Benedictine Father Maximilian Toczylowski, director of the junior school at Saint Louis Priory School, has been removed from his roles at the school after “inappropriate images” were found on his laptop computer, according to a letter from Priory’s headmaster.
In a May 31 letter to parents from Benedictine Father Gregory Mohrman, the images were found during a routine review of electronic devices used by school staff. He noted that the images were downloaded from the internet and the subjects involved were not associated with the school.
School officials contacted the Creve Coeur Police Department on May 30. A statement from police said that it is investigating the matter. The school held a counselor-facilitated session for parents at Priory on June 4.
Archbishop Robert J. Carlson has removed Father Toczylowski’s priestly faculties, meaning he is not allowed to function or represent himself as a priest. Father Toczylowski was also removed from the campus of Saint Louis Abbey while the investigation is taking place. Father Mohrman’s letter noted that neither the school nor Saint Louis Abbey have received any complaints of inappropriate behavior against Father Toczylowski.
“Consistent with Church policy regarding the safety of minors and other persons, we ask that any person who is aware of inappropriate behavior by Father Maximilian contact me and the proper authorities so that this may be investigated,” Father Mohrman wrote.
Father Toczylowski is a St. Louis native and graduated from Saint Louis Priory School in 2000. He joined the monastic community in 2002 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2016.
In addition to his role as director of the junior school, Father Toczylowski assisted with athletics and had worked with Aim High, a summer program that serves students in urban communities.
Anyone with reports of abuse of a minor involving a member of the clergy or other church personnel is encouraged to contact Sandra Price, executive director of the archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection, at (314) 792-7271, the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (800) 392-3738 and/or law enforcement officials.