The Rev. Stephen J. Halabura, 87, who has been retired for 11 years, has been found unsuitable for ministry after an investigation of an incident that Father Halabura self-reported to the Diocese of Allentown.

In May 2019, Halabura admitted sexually abusing a minor in the early 1980s.

After Halabura self-reported the incident, Bishop Alfred Schlert removed Halabura from ministry, and law enforcement was notified.

As the result of the Diocese’s investigation, conducted by an independent investigator, the allegation was determined to be credible. The Independent Review Board, a panel of experts that advises the bishop on clergy abuse matters, recently recommended that Father Halabura was unsuitable for ministry. Bishop Schlert accepted the recommendation. Father Halabura remains barred from ministry.

Halabura’s name has been added to the list of credibly accused priests on the diocesan web page, https://sp.allentowndiocese.org/priests

The incident occurred at the former St. Anthony of Padua parish in Millmont, which was later closed and merged into St. John Baptist de la Salle in Shillington.

Halabura was ordained in May 1961. Since his retirement, he had been serving as a substitute priest when needed.

He served in the following locations: St. Canicus in Mahanoy City, from 1961 – 1963; St. Stephen in Port Carbon, 1963 – 1964; St. Paul, Allentown, 1964 – 1971; St. Anthony, Millmont, 1971 – 1984; St. Stanislaus, Minersville, 1984 – 1987; Annunciation, Shenandoah, 1987-1988; St. Ann in Lansford, 1988-2002, Ss. Peter and Paul, Lansford, 1988-2002, and St. Richard, Barnesville, 2002-2008.

Anyone who knows of incidents of abuse, in the Church or elsewhere, should report it to the State Child Line at 1-800-932-0313 or to local law enforcement. To speak directly to the Diocese of Allentown’s Victim Assistance Coordinator, call her direct line: 1-800-791-9209.