Father Michael Baker

Cardinal Mahony has called the case of Father Michael Baker the one "that troubles me most."

The following is a copy of the Archdiocese's bare-bones summary of Father Baker's confidential priest file.

12/26/47.
Born.
05/25/74.
Graduates from St. John’s Theology with M.A. in Religion.
05/25/74.
Ordained for Diocese of Los Angeles.
06/17/74.
Assigned to St. Joan of Arc Parish (Los Angeles) as Associate.
06/21/76
Assigned to St. Paul of the Cross (La Mirada) as Associate.
07/09/82
Assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Hilary Church (Pico Rivera).
07/15/83
Assigned as Administrator of St. Hilary Church.
05/27/86
Assigned to St. Catherine Laboure parish as Associate Pastor (effective January 1, 1987, after return from Sabbatical).
08/01/86.
Takes four-month Sabbatical leave to attend continuing education program at Notre Dame University, Indiana (August 1, 1986 through December 1986).
09/19/86
Pursuant to Cardinal Mahony’s invitation during a retreat for priests to talk with him about their problems, requests meeting with Cardinal.
12/22/86 and 12/23/86
Meets with Cardinal Mahony and Vicar for Clergy Curry to discuss and his relationship with two boys from 1978 to 1985.
01/01/87
Placed on sick leave through 08/31/87.
01/02/87
Leaves for evaluation by Servants of the Paraclete, Foundation House, in Jemez Springs, New Mexico.
01/23/87
Evaluation report from Servants of the Paraclete re Baker.
01/25/87
Commences residential treatment by Servants of the Paraclete.
02/17/87
First report from Servants of the Paraclete re Baker.
03/20/87
Second report from Servants of the Paraclete re Baker.
04/23/87
Third report from Servants of the Paraclete re Baker.
05/03/87
Vicar for Clergy (Curry) meets with Baker and staff at Servants of the Paraclete in New Mexico.
06/04/87
Fourth and final report from Servants of the Paraclete re Baker.
06/22/87
Returns to Archdiocese; staying temporarily at St. Elisabeth (Van Nuys).
08/19/87
Ministry restrictions formalized. Baker to participate in therapy.
09/01/87
Assigned to Catholic Charities, Department on Aging, until 7/31/88.
09/01/87
Assigned to Residence at St. Thomas the Apostle (Los Angeles).
12/07/87
Participates in Follow-Up Workshop at Servants of the Paraclete, New Mexico.
01/19/88
Report from Servants of the Paraclete re Follow-Up Workshop.
04/26/88
Report re group therapy.
07/31/88
Completion of Baker’s work with Catholic Charities, Department of Aging.
08/01/88
Assigned to work with retired priests and restricted to no contact with minors.
08/01/88
Assigned to Residence at St. Elizabeth Church (Van Nuys), subject to restrictions.
02/24/89
Meeting of Vicar for Clergy, pastor, and Baker to discuss a breach of restriction by Baker at St. Elizabeth’s re contact (non-sexual) with a minor.
06/01/91
Assigned to St. Linus Church (Norwalk) as Administrator Pro-Tem.
11/01/91
Assigned to St. Gerard Majella Church (Los Angeles) as
Administrator Pro-Tem.
01/11/92
Assigned to St. Mary Church (Palmdale) as Administrator Pro- Tem.
03/15/92
Assigned to St. Lucy Church (Long Beach) as Administrator Pro- Tem.
04/04/92
Assigned to Sacred Heart Church (Lincoln Heights) as
Administrator Pro-Tem.
08/01/92
Assigned to Residence at St. Elizabeth, Van Nuys.
01/15/93
Assigned to Residence at St. Columbkille Parish (Los Angeles).
07/01/93
Assigned to Vicar of Clergy’s staff responsible for Ministry to Sick and Retired Priests (Archdiocesan Assistant for Retired Persons).
11/01/94
Assigned to St. Columbkille Parish (Los Angeles) as Administrator Pro-Tem.
06/12/95
Note re a breach of restrictions by contact (non-sexual) with minors observed by pastor.
07/22/96
Report to Vicar of Clergy re a breach of restrictions by contact (non-sexual) with a minor.
08/01/96
On Sabbatical from 8/1/96 through 12/31/96.
08/08/96
Sexual Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB) ecommendations re Baker.
09/06/96 09/08/96
Treating doctor’s reports.
03/01/97
Assigned to St. Camillus de Lellis (Los Angeles).
04/23/99
Progress meeting of therapist, Vicar for Clergy’s staff therapist, and Baker.
04/04/00
First complaint by a victim: Attorney for victims (Castellanos) sends draft of complaint.
04/18/00
Removed from ministry.
08/24/00
Report that Baker had performed two Baptisms.
08/31/00
Cardinal Mahony signs Decree Opening Canonical Investigation pertaining to Baker’s violation of duty of obedience by performing baptisms.
12/05/00
Baker laicized.
04/15/02
Adult’s letter re alleged abuse by Baker as a minor.