Bishop O'Connell's case is unique in that he is the first of his rank to resign because of sexual abuse.

Though many other local Catholics expressed outrage, some said they would continue to support Bishop O'Connell.

One of the plaintiffs maintains that for several years after becoming a prelate, Bishop O'Connell continued to arrange sexual encounters with him.

Bishop O'Connell did not respond to messages left on his cellphone voice mail.

But Bishop O'Connell was widely admired in all his church posts.

Bishop O'Connell's third accuser, a 34-year-old St. Louis medical technician, attended from 1982 through 1986.

Bishop O'Connell later wrote him personal checks totaling $10,000 to help him buy a car and furnish an apartment, the former seminarian said.

He demanded a meeting between his family and Bishop O'Connell where the bishop would apologize.

Over a period of days, this accuser says, he received a number of phone calls and e-mail messages from Bishop O'Connell.

Nearly 98% of Bishop O'Connell's students attend Superdance, and it has become a unifying event for the school.