Parishioners at Saint Michael’s Parish were told over the weekend that their priest, Father Charles Bodziak, had been placed on leave as a precaution.
The diocese told WTAJ they are reexamining an accusation of sexual misconduct involving minors that dates back more than 30 years.
During this time Father Bodziak is prohibited from functioning as a priest and he is not allowed to have any contact with children. The diocese tells us he has served as an assistant pastor or pastor at a number of churches in our region including Saint Mary’s Parish in Nanty Glo, Saint Leo, Our Queen of Angels in Central City, and he has been at Saint Michael’s Parish since 2010.
The representative WTAJ spoke with doesn’t know which church the priest was at when the allegation was originally brought forward.
This is not a new allegation. The priest has not been charged with any wrongdoing. The diocese says they are just reexamining the case.
“It is something the bishop has the authority to do from time to time. He is allowed to look at old cases and decide if anything needs to be done moving forward. He decided to do that and during that time as a precaution he place Father Bodziak on leave,” says Tony DeGol, the secretary of communication for the diocese.
The diocese says if they receive a new accusation against a priest, they turn it over to the authorities.
