NEW YORK
The Journal News
Written by
Hoa Nguyen
CROTON-ON-HUDSON — A deacon has been dismissed from his duties at Church of the Holy Name of Mary after allegations of sexual abuse of minors from years ago recently surfaced, Catholic officials said.
Deacon Al Mazza has been accused of engaging in immoral and illegal conduct with minors prior to becoming a deacon in 1996, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan told parishioners via a letter on Sunday. The incident is the third time an ordained minister has faced such allegations in the Croton parish.
Dolan’s letter, read to parishioners at Sunday Masses, said the action was taken due to “credible and substantiated allegations of the abuse of minors.”
In Mazza’s case, the allegations were unrelated to his activities at the church, archdiocese spokesman Joseph Zwilling said.
A deacon is an ordained minister who works with the pastor and parish staff but can have a job outside the church. Mazza owns a construction company. He could not be reached for comment.
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