Wednesday morning, December 12, at approximately 10:00 a.m., agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Father Thomas Rydzewski in the rectory of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, in Baltimore.
Father Rydzewski was Associate Pastor at the Cathedral. Following his arrest, the Archdiocese placed him on administrative leave and removed his faculties to perform ministry, pending further investigation.
Father Rydzewski has been charged in Federal Court with possession of child pornography. He has been released on bond, into the custody of his parents. He is being represented by a private, criminal defense attorney and the Archdiocese is making arrangements for him to receive pastoral care and crisis counseling.
At this time, we have no knowledge of harm to any child in the Cathedral parish or school community. The Archdiocese is fully cooperating with the authorities in this matter. If anyone has information related to any possible misconduct by Father Rydzewski, they are asked to notify the Archdiocese and the FBI. (Contact numbers for the Archdiocese: Father Lawrence Waudby, Chancellor, 410-547-5446; Dr. Ronald Valenti, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, 410-547-5391; Ms. Sheila Kelly, Executive Director of Human Resources, 410-547-5556. Contact number for the FBI: 410-265-8080)
Media Point of contact is Ray Kempisty at 410-547-5378.