Reverend Steven J. Marinucci has been placed on administrative leave and his priestly faculties have been restricted following an allegation that he sexually abused a minor in the late 1970s.
Today’s Announcement Regarding Reverend Steven J. Marinucci
In late January 2019, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received an allegation that Reverend Steven J. Marinucci sexually abused a minor in the late 1970s. It is the first allegation of this kind lodged against him. This matter has been referred to law enforcement and the Archdiocese will cooperate with authorities in the course of their investigation.
As a result of the allegation, which Father Marinucci has denied, he was placed on administrative leave and his priestly faculties were restricted earlier this week. While on administrative leave he will not be able to exercise his ministry publicly, present himself publicly as a priest, or be present in any parishes or schools.
The information above was shared with parishioners at Saint Matthew Parish in Northeast Philadelphia at all Masses this weekend and counselors were made available to parishioners. Prior to being placed on administrative leave, Father Marinucci had served at that parish since 2010.
The required canonical (church) investigation of Father Marinucci will be launched after law enforcement concludes its work. The Archdiocesan Office of Investigations (AOI) will undertake that canonical process.
The AOI is responsible for conducting internal and canonical investigations following the conclusion of work performed by civil authorities. Currently, the AOI is led by a former First Assistant District Attorney for the City and County of Philadelphia. The AOI also performs investigations in matters that center on alleged activity that is not illegal in nature, but that may violate The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries established by the Archdiocese.
The Director of the AOI oversees the work noted above and is the liaison between the Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Professional Responsibilities Review Board (APRRB). The APRRB was established in 2002 and functions as a confidential advisory body to the Archbishop. It is composed of 12 men and women, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who possess extensive professional experience in investigation, prosecution, child abuse prevention, victim services, and the treatment of sexual offenders. Information regarding the credentials of the APRRB’s members is available at
https://archphila.org/archdiocesan-offices/office-of-investigations/review-board-members/.
The APRRB receives the results of canonical investigations conducted by the Office of Investigations. The APRRB then evaluates all facts and makes a recommendation to the Archbishop regarding an individual cleric’s suitability for ministry so that he can make a decision in the matter.
Biographical Information Regarding Reverend Steven J. Marinucci
Father Marinucci is 71 years old. He was ordained in 1974. He has served at the following parishes, schools and offices: Saint Bernard, Philadelphia (1974-1978); Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, Philadelphia (1975-1979); Saint Bartholomew, Philadelphia (1978-1983); Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls (1980-1983); Our Lady of Fatima, Bensalem (1983-1985); Saint John the Evangelist, Morrisville (1985-1990); Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood (1990-2000); Saint Clement, Philadelphia (2000-2001); Saint Agatha/Saint James, Philadelphia (2001-2010); Saint Matthew, Philadelphia (2010-2019); placed on administrative leave and faculties restricted (2019).
To Make a Report
We recognize that today’s public notice may be painful to victims of sexual violence and exploitation. If you need support or assistance, victim services are available to you through the Victim Assistance Program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or [email protected].
If you would like to report an allegation of sexual abuse or any other criminal activity perpetrated by a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, contact your local law enforcement agency and/or the Archdiocesan Office of Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.
If you would like to report a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, contact the Archdiocesan Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.
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Editor’s Note: To learn more about ongoing efforts within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia over the past 15 years to provide safe environments for the children and young people entrusted to its care and to assist survivors of sexual abuse on their path to healing, please visit www.AOPPledgetoProtect.com.
Contact:Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)