BishopAccountability.org
	Tusky Tells Parishioners to Move Ahead By Celanie Polanick Pittsburgh Tribune-Review May 18, 2008 http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_568109.html In a written statement to parishioners, the Rev. Richard Tusky admitted that he didn't always follow church procedures for handling parish money but denied any church money was misused. Tusky, the former pastor at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament and St. Joseph parishes, was removed from his post almost three months ago and investigated by the Diocese of Pittsburgh for alleged mishandling of parish finances. Bishop David Zubik announced last week that three investigations found that Tusky had violated church cannon by not properly accounting for church money while pastor of the two parishes. In a letter to parishioners, Zubik said Tusky hadn't committed any criminal acts. Tusky's letter, included in weekend church bulletins, urged parishioners to put the situation behind them. "I accept the findings of the three investigations reported in Bishop David Zubik's letter that I did not always follow diocesan policies and procedures intended to protect parish finances, but I can equally assure you that no parish money was ever used for my personal gain. "Now, it is time for all speculation, conjecture and judgment to stop. ... I beg you, do not let these strides of growth be lost in anger or hurt. You must help and support (Tusky's replacement, the Rev. Thomas Wagner) as he continues to lead on this journey. Look forward, not backward!" At the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass at Blessed Sacrament, most parishioners didn't seem to be reading their bulletins before or after church. About a dozen people said on the way out of church — and into the drizzling rain — that they hadn't yet read Tusky's statement. Liz Staley of New Kensington said she had just returned from a vacation and was hearing about the situation for the first time. She — and the rest of the parishioners at both of Tusky's parishes — are still reeling from the accusations leveled against him, she said. "I think it's too much for them to take in," Staley said. Tusky was, and continues to be, well-liked by many, she said. "I thought he was doing an excellent job — then to come back and hear this, I'm in shock. I can't believe it happened again." The "again" refers to the fact that Tusky is not the first priest from this parish accused of being a poor accountant. The late Rev. Walter Benz, another former pastor at Blessed Sacrament, was caught embezzling church funds about 10 years ago. He was leading a secret life that included a mistress and gambling trips to Atlantic City. Benz admitted to the wrongdoing before he left his post in 1998, but died before he could be prosecuted. "That was criminal," said Chuck Kania of Natrona Heights about the Benz case. Kania believes Tusky's statement was "fair," and said he doesn't think Tusky should be compared to Benz. "I definitely support him," Kania said. "I don't think the punishment fit the crime." Kania's wife, Rita, agrees. "They should've looked into it as he remained here," she said. "But now, we've got to accept the change." Celanie Polanick can be reached at cpolanick@tribweb.com or 724-226-4702.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.