Uniontown masses to continue on regular schedule
Masses at four Uniontown parishes will continue on their usual schedules after the removal of their pastor, said the spokesman for the Diocese of Greensburg.
Monsignor Michael W. Matusak was removed from his role at St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, St. Mary (Nativity) and St. Therese, Little Flower of Jesus, in Uniontown following an allegation of sexual abuse against a teenager. The alleged abuse occurred in the 1990s, but was brought to officials in the diocese this week.
“Other priests will be assisting Father Anthony Klimko, the parochial vicar for the parishes in Uniontown, with Masses and sacramental ministries,” said Jerry Zufelt, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg.
The allegation followed the release of a state Supreme Court grand jury report last week, identifying 301 “predator priests” in Pennsylvania dioceses over a 70-year-period. The report said the Church covered up allegations, favoring protection of the Church over protection of victims.
After finding Matusak was not named on a list of 21 accused clergymen within the Greensburg diocese, the alleged victim wrote a letter to Bishop Edward C. Malesic detailing an “inappropriate relationship” the pastor allegedly carried out with the teen at St. Pius X in Mount Pleasant during the 1990s. He was removed from his post and the investigation was handed over to law enforcement.
Zufelt described Matusak’s removal as placing him “on leave” Thursday, reiterating a statement from a release issued Wednesday in response to the allegation.
“A credible allegation does not mean it has been substantiated or proven. Yesterday’s announcement in no way implies Monsignor Matusak is guilty,” he said.
Matusak is also listed as the Vicar Forane of Deanery 5, which includes most of Fayette County and the southwest corner of Westmoreland County.
In late June, the diocese announced the Rev. James W. Clark was removed from his role as parochial vicar of the same four parishes. He was also a chaplain of Uniontown Hospital. The removal stemmed from an allegation dating back five decades, when he served as a janitor at the former St. James School in Apollo, and before he entered priesthood.
Both men were removed after one allegation was lodged against each.
There are 78 priests serving within the Greensburg diocese, which includes 50 diocesan priests, 14 Benedictine priests and 14 international priests from the Philippines and India, Zufelt said.