Diocese restricts retired priest

Altoona Mirror
May 5, 2019

https://bit.ly/2YeD3vJ

The Altoona-Johnstown Diocese announced Satur­day afternoon that Bishop Mark L. Bartchak has re­stricted a retired priest from carrying out any public ministry.

The Rev. Stephen J. Gergel served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Johnstown from Novem­ber 1969 until July 1989. He was then a chaplain in the United States Navy until his retirement in 2005. Since his retirement, he has lived in Georgia.

“This action is in response to alleged misconduct with a young adult that is reported to have taken place while he was pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Johnstown,” a diocesan press release states.

Gergel was ordained a priest in 1962.

A letter from Bartchak will be read at all Masses at St. Francis of Assisi Parish this weekend.

“The Bishop is assuring that faith community of his prayers, and he is asking them to pray for victims of abuse and their families,” the press release stated.

According to diocesan practice, the complaint has been referred to Penn­syl­va­nia ChildLine and the Office of the District Attorney.

Anyone with information regarding possible sexual abuse of minors should contact law enforcement.