Father Zachary Navit
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Ordained: 1994
Removed from ministry: 2011
Returned to ministry: 2013
Summary of Allegations against Father Zachary Navit:
Father Zachary Navit was ordained a priest in 1994 and served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. According to media reports, he was one of 21 active priests removed from ministry following a review of his personnel files for prior complaints of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia offered no explanation of the nature of the allegation(s) that led to Navit’s suspension.
In 2013, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s internal review board concluded that Navit “more likely than not” violated the Standards of Ministerial Conduct and Boundaries, but somehow concluded affirmatively that he posed no danger to children. Again, no explanation was offered as to the nature of the allegations or how it is the review board could be so sure that he poses no risk to children. Archbishop Charles Chaput returned Navit to ministry in late 2013.
According to statements from the Archdiocese, violations of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries “include the introduction of pornography, tobacco, alcohol or drugs to a minor, taking pictures of a child while unclothed, or exploiting a child for sexual purposes.”
According to an online biography, Navit now works as the Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care at Saint Mary Center and Saint Mary Villa in Lansdale, PA. He resides at St. Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale and “regularly assists at local parishes.”
Navit is also a licensed attorney.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.