Former Lincoln Pius X chaplain accused of sexual misconduct with students

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A priest and former teacher at Lincoln Pius X High School is accused of sexual misconduct with students.

In a letter to the Pius community on Tuesday, the Diocese of Lincoln detailed the allegations against the Rev. Joe Bernardo.

Diocese of Lincoln letter to Pius X community

“My first reaction is alarm and concern for any possible victims, including my son,” said a mother of former Pius X students, who wants to remain anonymous.

The Rev. Joe Bernardo

Bernardo went on a sabbatical last year and received inpatient counseling during that time, according to the letter.

He told his therapist that he would intentionally rub or brush himself up against male students, the letter says.

It happened in public areas, and the contact “may have seemed accidental,” the Very Rev. Thomas Brouillette wrote in the letter.

The diocese said Bernardo also talked in therapy about taking pictures of students in public areas without their consent.

He also reportedly took pictures of people in a gym locker room, but the diocese said that was not at Pius X.

The therapist reported Bernardo’s comments to law enforcement.

The Lincoln Police Department confirmed that it is conducting an investigation but said no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should call Investigator Robert Norton at 402-441-8294.

Bernardo spent 19 years at Pius, according to a Facebook post from last fall announcing his sabbatical.

The post called him “our beloved chaplain.” It has since been deleted.

A since-deleted Facebook post about the Rev. Joe Bernardo’s sabbatical.

Courtesy: Lincoln Pius X High School

The mother of former Pius X students said her children had many interactions with Bernardo.

She hopes all of the victims can be identified.

“I think that most children or victims of this type of abuse and exploitation don’t necessarily know that it’s taking place when it’s taking place,” she said. “Who knows what his intent was. The kids certainly don’t know.”

The woman said she’s glad action is being taken and encourages parents to have an open and honest conversation with their students.

“It’s important for them to be told or shown that what happened to you is wrong, it’s not OK and people who make choices like that are punished,” she said.

The diocese placed Bernardo on administrative leave and suspended him from the ministry.

A spokesman for the diocese said it had no comment beyond the letter at this time.