Donald W. McIlvane

Ordained:
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh

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

On July 22, 2008, the Diocese of Pittsburgh received a letter from a 43-year-old man who reported that in 1973, he was in the third grade at St. Richard’s and served as an altar boy. On one particular day that year, he was not feeling well and Father Donald W. McIIvane escorted him up to a bedroom in the rectory. After he lay down, McIIvane began to rub his stomach and thighs. McIIvane then started to rub his penis through his clothing and his penis became erect. McIIvane then unzipped his pants and performed oral sex on him.   He was given $5.00 by McIlvane. The male reported that between 1973 and 1977, McIIvane performed oral sex on him at least 40 times per year and that he was always paid afterwards with money from the parish donations.

On September 9, 2008, the Diocese provided the male with a check in the amount of $5,000.00 to help him through some additional financial difficulties.  The money was not intended to be considered as any type of reimbursement or “settlement” related to his claim.

On October 29, 2008, the Diocesan Review Board met and reviewed the allegations. The Board accepted the written material submitted by the male and heard testimony from him. The Board determined that the allegation could not be substantiated because the information was inconclusive and unable to be verified.  The Board then recommended, and Bishop Zubik accepted, that McIIvane be restored to priestly ministry.  The Board voted unanimously that there was no semblance of truth to the allegations.

On January 20, 2009, Father David Bonnar wrote a letter to the male wherein he stated:

“I am sorry that the Independent Review Board did not come back with an outcome for which you were hoping.  Nevertheless, the Diocese of Pittsburgh is still willing to offer counseling and spiritual direction to you.”

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.