Fr. Lehr Barkenquest (Oblates) – Diocese of Buffalo

| Oct 4, 2019 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Lehr Barkenquest

Diocese of Buffalo

Ordained: 1964

Died: 2019

Assigned as follows:

  •  St. Francis de Sales High School (Toledo, OH)
  •  DeSales Catholic High School (Lockport, NY)
  •  St. Rita Parish (Clarklake, MI)

Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Lehr Barkenquest:

Father Lehr Barkenquest entered the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales after he graduated high school. He made his first Profession of Vows in September of 1954 and was ordained a priest in April 1964. He earned an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the Catholic University of America and completed graduate studies in both Mathematics and Theology. He had a long career in Catholic education, serving as a teacher, treasurer, and principal. He became pastor of St. Rita Parish, Clarklake, MI in 1991 where he served for 22 years. Father Barkenquest died in January 2019.

According to media reports, in August 2019, Father Barkenquest was named in a lawsuit as having sexually abused a male student in the early to mid-1970s at St. Francis DeSales High School in Lockport, NY in the Diocese of Buffalo. His accuser claimed he told a school administrator at the time, but no action was taken.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.