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	DA Confirms Investigation of Seven Dolors Parish By Joe Smydo Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 28, 2011 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11240/1170478-59.stm The Westmoreland County district attorney's office is investigating the finances of Seven Dolors Parish in Yukon, the Diocese of Greensburg said Saturday. Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt placed the parish's pastor, the Rev. Emil S. Payer, on administrative leave Aug. 11. The Rev. Kenneth G. Zaccagnini, pastor of St. Barbara Parish in Harrison City, "will serve as administrator of Seven Dolors Parish during the investigation, with responsibilities for both the spiritual and financial care of the parish," the Catholic diocese said in a statement. Earlier this year, parishioners approached the diocese with concerns about financial improprieties, the diocese said. The diocese brought in an accounting firm to review the finances and notified the parish's pastoral and finance councils in April. From April until he was placed on leave Aug. 11, Father Payer handled the parish's pastoral affairs while financial matters were assigned to Father Zaccagnini, the diocese said. The diocese said its review focused on three accounts, including an "unauthorized account established several years ago outside of diocesan financial policies and reviews." "During the financial review, questions arose concerning expenditures in each of the three accounts. Due to the nature of these questions and pursuant to diocesan policy, diocesan officials presented the audit report to the Westmoreland County district attorney. The district attorney has since informed the diocese that there is cause for further investigation into this matter and has opened an investigation," the diocese said. "The matter is now in the hands of law enforcement officials, and we must wait for the outcome of their investigation." Contact: jsmydo@post-gazette.com
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