MESA (AZ)
azcentral.com
Jim Walsh
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 30, 2004 12:00 AM
Staff members at St. Timothy's Parish in Mesa were shocked upon learning that their pastor was placed on administrative leave Wednesday pending the outcome of an investigation but remain confident he will be cleared.
Tears welled in the eyes of the parish's gift shop manager when she was asked her reaction to allegations of a sexual nature leveled against Monsignor Dale Fushek.
"It's shocking and saddening," Virginia West said. "It is a sad time, but we're very loyal to Monsignor (Fushek), and we will stand behind him."
Fushek, the parish's pastor for 20 years, was placed on administrative leave by the Diocese of Phoenix when allegations surfaced involving a 14-year-old from two decades ago.
The Rev. Carlos Gomez, the associate pastor, said a question-and-answer session will be held after tonight's 7 o'clock Mass.