PENNSYLVANIA
Centre Daily Times
BY SHAWN ANNARELLI
sannarelli@centredaily.com
Rev. Anthony J. Petracca was appointed to serve at UPMC Altoona, but the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has clarified that he has not been involved with the hospital.
Petracca allegedly committed “misconduct involving a minor” in the mid-1980s, according to the diocese. He was recently suspended by Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, bishop of the diocese, pending the results of an investigation. He was supposed to be UPMC Altoona’s chaplain and an administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes in Altoona, but did not begin the assignments.
Bartchak, according to the diocese, notified law enforcement of the allegations against Petracca.
“While on leave, Father Petracca will not be permitted to function as a priest, and he will reside at a place where he will not have contact with children,” the diocese said in a statement.
Monsignor Michael Becker will continue to serve at Our Lady of Lourdes.
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