Anonymous ID: 98f414 Aug. 29, 2018, 12:07 p.m. No.2786055   ๐Ÿ—„๏ธ.is ๐Ÿ”—kun

https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14023897-74/priest-removed-from-west-newton-herminie-parishes-following-allegation-of-abuse

 

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Updated 14 minutes ago

 

Another priest of the Diocese of Greensburg has been removed from ministry following an allegation of sexual abuse, this one dating back 28 years.

 

The Rev. Joseph E. Bonafed was removed from his place of ministry at Holy Family Parish, West Newton, and St. Edward Parish, Herminie, after the diocese received a โ€œcredible allegationโ€ against Bonafed on Tuesday, the diocese said.

 

โ€œFr. Bonafed was โ€ฆ relieved of all parish duties within 24 hours of the allegation. He will remain on leave until authorities complete their investigation,โ€ the diocese said in a statement.

 

The allegation against Bonafed involves sexual abuse of a minor 28 years ago, but the diocese gave no further details. The allegation was then reported to PA ChildLine and the appropriate district attorney.

 

The victim originally contacted the Pennsylvania Attorney Generalโ€™s sexual abuse hotline in April, the diocese said.

 

Parishioners at both parishes will be notified this weekend, and Masses will be covered by other clergy, diocese spokesman Jerry Zufelt said

 

Bonafed is the fourth priest to be removed from ministry in the last two years for allegations of sexual abuse, and the second to be removed from Holy Family Parish in West Newton.

 

In September 2016, the Rev. John T. Sweeney was removed from Holy Family and placed on administrative leave following an allegation of sexual abuse dating back 25 years. Sweeney was later charged and convicted of indecent assault.

 

In June, the Rev. James W. Clark was removed from his position as parochial vicar at five Uniontown parishes following an allegation of sexual abuse dating back 50 years. In August, following the release of the 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury report, Monsignor Michael Matusak , also a priest in Uniontown, was removed from ministry after the diocese received an allegation of abuse.

 

โ€œA credible allegation does not mean it has been substantiated or proven. This announcement in no way implies Fr. Bonafed is guilty,โ€ the diocese said.

 

Bonafed has been at Holy Family since his installation there in August 2017, according to the Catholic Accent. He was already serving at St. Edward at the time.

 

The Diocese of Greensburg has received 18 calls to its sexual abuse hotline since the grand jury report was released on Aug. 14.