The Diocese of St. Petersburg has been made aware of an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor by Rev. John B. Ramsay, a priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, who retired from active ministry in 1977.  Following his retirement, Father Ramsay moved to Florida, where he was employed as a teacher at St. Anthony Catholic School during the 1983-1984 school year.  He was relieved of his position by the school in December 1983 for unprofessional behavior related to boundary violations that did not involve sexual abuse.  During the time of his employment, Father Ramsay also possessed the faculties for ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, which were revoked shortly after his dismissal.  He died on July 26, 1994.

Victims of abuse are encouraged to report crimes to local law enforcement.  They may also wish to contact Mr. John Lambert, the diocesan Victim Assistance Minister at (866) 407-4505.

We continue to pray for all people whose lives have been wounded by crimes of abuse.  We denounce all forms of sexual abuse by any person or any institution as a reprehensible crime and believe that perpetrators should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.