DC Priest Form

Were You Abused by Father Thomas W. Lyons ?

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Father Thomas W. Lyons

served:1948 - 1988
ordained:1948
died:1988

Spotlight on Father Thomas W. Lyon

Father Thomas W. Lyons was ordained in 1948 and served in various parishes throughout Maryland until his death in 1988. Decades later, his legacy has become synonymous not with spiritual guidance but with pain and betrayal for many survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Timeline of Events for Father Thomas W. Lyon

1948: Thomas W. Lyons is ordained as a Catholic priest.

1948–1988: Lyons served in multiple parishes in Maryland, including assignments in the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW).

1988: Lyons dies.

2002: Allegations of sexual abuse by Lyons are formally reported to the Archdiocese of Washington. This disclosure comes amid a broader reckoning within the Catholic Church regarding decades of abuse and cover-up.

Summary of Abuse and Reports About Father Thomas W. Lyons

Multiple survivors have come forward to report that Father Lyons sexually abused children during his tenure in Maryland parishes. The abuse allegedly took place over several years, often involving vulnerable children who trusted him as a spiritual leader. Reports indicate that Lyons used his position of authority to manipulate and harm young parishioners, leaving lifelong scars on his victims.

While the exact number of victims remains unclear, the accounts share troubling similarities: abuse committed under the guise of mentorship, secrecy, and a profound violation of trust. These revelations have deeply affected families and communities throughout Maryland.

Convictions and Legal Outcomes About Father Thomas W. Lyons

Father Thomas W. Lyons was never criminally convicted during his lifetime. The abuse allegations only came to light years after his death. A wave of reports emerged in the early 2000s when survivors began to speak out against the systemic cover-up of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

As such, Lyons was never prosecuted, and survivors have sought justice through civil claims and public acknowledgment of the harm done.

Links to Articles and Resources About Archdiocese of Washington Abuse Claims

Archdiocese of Washington List of Credibly Accused Priests

The Washington Post Coverage on Clergy Abuse

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)

How The Yost Legal Group Is Helping Survivors of Clergy Abuse

At The Yost Legal Group, we understand the profound trauma and long-term impact that sexual abuse by trusted clergy can have on survivors and their families.

Our clergy abuse lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors of clergy abuse seek justice, accountability, and compensation.

We provide compassionate legal support, guiding clients through every step of the process—from confidential consultations to pursuing claims under Maryland’s Child Victims Act.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of clergy abuse, you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact a caring child sexual abuse lawyer at (800)-YOST-LAW, (866)-841-4597, or text 1-410-659-6800. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice.