In May 2019, Father Halabura admitted sexually abusing a minor in the early 1980s. After Father Halabura self-reported the incident, Bishop Alfred Schlert removed Father 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.
Father 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, Millmont, which was later closed and merged into St. John Baptist de la Salle, Shillington.
Father Halabura was ordained in May 1961. Since his retirement, he had been serving as a substitute priest when needed.
Halabura had served in Schuylkill County at the following locations in Schuylkill County
St. Canicus in Mahanoy City from 1961 to 1963
St. Stephen in Port Carbon from 1963 to 1964
St. Stanislaus in Minersville from 1984 to 1987
Annunciation in Shenandoah from 1987 to 1998
St. Richard in Barnesville from 2002 to 2008