Nazareth Farm, Inc. cares deeply about its role as a leader on justice issues related to our faith. Nazareth Farm, Inc. also acknowledges, and has acknowledged, that part of its history includes actions of a former priest associated with the Farm who harmed children and sexually assaulted them.

The late David Pichette was assigned by the Diocese of Syracuse in 1979 to minister to and help develop Nazareth Farm. There are credible accusations against David Pichette, who served as Director of Nazareth Farm from 1979 – 1989. He has not been an active priest since 1993 and was formally dismissed from the priesthood in 2005. While Nazareth Farm, Inc., was first incorporated in 1995, and is a different entity from the Dioceses’ ministry at the time of the incidents, we consider this to be a painful part of our past and something Nazareth Farm, Inc., feels called to acknowledge.

A lawsuit against Nazareth Farm, Inc., and others was filed in 2021 related to his actions. This case is nearing resolution with the reorganizing of the Diocese of Syracuse through their bankruptcy filing. Since Pichette was a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse while at Nazareth Farm, the suit was filed there. His actions were done outside of the purview of the current work of Nazareth Farm, Inc., and decades before our current organizational structure was adopted. While victims will receive compensation, we know that does not start to reduce the suffering inflicted. We will continue to create the safest environment possible for youth and young adults serving at Nazareth Farm, Inc.

Safe Environment Practices at Nazareth Farm
Nazareth Farm, Inc., implemented the Dallas Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and did our first formal Protecting God’s Children Training in 2003 when it was first nationally released. Nazareth Farm, Inc.’s policies were also updated to reflect necessary practices for safe environment. All staff, board members, sojourners, and adult volunteers are required to show Nazareth Farm, Inc., and the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston proof of their Protecting God’s Children (Virtus) Training and background checks. The staff and Board of Directors regularly evaluate our safety protocol to ensure we strictly adhere to best practices and ongoing procedural updates. We consider our responsibility of protecting children something that is never completed but is instead a continual process.

We are resolved to move forward with transparency, integrity, and pastoral care. Our mission matters and it transforms lives; that has not changed.

Nazareth Farm is committed to its mission statement and the people of Appalachia. Now more than ever we need places for young people, adults, children, and the elderly to interact and become the truest form of Church. Those who have visited Nazareth Farm know that we are truly on Holy Ground; we remain faithful to sharing the love of Christ with all those who turn down Nazareth Farm Road.

We ask for your continued prayers for anyone victimized by abuse, especially within the Church. We pray that Church leaders respond appropriately to the magnitude of the problem and proceed with respect, honor, and integrity for healing in all the Church. “He makes the sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

If you or someone you know needs to report abuse or suspected abuse, please take action. Call law enforcement, or contact the victim assistance coordinators of your Diocese. Here are some contact numbers to assist you:

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 800-656-HOPE (4673)
• West Virginia Child Protective Services: 1-800-352-6513
• Doddridge County Sheriff’s number: 1-304-873-1944
• Phone numbers for every diocese can be found here.
• The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Victim Assistance Coordinator is Dr. Patricia Bailey, 304-242-6988.
• The Diocese of Syracuse Victim Assistance Coordinator is Jacqueline Bressette, 315-470-1465.