Diocese Removes Priest Who Served Haven Parish

By Amy Marchiano
Republican & Herald
March 6, 2012

http://republicanherald.com/news/diocese-removes-priest-who-served-haven-parish-1.1281631

SINKING SPRING - A priest who previously served at a Schuylkill County parish has been removed as an assistant pastor in Berks County on allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a woman who was 18 years old.

The Rev. Cletus Onyegbule, who previously served at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, was removed from his position at St. Ignatius Loyola Church. He has been sent to a treatment facility, according to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown.

The move took place Friday, according to Matt Kerr, diocesan spokesman.

The Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of Allentown, announced the removal of the 44-year-old priest at the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday at St. Ignatius Church.

Kerr would not disclose the nature of the relationship, when the activity took place or any other details in order to protect the privacy of those involved.

It is unknown how long Onyegbule will be in treatment, he said.

Of a possible return to the priesthood, Kerr said it is "purely speculative."

"We don't know how this will turn up," he said.

Kerr said Onyegbule served as assistant pastor at St. Ambrose from 2002 to 2003. After that, he served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Bethlehem, from 2003 to 2009 until receiving his assignment at St. Ignatius, Karr said.

The activity was reported to the appropriate civil authorities, he said.

A code of conduct on the diocese's website lists guidelines for behavior of those affiliated with the diocese and parishes, including volunteers. It reads, "clergy, employees and volunteers have a duty to report their own ethical or professional misconduct and the misconduct of others."

According to a press release from the diocese, Onyegbule acknowledged the "inappropriate relationship."

Information on the St. Ignatius website said Onyegbule was born in Nigeria, West Africa. He came to the United States in 1997 and taught theology at Central Catholic High School, Allentown, prior to attending St. Charles Seminary, Overbrook, Philadelphia, according to the website. He also studied theology for four years.

Onyegbule was ordained in June 2002.

Monsignor Edward S. Zemanik, past of St. Ambrose Church, declined comment on the matter and referred questions to the diocese.

Contact: amarchiano@republicanherald.com