Sister Eileen Shaw
Diocese of Paterson
Ordained: Unknown
Removed: 1994
Assigned as follows:
- Visitation Academy (Paramus, NJ)
- St. Cecilia Elementary School (Kearney, NJ)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Sister Eileen Shaw:
Sr. Eileen Shaw was a member of the Sisters of Charity. According to media reports, in 1994, a woman accused her of sexually abusing her when she was a 15-year-old student at Paramus Catholic Girls High School. The woman claimed she confided in Shaw, telling her that her now-dead uncle, who was a priest had sexually abused her starting at the age of 5.
The woman reported the nun’s abuse to officials with the Sisters of Charity, but no action was taken. At the time the allegations surfaced, Shaw was principal at Visitation Academy and she was removed from her position.
Her alleged victim said Shaw seduced her with praise, gave her gifts, and took her on trips. She said she regarded the nun as her mentor. She told her how to dress and style her hair, and discouraged her from dating boys. She said the nun gave her drugs and alcohol to relax her before the abuse occurred in various locations including Shaw’s bedroom at St. Catherine Convent and Xavier Center in Convent Station, a Sisters of Charity retreat.
The victim said, “She stole from my body, my mind, and my soul. The woman was a thief who did not keep her vows”.
In 1994, when the woman called a lawyer, the Order provided the woman with therapy and a settlement of $70,000. The Sisters of Charity “substantiated the sister’s improper conduct”. She was removed from ministry and barred from working with anyone under age 21.
“She accepts responsibility for her actions and the harm that they have caused. She continues to pray daily about this,” it said.
In 2004, she was working as an administrator of the Caritas Community in Jersey City, a retirement home for nuns. As of 2019, Shaw is reportedly still a nun but has restricted access to outside ministry. The church still provides her with housing and food.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Paterson. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Paterson, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Paterson now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an email to [email protected] to discuss your options today.