PENNSYLVANIA
Times Online
Updated: 4:31 pm, Mon Aug 4, 2014.
By Kirstin Kennedy and Eric Poole Calkins Media
CONWAY — Federal authorities are investigating allegations of unspecified sexual abuse against a local Catholic priest steaming back to the late 1990s.
The Rev. John Fitzgerald, 66, was removed from his post as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Conway and has been placed on administrative leave. Bishop David Zubik of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh informed parishioners of Fitzgerald’s leave in a letter distributed during Masses on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
During the leave Fitzgerald, who has denied the accusations, will not be permitted to perform church sacraments or identify himself as a priest. He has been removed from parish housing and is not permitted to wear clerical clothing, said diocesan spokesman the Rev. Ron Lengwin. The diocese has placed Fitzgerald in temporary housing for the duration of the investigation.
Fitzgerald served as administrator from 1991 to 1995 of St. Anthony Catholic Parish in Bessemer, Lawrence County, Lengwin said. St. Anthony merged more than 10 years ago with St. Lawrence Parish in Mahoning Township to form Christ The King Parish.
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