“Saint John’s is pleased to announce that the most ambitious capital campaign in its history, One Generation to the Next, has come to a successful close, bringing unprecedented support and new opportunities for current and future generations of students, faculty and scholars.”

Link: http://www.sjualum.com/supportSJU/campaign/Pages/default.aspx

Total Raised: $168 Million

Amount raised to assist victims of predator monks/employees: $0
Amount raised to tighten security on predator monks/employees: $0
Amount raised to raise awareness about predator monks/employees: $0

Special thanks to Abbot John Klassen for delaying the announcement of monk offenders.
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The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are seeking comments from the public about the Colleges in preparation for their periodic evaluation by their regional accrediting agency. The Colleges will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit Oct 13-15, 2008, by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University have been accredited by the Commission since 1933 and 1950, respectively. The team will review the institutions’ ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation.
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Father Thomas study philosophy and theology at Saint John’s University in preparation for ordination. His first, and most of his other pastoral assignments, was in Minnesota, but he was a missionary and teacher in Puerto Rico from 1968 to 1975 when he returned to his home state to serve as pastor or chaplain at various locations.
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Three new names added to “The List”: Othmar Hohmann, Cyril Gorman, Anthony Ruff

Regarding Father Tom Andert… a new victim has come forward. The abuse allegedly occurred in the late 70’s while the minor victim was a student at St. John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville, MN. Abbot John Klassen refuses to return phone calls or emails. As a result, the new allegations will be posted on this site in the near future. We feel that Father Tom Andert should resign as prior of the abbey.

Regarding Bruce Wollmering… we have received information regarding harassment claims against Wollmering and his dismissal from the University. The Abbey and University allegedly covered up the harassment claims, failed to report the claims to the proper authorities and allowed Wollmering to stay on as an instructor, then resign at the end of the semester. Wollmering has also allegedly admitted to relationships with at least three university students.

Regarding Abbot John Klassen… we are deeply troubled by the Abbot’s decision to not send a letter to the alumni regarding the allegations against Michel Bik and Bruce Wollmering because of the effect that such a letter might have on the university’s capital campaign. Now that the capital campaign is over, we are calling on the abbot to notify all potential victims of Michael Bik, Bruce Wollmering, and all of the monk offenders.

Regarding Jonathon Licari… why did Licari resign from the External Review Board after serving just a few short months? We are ging the abbot and Licari an opportunity to address this issue before making it public on this web site.

The 23rd Annual Monastic Institute opened Sunday evening with a short welcoming address by Abbot John Klassen of St. John’s Abbey. More than 100 members of monastic communities - some from as far away as Australia - have gathered to consider the meaning of obedience and authority within modern monastic and other intentional communities.
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Bruce Wollmering, though accused of misconduct and having admitted to relationships with students, has won an award!

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COLLEGEVILLE — The spokesman for St. John’s Abbot John Klassen will move to Rome in August to serve as Secretary General of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, it was announced Wednesday.

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Pope Benedict hasn’t disciplined or spoken out against diocese or religious orders, including St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn., which allows a convicted clergy sex offender to repeatedly lead retreats on its grounds, and misleads the public about its so-called monitoring of predator monks. In fact, the pope just welcomed the abbot and others from the abbey to the Vatican a few weeks back to promote a Bible the abbey publishes.
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In 1994, Father Tom Andert sent a series of letters to a high school student. During the time these letter were written, Andert was able to get the student out of class to go on walks. Andert also took the student into the Twin Cities where Andert showed the student gay bars. Andert’s hand made it to the student’s thigh on more than one occasion in the car and in Andert’s prep School office, where Andert held the position of headmaster (or principal). Andert’s grooming behavior was interrupted when an adult brought his affections to the attention of Abbot Timothy Kelly. Andert left the Prep School soon after. In 2002, Abbot Klassen agreed to pay for therapy for the victim. Because there was no reported “sexual” contact, Andert has never been disciplined. Instead, he has been elevated to the position of Prior. See: Letters from Tom

Webmaster’s note: This article, highlighting Fr. Alan Tarlton, should mention that he is currently on restriction for sexual misconduct. Between 1976 and 1985, Tarlton was inappropriate with at least eight students. Actions ranged from the masturbation a student to oral and anal sex.
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