May 9, 2014 (Louisville, Ky.) On May 8, an individual made a report of sexual abuse to the Archdiocese of Louisville. He reported that as a child he had been sexually abused in the 1970s by Father Joseph Hemmerle.
Per the Sexual Abuse Policies of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Father Hemmerle has been placed on administrative leave, pending investigation, as pastor of St. Francis and Holy Cross Parishes in Marion County. The Archdiocese also has written to the Commonwealth Attorney in Meade County, where the abuse was reported to have taken place, to report the accusation and has advised the person making the accusation to contact the authorities. Letters were sent yesterday to the parishioners of St. Francis and Holy Cross parishes. Outreach will continue to the person making the report and to the parishioners of Fr. Hemmerle’s parishes.
Father Joseph Hemmerle was ordained to the priesthood in 1967.
The Archdiocese is committed to reaching out to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church employees. Anyone who has been victimized should contact Martine Siegel, Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 502/636-1044 or victimassistance@archlou.org.
