Fr. Mark Friel – Diocese of Buffalo

| Oct 11, 2019 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Mark Friel

Diocese of Buffalo

Mark Friel Horowitz Law

Ordained: 1963

Removed: N/A

Died:  2023

Assigned as follows:

  • 1964                St. Mary’s (East Arcade, NY)
  • 1965-1972      Assumption (Lackawanna, NY)
  • 1973                St. John Vianney (Orchard Park, NY)
  • 1974                Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Lancaster, NY)
  • 1975-1977      Our Lady Church (Lancaster, NY)
  • 1978-1981      Infant of Prague (Cheektowaga, NY)
  • 1982-1986      Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul (Jamestown, NY)
  • 1987                Awaiting assignment
  • 1988-1989      St. Mary of the Cataract Church (Niagara Falls, NY)
  • 1990-2003      Chaplain, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Centers (Niagara Falls, NY)
  • 1990-2003      St. Mary of the Cataract Church (Niagara Falls, NY)
  • 2004-2017      Sheehan Residence for Priests (Buffalo, NY)

Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Mark Friel:

According to media reports, in March 2018, Father Mark Friel’s name was included in the Diocese of Buffalo’s list of priests who “were removed from ministry, were retired, or left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.” No information regarding the allegations was disclosed. He is believed to currently be living in a residence for retired priests that is around the corner from West Side Academy, a Catholic elementary school on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, NY.

In September 2019, a lawsuit named Father Friel alleging abuse of a Jamestown minor when the teen was 17 and 18 years old. The lawsuit alleges Father Friel assaulted and committed battery to the child in the rectory of Ss. Peter and Paul from January 1985, through the end of December 1986.

In 2020, Father Friel was named in another lawsuit against the Diocese of Buffalo. He was accused of sexually abusing a minor at Holy Apostles Parish of Jamestown (formerly known as Saints Peter & Paul).. . In April 2020, he was one of 23 priests removed off of the Diocese of Buffalo’s payroll through an agreement reached with survivors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Mark Friel died at age 88 on February 24, 2023.

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.