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	Shavertown Priest Steps down Amid Sexual Misconduct Probe By Elizabeth Skrapits Scranton Times-Tribune [Shavertown PA] May 31, 2006 http://thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid= 16715193&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6 The pastor of a Shavertown Catholic church has resigned in the midst of an investigation by the Diocese of Scranton into allegations of sexual misconduct. Two women are accusing Monsignor J. Peter Crynes, pastor of St. Therese's Church on Davis Street in Shavertown, of undisclosed sexual offenses during one of his other assignments years ago, according to the diocese. The women who made the complaints have been interviewed, been offered counseling, and given an opportunity to discuss their situation with Bishop Joseph Martino, according to a statement from the diocese. Monsignor Crynes has moved out of the rectory and the diocese is not giving him any assignments. The diocese did not give specific details due to the ongoing investigation. Efforts to reach diocesan communications director William Genello were unsuccessful. Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera, Episcopal vicar, announced Monsignor Crynes' resignation after each Mass over the Memorial Day weekend. St. Therese's, built in 1928, is undergoing renovations to house a congregation of more than 3,000 people. The Rev. Edward C. Scott, a retired priest, is serving as interim administrator at the church, the diocese said. Monsignor Crynes, 64, has been at St. Therese's since 1994. The Scranton native was ordained in 1967 and named monsignor in 1998. Prior to being assigned to St. Therese's, Monsignor Crynes was administrator and pastor of Corpus Christi Church, Montdale, and assistant pastor at Holy Rosary Church in Scranton and St. Patrick Church in White Haven. Contact the writer: eskrapits@citizensvoice.com
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