Noaker told CNA the abuse McCarrick is alleged to have committed during the sacrament of confession has had profound effect on Grein.
"McCarrick integrated the abuse into the sacrament," Noaker said, alleging that McCarrick would molest Grein's genitals while discussing the virtue of chastity. "That really hurt James."
"This case illuminated for me how damaging it is for someone to be as vulnerable as they are when they come into confession and then to be sexually manipulated during that sacrament."
The lawyer said that testifying against McCarrick has been difficult for Grein. When Grein recounted a particularly troubling incident, Noaker said, "he closed his eyes, and you could see him going back to that moment, and it was especially gruesome sexual assault, and it was upsetting just to be there."
"He came out pretty worn out."
"He has been so courageous, to go back to these moments," Noaker said.
While many victims take pains to avoid addressing their sexual abuse, he said, Grein has approached the matter head on.
"Turning around and running at it is not without its pains." Noaker added. "He did it knowingly and willingly, but not happily."
Grein has filed a claim in a victims' assistance program, the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program of the Archdiocese of New York, Noaker said, but has not yet received indication of whether he will be offered a financial settlement. Noaker said he expects notification to be forthcoming.
The lawyer said that Grein is most interested in healing from his abuse.
"He really wants his Church back. He just wants to be able to go to Church again, and find peace again, and, you know sure, I'm not sure we're going to get that for him," Noaker said.
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"He said probably ten times yesterday, 'I just want my Church back. I would like to have Jesus in my life again.'"
This report has been updated.
J.D.Flynn served as Catholic News Agency's editor-in-chief from August 2017 to December 2020.