Priest placed on leave following complaint

Tribune-Democrat
September 17, 2016

http://www.tribdem.com/news/priest-placed-on-leave-following-complaint/article_302fa6e8-7d29-11e6-b617-0fac549bdb42.html

The Rev. David Rizzo

HOLLIDAYSBURG – During the past week, Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese received a complaint alleging behavior inconsistent with church ministry on the part of the Rev. David R. Rizzo, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Altoona, the diocese announced Saturday. 

The complaint does not involve minors.

Upon notice of the complaint, Rizzo requested a leave of absence from ministry, which Bartchak granted, effective immediately. 

Rizzo will not be residing at the parish, and he is not permitted to exercise priestly ministry.

Rizzo, 44, was ordained a priest in 1999. He was appointed administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes in 2009 and pastor in 2010.

He is listed on the diocese Internet site as a member of the Campus Ministry at Pitt-Johnstown. Rizzo also is listed as an assistant at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cresson, according to the church website.

Parishioners are being informed of Rizzo’s status at Masses this weekend. A letter from the bishop will be read at all Liturgies. 

Bartchak will appoint a temporary administrator for the parish, and visiting priests will celebrate weekend Masses. Any changes regarding the weekday Mass schedule will be announced to parishioners. All other parish activities will continue as scheduled.