PENNSYLVANIA
Ellwood City Ledger
By Eric Poole epoole@ellwoodcityledger.com And Kirstin Kennedy Calkins Media
CONWAY — Federal authorities are investigating allegations of sexual abuse against a Catholic priest who worked during the 1990s at a parish in Lawrence County.
The Rev. John Fitzgerald, 66, has been placed on administrative leave from his post as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Conway, Beaver County. Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese 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, 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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