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	Diocese Removes Scranton-Area Pastor By Steve Mocarsky Times Leader July 19, 2011 http://www.timesleader.com/news/Diocese_removes_Scranton-area_pastor_07-18-2011.html SCRANTON – A Catholic priest has been removed from ministering as pastor of St. Michael the Archangel parish pending the outcome of an investigation into his allegedly providing alcohol to a minor. According to a statement released by the Diocese of Scranton, diocesan officials were informed on Sunday that the Rev. Michael O'Leary, a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, allegedly furnished alcohol to two individuals, including an underage young adult and a minor. The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter is a Clerical Society of Apostolic Life in the Church, established by Pope John Paul II in 1988 to offer the Traditional Latin Rite of the Mass and the sacraments to the faithful. At the time the incident was reported, O'Leary was serving as pastor at St. Michael's in Scranton, where Masses are offered in the Traditional Latin Rite. He has served in that capacity since January 2010. Diocesan officials have spoken with the parents of the two individuals and reported the matter to law enforcement. The incident was also reported to the appropriate superiors from the Fraternity of St. Peter. "O'Leary has been removed from ministry and from St. Michael's Parish pending the outcome of the investigation. Diocesan officials remain committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation," the statement said. The Rev. Eric Flood, North American District Superior for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, could not be reached for comment on Monday. A supervisor with Scranton police did not immediately return a message Monday seeking more information. According to the diocese website, O'Leary was ordained in 1993. He had been residing at St. Michael's Rectory, 1703 Jackson St., Scranton. Contact: smocarsky@timesleader.com
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