The Charleston bishop says the Catholic church is the only organization religious or not. That has opened itself up to such an investigation.

The information was gathered by Deacon Al Payne, who was a former police officer and detective from New Jersey.

In the investigation, Deacon Payne and others looked through files and archives of all the priests that served in the diocese since 1950. While the results were below the national average, they say just one abuse is one too many.

Lorraine McCabe walks slowly to mass, as she does most everyday as long as she's lived.

She learned about the depth of her church's faults today.

"I'm very sorrowful about it because the majority of our priests are very dedicated", said Deacon Al Payne.

But as Charleston clergy members acknowledged today, many were not dedicated and where are those individuals now?

Among the 21 priests and one deacon candidate, seven are retired, and eight are deceased. Three have been put on administrative leave and one is in prison. Others were either removed or left on there own accord.

"49 allegations were made against 48 people, of those allegations, the diocese determined 45 of them to be credible", said Louisa Storen.

The revelation, counselors say, a positive step for victims.

"Since a clergyman is the one who did this abuse, many of them have been hurt terribly spiritually", said Louisa Storen.

"Not only is satan attacking our priests of the Catholic church but also our young people", said Lorraine McCabe

The Diocese of Charleston encompasses the state of South Carolina and is made up of 93 parishes.

Catholic Diocease of Charleston, SC

US Conference of Catholic Bishops