Zalenski Removed from Priesthood

WTOV
December 10, 2014

http://www.wtov9.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wtov_zalenski-removed-priesthood-6761.shtml

Don't call him Father Gary Zalenski anymore. He is just Gary Zalenski now that the Vatican has taken action, removing him from the priesthood and the church entirely. This all stems from child abuse allegations that first came to light in 2007 and puts on a bow on a nearly 7-year investigation. The Vatican's decision had been a long time coming. After citing "credible evidence" of attacking a child, former Steubenville Bishop Dan Conlon put Zalenski on administrative leave from the Sacred Heart Parish in Neffs in 2007. After 7 years, his title as priest was taken away on Oct. 30. Many people learned that news via the Dec. 5 Diocese newsletter, "The Steubenville Register." It wasn’t on the front page. All the way on page 4, you find a small box labeled "official" with two lines announcing Zalenski's dismissal from the church as of Oct. 30. Diocese spokesperson Pat DeFrancis said Zelenski is no longer a priest. That effectively ends Zalenski's administrative leave from his post as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Neffs. In 2007, allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a young girl in 1991. In 2008, an alleged victim held a protest and broke her silence. "I did this to help protect other children so it doesn’t happen to other victims because healing is a lifelong journey,” she said. “And (a) process that doesn’t happen overnight; it takes a long time." Seven years later, Zalenski was booted from the priesthood. A letter to parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in Neffs from the current Bishop Jeffrey Monforton was read during all masses the weekend of Nov. 29. "Mr. Zalenski is no longer considered a member of the clergy and, as such, can no longer exercise any priestly functions or present himself as a priest." No criminal charges ever went forward against Zalenski. A grand jury never found enough evidence to indict him. Father Dan Heusel has been acting as pastor for Sacred Heart and St. John's Parishes. He will continue to oversee both while the church searches for a permanent pastor.