Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi in Springfield Is Placed on Leave

By Patti Mengers
Delaware County News Network
March 13, 2012

http://www.delconewsnetwork.com/articles/2012/03/13/news_of_delaware_county/news/doc4f5f44739a213593308314.txt

Because of concerns expressed about the suitability for ministry of the Rev. Louis C. Bier, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, he has been placed on administrative leave by Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput.

According to a statement released by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Monday, “these concerns are not connected to any complaint of inappropriate behavior with minors.”

“There are a variety of reasons why a priest could be found unsuitable for ministry. As Father Bier’s situation is currently under thorough examination and no determination has yet been reached, it is not possible to provide further information at this time,” archdiocesan officials said in a prepared statement.

A closed meeting concerning the removal of Rev. Bier was held for parish members at the church Monday night.

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Bier, who moved out of St. Francis of Assisi rectory before last weekend, will not be permitted to exercise his public ministry, administer sacraments, wear clerical garb or present himself as a priest while on leave. Parishioners were informed of his suspension at Sunday masses. Chaput is expected to appoint a parochial administrator to take over Bier’s duties at the parish where he had served as pastor since June 20, 2011 when he was appointed to the post by former Philadelphia archbishop, Cardinal Justin Rigali.

Ordained in 1976, Bier previously served at St. Francis of Assisi parish from 1990 to 1997 and at Holy Spirit parish in Sharon Hill from 1976 to 1979. From 1977 to 1979, he was chaplain at Archbishop Prendergast High School for Girls in the Drexel Hill section of Upper Darby and from 1991 to 1993, he was associate director of Catholic Youth Organization Region 13 in mid-Delaware County. His other assignments were at Philadelphia parishes or schools.

Contact: pmengers@delcotimes.com