removed from ministry, evaluated, and treated. Despite these serious allegations, he was eventually cleared for return to ministry, resuming his duties as a priest.

Additional Reports and Continued Ministry

1982: Additional reports of abuse surfaced and were again brought to the attention of the archdiocese. Schaefer was once more temporarily removed, evaluated, and treated. In 1983, after this second round of intervention, he was again cleared for return to ministry.

Permanent Removal from Parish Ministry

1986: Following a continued pattern of allegations and concern, Schaefer was permanently removed from parish ministry. However, he continued to serve the community in a different capacity.

Nursing Home Chaplaincy

1986–1995: After his removal from parish ministry, Schaefer was assigned as a chaplain in a nursing home, a position he held for nearly a decade.

Final Removal and Legal Consequences

1995: Schaefer was removed from ministry without faculties, meaning he could no longer function as a priest in any official capacity. That same year, he was arrested on charges related to his history of abuse.

1996: Schaefer was convicted for his crimes, marking a significant moment of accountability after decades of institutional inaction.

Death of Father Thomas S. Schaefer

2009: Thomas S. Schaefer died, leaving behind a legacy marked by harm, controversy, and the enduring pain of survivors.

Reflection

The story of Thomas S. Schaefer is one of repeated institutional failures to prioritize the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults.

Despite multiple reports and opportunities to intervene, Schaefer was allowed to return to ministry twice, enabling further harm.

His eventual arrest and conviction brought some measure of justice, but only after years of suffering for his victims.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of priest abuse, know that you are not alone. Support, legal guidance, and compassionate advocacy are available.

A Safe Place for Survivors: The Yost Legal Group

If you are a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, know that you deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. We will file a Sexual Abuse Claim on your behalf.

The Yost Legal Group is dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate environment where you can share your story and explore your legal options—no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Your voice matters. Our experienced clergy abuse lawyers will listen without judgment, answer your questions, and help you understand if you have a claim to seek justice and compensation.

We believe that every survivor deserves the chance to heal and to hold those responsible accountable.

You are not alone. Take the first step toward justice and recovery—reach out to The Yost Legal Group for a free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.