Brooklyn, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2011 – Paul Gruber, a teacher at Fontbonne Hall Academy, Bay Ridge, has been terminated after an investigation into allegations of alleged abuse proved credible. The alleged abuse took place between 1986-88, with young female members of St. Thomas Aquinas Youth Group, Park Slope.

Upon notification of the alleged abuse, Gruber was immediately placed on leave pending a thorough investigation of the matter and all diocesan procedures were followed.

In an effort to insure the safety and security of all children, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio announced the allegation and findings to the parishes where it was known Gruber has worked. The Bishop requests our prayers for the women who presented the allegations. Even the passage of time has not dimmed their memory of a difficult experience encountered at an early stage of their lives. The diocese continues to offer them pastoral assistance.

The Bishop, once again, takes this opportunity to apologize to all victims of abuse and encourages any person who has been abused by clergy or church personnel to report the abuse to the diocesan reporting line: 888-634-4499. All calls are handled with the utmost respect and confidentiality.