December 30, 2020
The Franciscan Friars Conventual of Our Lady of Angels Province have informed Catholic University that Father Justin Ross, OFM Conv., has been accused of sexual misconduct by a young adult who is not connected to Catholic University.
Father Ross served in the Office of Campus Ministry at Catholic University from summer 2013 to summer 2016. The University has no record of allegations of sexual misconduct against Father Ross during his time here.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has removed the archdiocesan priestly faculties of Father Ross, who is now on an indefinite leave of absence from his ministry in the archdiocese effective immediately. The full statement from the Archdiocese of Baltimore is included below.
Catholic University acknowledges the gravity of sexual abuse at the hands of clergy, and the deep and lasting pain and suffering of survivors. We offer our prayers and pastoral support for survivors, that they and their families encounter healing and peace.
Anyone with information about inappropriate conduct on the campus of The Catholic University of America is encouraged to contact Title IX Coordinator Lou Mejia: 308 McMahon Hall | 202-319-6104|mejial@cua.edu.
More reporting options are available here.
Statement on the Removal of the Priestly Faculties of Father Justin Ross, OFM Conv.
BALTIMORE, MD –The Archdiocese of Baltimore has been informed by the Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Friars Conventual of an allegation of sexual misconduct against Father Justin Ross, OFM Conv. involving a young adult from outside of the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Baltimore has removed the archdiocesan priestly faculties of Father Ross, who had been serving as the Archdiocese’s Delegate for Religious since March 18, 2019 and is now on an indefinite leave of absence effective immediately. Father Ross had been residing at the Franciscan Friary on the campus of Archbishop Curley High School although he was not employed and held no position with the Archbishop Curley High School Community. He is no longer living in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Father Ross is not permitted to minister in any capacity in the Archdiocese of Baltimore while the Franciscan Friars are investigating the allegation.
Anyone with information about inappropriate conduct by a representative of the Church is encouraged to contact the Archdiocese of Baltimore by calling Chancellor Diane Barr at 410-547-5446, by calling the Ethics Hotline at 1-888-572-8026, or by visiting www.archbalt.org and clicking on “Report Misconduct” at the top of the page.
Anyone with information about inappropriate conduct by a Franciscan Friar Conventual of Our Lady of Angels Province is encouraged to contact Father Michael Heine OFM Conv at vicar2@olaprovince.org.
We pray that God gives all victim survivors the courage to step forward, as part of the healing of their pain. May God’s goodness and love empower all victim survivors with hope, strength, and peace.