Wauwatosa Parishioners Learn Their Priest Is under Investigation

By Elizabeth Fay
58 News
March 31, 2013

http://www.cbs58.com/news/local-news/Wauwatosa-Parishioners-Learn-Their-Priest-is-Under-Investigation--200805721.html


WAUWATOSA --On one of the most attended Sunday services of the year, parishioners at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Wauwatosa were told their priest is under a police investigation.

"I was shocked when I found out," said Ryan Kennedy who attended mass.

Father Bob Marsicek is at the center of allegations. He leads mass at St. Pius X and Mother of Good Counsel Churches in Wauwatosa but today, another priest led Easter mass in his place.

That's because Marsicek is suspended from his roles at the churches and Wauwatosa Catholic School.

A spokesperson for the Archdioices of Milwaukee says removal of pastoral duties is standard policy while an investigatigation unfolds.

Steve Offerman lives near St. Pius X Church and got to know Marsicek after sending his son to daycare there.

"He seemed to care about the kids, he was always around. I just find it hard to believe," he says.

Kevin Kennedy went to Easter mass and tells CBS 58 he supports Fr. Marsicek. "He is innocent until proven guilty and I don't believe that he is guilty," says Kevin Kennedy. He says Fr. Marsicek worked with children and was well-liked. "He was involved with all of the kids and seemed to know all the kids by name. It was amazing how this man associated with people of all ages."

Police and the church shared little information about the allegations. As prior scandals hang heavily over the diocese, Catholics we spoke with hope this case turns out differently. "

A horrible time for that to come up, but things will hopefully find themselves," says Ryan Kennedy.