According to the USCCB Charter, Dioceses are to have “a review board that functions as a confidential consultative body to the bishop/eparch. The majority of its members are to be lay persons not in the employ of the diocese/eparchy (see norm 5 in Essential Norms, 2006). This board is to advise the diocesan/eparchial bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and in his determination of a cleric’s suitability for ministry. It is regularly to review diocesan/eparchial policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors. Also, the board can review these matters both retrospectively and prospectively and give advice on all aspects of responses in connection with these cases” (art. 2; cf. also Essential Norms, norm 4).
According to the USCCB Essential Norms, “The review board, established by the diocesan/eparchial bishop, will be composed of at least five (5) persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church. The majority of the review board members will be lay persons who are not in the employ of the diocese/eparchy; but at least one (1) member should be a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the diocese/eparchy in question, and at least one (1) member should have particular expertise in the treatment of the sexual abuse of minors. The members will be appointed for a term of five (5) years, which can be renewed. It is desirable that the Promoter of Justice participate in the meetings of the review board” (norm 5).
Diocesan Review Board Members
Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
Reverend Gerald W. Shantillo, V.G., S.T.L.
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
Mary Beth Pacuska, RN, MSN
Review Board Member
Eugene M. Talarico, Jr., Esq.
Review Board Member
Lisa Janoski, Esq.
Review Board Member
Sister Mary Helen Nugent, RSM.
Review Board Member
Frank Majikes
Review Board Member
Reverend Paul A. McDonnell, O.S.J.
Review Board Member
Joseph A. O’Brien, Esquire
Review Board Member