BishopAccountability.org
	Sex Case Prompts Pastor Switch Pastor of Laflin Parish to Replace Monsignor Crynes, Who Quit Amid Sex Allegations By John Davidson jdavidson@leader.net Times Leader June 14, 2006 http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/news/local/14813447.htm The Rev. James Paisley of St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin has been reassigned to St. Therese's Church in Shavertown, which lost former pastor Monsignor J. Peter Crynes when he resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations last month. Paisley made the announcement during Masses held Sunday, according to parishioners at St. Maria Goretti Church, although Diocese of Scranton spokesman William Genello declined to comment on the matter Tuesday. Parishioners at St. Therese's were shocked when diocesan officials announced Crynes' resignation May 28. The alleged misconduct, reported by two women, happened before Crynes came to St. Therese's 12 years ago, the Diocese of Scranton said. Crynes, 64, had been a priest in the diocese for nearly 40 years, serving mostly in Lackawanna County. The diocese has left key questions about the allegations against Crynes unanswered, including the ages of the women and when the alleged misconduct occurred. Paisley, who has served at St. Maria Goretti for the past 10 years, will take over at St. Therese's from the Rev. Edward R. Scott, a retired priest who has been administering the parish since Crynes' resignation. St. Therese's Church is one of the diocese's largest with about 4,400 members. The news came as a shock to parishioners at St. Maria Goretti, who gave Paisley a standing ovation Sunday after he announced his departure. "We feel very bad, we hate to see him go," said parishioner Mary Giamas, an active volunteer at the church. "We've been here nine years and we feel we've known him all our life. Everyone was crying Sunday." Paisley's reassignment is part of a series of changes taking place within the diocese. On June 6, the diocese announced the Rev. Joseph A. Greskiewicz, pastor at SS. Peter and Paul in Plains Township, will also become pastor of Sacred Heart and St. Joseph, both also in Plains Township, effective July 6. The three churches will remain open as distinct parishes. The Rev. Thomas P. Shoback, current pastor of Sacred Heart and St. Joseph, will receive another assignment in the diocese. Church officials say retirements are adding to the continuing shortage of active priests. This year, eight priests are retiring while only two new priests will be ordained. According to the officials, approximately 200 priests will be available for active service in the 11-county diocese, compared with the high of 476 priests in 1966. The Diocese projects the number of active priests will fall to 164 or fewer by 2010. John Davidson, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7210.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.