Father James J. Powderly
Archdiocese of Washington
Ordained: 1958
Died: 2004
Assigned as follows:
- 1958 – 1961 St. Michael’s (Silver Spring, MD)
- 1961 – 1962 St. Stephen’s (Washington, DC)
- 1962 – 1965 Immaculate Conception (Washington, DC)
- 1965 – 1966 St. Elizabeth’s (Rockville, MD)
- 1966 – 1969 Absent on Leave or Assigned Elsewhere
- 1969 – 1975 St. Thomas More (Washington, DC)
- 1969 – 1973 Mackin High School (Washington, DC)
- 1973 – 1999 Archdiocesan Consultant on Alcoholism Problems
- 1975 – 1998 St. Mary’s (Rockville, MD)
- 1986 – 1998 Our Lady of China (Rockville, MD)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father James J. Powderly:
According to media reports, in 2005, the Archdiocese of Washington received an allegation that Father James J. Powderly sexually abused a boy from 1974-1977, beginning when the boy was age 14. The abuse allegedly included masturbating the boy. Father Powderly was also accused of abusing the boy’s sister. The allegation was first reported to the Archdiocese in 1997, but no action was taken.
In 1998, Father Powderly retired without faculties and went to live at the Cardinal O’Boyle Residence for Priests in Washington, DC. In October 2004, he died while still a priest.
In October 2018, Father Powderly’s name appeared publicly on the Archdiocese of Washington’s list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Washington. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Washington, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Washington 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.