Diocese Suspends St. Michael Priest over Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
By David Hurst
A St. Michael priest has been placed on leave by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown due to an allegation he sexually abused children several decades ago, Diocese officials said Sunday. The Rev. Charles F. Bodziak, 74, has been suspended from his post at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in St. Michael and is being moved to an unnamed housing facility while diocese officials review the matter, spokesman Tony DeGol said. DeGol said the allegation accuses Bodziak of sexual misconduct with minors more than 30 years ago. The allegation had been reviewed once before, but Bishop Mark Bartchak made the decision this week to "re-examine" the accusations, DeGol said. He offered few other details, saying he has not been informed whether the diocese was first made aware of the allegations months, years or decades ago. DeGol said he did not know what prompted Bartchak to re-examine the case. "The Bishop has not shared his reasons (for taking the step)," he said. DeGol described the move to place Bodziak on leave "a precautionary measure" in a release to media Sunday. Bodziak is not permitted to function publicly as a priest and will reside at a location where he has no contact with children, DeGol said. "Children are a precious gift from God, and the church must always take the necessary steps to ensure their well being," Bartchak said in a statement. Bodziak was ordained into the priesthood in 1967. In the nearly 50 years since, he has served parishes in both Blair and Cambria counties. The Tribune-Democrat's archives show that Bodziak was ordained in May 1967 and served parishes as far north as Lock Haven, Clinton County, in the years that followed. In the 1970s and early 80s he served as an associate pastor in the Altoona area, first at St. Leo's Church in 1973, then – a year later – at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He returned to St. Leo's in May 1979 to serve as a full pastor and remained there for more than a decade. From 1990 to 1995, Bodziak was pastor at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona, according to an online history of the church. In the past decade, Bodziak served both St. Agnes in Cassandra and St. Bartholomew parish in Wilmore before St. Agnes closed in 2010 and the longtime priest was transferred to St. Michael. DeGol said parishioners at the St. Michael church were informed of Boziak's leave during Masses over the weekend. A temporary administrator will be appointed for the parish and weekend services will continue, he said. Contact: dhurst@tribdem.com
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