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	Montague Pastor Placed on Leave Following Accusation; Investigation Underway By Terence Hegarty iobserve June 15, 2010 http://www.iobserve.org/rn0614a.html SPRINGFIELD – A diocesan priest has been placed on leave following a complaint alleging violations of policies of the Diocese of Springfield and the diocesan Code of Conduct. The complaint does not allege sexual misconduct. Father Charles J. DiMascola, longtime pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Turners Falls, was cited in a complaint which was brought before the Diocesan Review Board last week. Father DiMascola asserts that the allegations are untrue. The review board determined that more review was warranted. Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell then directed that an investigation be undertaken immediately. Kevin Murphy, a former Massachusetts State Police detective who has completed misconduct investigations for the diocese over the last several years, will undertake this investigation. Diocesan spokesman Mark E. Dupont, released a statement June 13 on the matter. “During an initial examination by our Diocesan Review Board, it was decided that the incidents alleged within this complaint warranted further investigation,” the statement read. “This is not to be construed as a determination of the merits of the complaint, rather, (it indicates) that this matter requires a more comprehensive review.” Dupont noted that placing Father DiMascola on leave is “in keeping with our policies, and those of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This, likewise, should not be construed as a predetermination of the facts,” the statement read. “This is done to maintain the integrity of the investigation in the best interest of all parties.” Parishioners of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish were informed over the weekend of June 12 and 13 that a complaint had been made against their pastor. Father DiMascola has served at the parish since 1986. Dupont said that Bishop McDonnell “asks that all join in offering prayers for the parish community and those involved, as well as for a speedy determination of the truth in this matter.” Bishop McDonnell reiterated that anyone with knowledge of any improprieties by parish or diocesan personnel or volunteers, should call the diocesan hotline at 800-842-9055.
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