HOLLIDAYSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Reverend Mark L. Bartchak, Bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, has restricted Reverend Stephen J. Gergel, a retired priest of the Diocese, from carrying out any public ministry.

This news comes in the midst alleged misconduct by Gergel with a young adult that reportedly took place while he was Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Johnstown.

Gergel served as the Pastor from November 1969 until July 1989. After 1989, he served as a Chaplain in the United States Navy until his retirement in November 2005.

Bishop Bartchak read a letter at all Masses at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish this weekend addressing the issue, as well as asking the congregation to pray for victims of abuse and their families.