Former St Pius X Priest 'Unsuitable For Ministry'

POTTSTOWN, PA — A reverend who once served at Saint Pius X High School in Pottstown has been found unsuitable for ministry due to allegations he sexually abused a minor, the Archdiocese announced this week.

Reverend Raymond W. Smart, 74, has been found unsuitable for ministry. Smart served at Saint Pius X High School for eight years, from 1974 to 1982.

In 2011, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received an allegation that Smart had sexually abused a minor. This allegation was referred to law enforcement and no criminal charges were filed. The review board was not able to substantiate the allegation and Smart retained his priestly faculties, according to the Archdiocese.

In the spring of 2017, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received another allegation that Father Smart had sexually abuse a minor in the early 1980s. No charges were filed but the review board has found Smart unsuitable for ministry based on a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, the Archdiocese said.

Smart has served at the following parishes, schools and offices:

• Saint Helena Parish, Center Square (1970-1974)
• Newman Chaplain, Montgomery County Community College (1971-1974)
• Saint Pius X High School, Pottstown (1974-1982)
• Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, Philadelphia (1982-1983)
• Chaplain, Saint Gabriel’s Hall, Audubon (1983-1989)
• Bishop Kenrick High School, Norristown (1983-1991)
• Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown (1991-1995)
• health leave (1995-2002)
• retired (2002)
• priestly faculties restricted (2017)
• found unsuitable for ministry (2019).

Additionally, the Archdiocese said Reverend John F. Meyers, 64, has also been found unsuitable for ministry based on a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor in the early 1980s. He had been placed on administrative leave in 2018. He served at parishes across Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Another reverend has been placed on administrative leave. Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Logrip, 73, has been placed on administrative leave following new allegations he sexually abused a minor several decades ago. Law enforcement is now involved in the investigation, and the Archdiocese said it will cooperate fully with authorities.

Logrip also served at parishes in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

RELATED: 6 Disturbing Details From PA Catholic Priest Sex Abuse Report

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