Frank Meder

Ordained: n/a
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh

From Report I of the 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

On August 1, 2011, Bishop Zubik received a letter from an adult female who reported that Brother Frank Meder inappropriately touched her in the late 1950’s when she was approximately eight or nine years of age.  She stated that Meder would invite the Troy Hill neighborhood children into the North Catholic High School to give them leftovers from the cafeteria such as drinks or candy. She stated that she followed Meder into his office and sat on his lap.  He then fondled her.  She stated that this abuse occurred to many children who visited the school.

On April 6, 2014, an adult male contacted the Diocese of Pittsburgh to report that he also had been abused by Meder when he was approximately 10 or 11 years of age (1953 or 1954). He stated that Meder invited the Troy Hill neighborhood children into North Catholic High Shool to see his stamp collection on Saturdays.  Meder then took each child into his office located behind the kitchen and molested them. He reported that this occurred for at least two years. He also reported abuse by Brother Hildebrand.

On May 5, 2014, another adult male reported inappropriate sexual contact by Meder that occurred between 1955 and 1957 at North Catholic High School, when he was approximately eight to 10 years of age.  He came to know Meder because his mother worked at the school. After his father died, Meder offered to cut his hair as well as his brother’s hair for free in order to help his mother save money. During these monthly haircuts (which always occurred on Saturdays), Meder would rub the boys’ thighs and smack their buttocks. Meder would then give them a bag of chips and some pop.  The male’s brother was contacted and confirmed this information.

On May 7, 2014 a third adult male contacted the Diocese to report inappropriate sexual contact by Meder that occurred in the mid-1960’s at North Catholic High School when he was approximately nine to 10 years of age.  He stated that he and other children from the Troy Hill neighborhood encountered Meder in the summer. Meder invited them into the school where he took each child into his office, one at a time. He reported hat Meder gave them candy, but only after he spanked them.  This occurred on approximately six occasions.

On May 8, 2014, a fourth adult male contacted the Diocese to report sexual abuse by Meder in 1953 or 1954 when he was 10 or 11 years of age.  He stated that, Meder invited the children into North Catholic High School on Saturdays. He often gave the children pop and candy. He would then line the children up, and have them take turns sitting on his lap in a rocking chair in his office.  The office was located behind the kitchen.  He recalled that as a child, he “always wondered what was in Brother Franks’ pants.” When he got older, he realized that Brother Frank had an erection. He also provided information about abuse by Brother Keegan.

The Diocese offered counseling to the victims, but they declined.  They were informed that the incidents would be reported to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and to the Provincial for the Marianist community.

Additional information regarding the widespread sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Dioceses of Pennsylvania and the systemic cover up by senior church officials is compiled in the Pennsylvania Diocese Victim’s Report published by the Pennsylvania Attorney General following a two-year grand jury investigation.  A complete copy of the Report is available on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s website.