PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh priest is on administrative leave after someone accused him of sexually abusing a minor, the diocese announced Saturday.
The Rev. Joseph Reschick, 67, is the pastor of Saint Rosalia Parish in Greenfield. The allegation, the first ever filed against Reschick, dates to the 1980s, the diocese said.
"Very shocking, very shocking," said Saint Rosalia parishioner Helen Jakubowski. "I'm hoping this is not true. I am really hoping this is not true."
Reschick denied the allegation, which was reported to police, the diocese said.
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The move does not imply guilt, Bishop David Zubik reportedly wrote in a letter to parishes where Reschick has served.
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"It is intended to safeguard the course of justice while preserving the rights of everyone involved, including both the person who made the allegation and the person against whom the allegation has been made," Zubik wrote.
Reschick has been the pastor at Saint Rosalia for 28 years.
"This is about the priest. Human being being the frailty of a human being," said Bob Jablonowski, an usher at the church. "We're not talking about the Catholic Church itself."