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	Parish Learns Reason for Priest's Resignation Financial Investigation Yields More Questions Than Answers WPIX March 1, 2008 http://www.wpxi.com/news/15462141/detail.html HARRISON TWP., Pa. -- Pittsburgh Bishop Donald Zubik explained to the parishioners of two parishes on Saturday, the reasons why their pastor resigned. Rev. Richard Tusky resigned Wednesday as pastor of St. Joseph in Natrona and Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Natrona Heights. On Saturday, the Bishop revealed that balances on different accounts did not match up, including parish receipts from memorial booklets, rental property, and an estate sale to benefit the parish. The questions do not relate to the general financial status of the parish. Rev. Tusky was given the option of temporary termination or resignation and he chose to resign. Temporary termination would have meant that once the investigation was over, if he had been cleared of wrong-doing, he could have had his position back. Bishop Zubik said more investigation will be done, and Tusky is not automatically guilty. The following is the text of the letter Bishop Zubik distributed to the parishioners at both churches: One of my chief responsibilities as Shepherd of this local Church is to provide for the spiritual and pastoral needs of the people of God. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly and is one that I share with my brother priests. In my role as your bishop, I take most seriously the trust you place in me and your expectation that I provide for the care of your parish. Grateful for your love of the Church, I must share with you that I have accepted the resignation of Father Richard J. Tusky as pastor of both Our Lady of the most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Natrona Heights, and Saint Joseph Parish, Natrona. he has done so freely in the best interest of both parishes. The reason for Father Tusky's resignation involves unresolved questions recently brought to my attention about financial decisions made by him regarding the handling of certain parish receipts, including those from memorial booklets, rental property and an estate sale that was to benefit the parish. The questions do not relate to the general financial status of the parishes. As a matter of fact, the current financial condition of the parishes is strong and sound. It is imperative that there is a careful adherence to all diocesan financial policies and procedures to assure the faithful of proper stewardship of the parishes' resources. A full and complete audit of both parishes has been conducted by the Finance Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The audit raised more questions than answers. To address these questions, I have appointed a team of diocesan pastors to work with the auditors and to conduct further inquiries with parish staff and leadership. i am also asking an outside audit firm to conduct their own review of the questions raised. you will be kept informed of all future developments. Effective immediately, Bishop William Winter, retired auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, is serving as temporary administrator of both parishes until a new pastor begins his service for and among you. At this time I also wish to announce that I am appointing as your new pastor, the Reverend Thomas A Wagner, currently Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, Braddock and a former parochial vicar in Natrona Heights, who will begin his responsibilities as pastor of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Saint Joseph Parishes on Monday, April 14, 2008. He has my utmost confidence as he begins this new change. Please know of my prayers for you, the faithful of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saint Joseph Parish. Please keep Father Tusky in your prayers. Please pray for your parishes. Please also pray for me that I may grow in wisdom as your Shepherd.
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