A Wauwatosa Priest Ordered to Stay Away from His Church and School

By Keller Russell
WTMJ
March 30, 2013

http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/200712171.html

[with video]

Good Friday is a time for reflection and celebration in most churches.

But one religious community has been rocked to the core by a police investigation. Their priest has been told to stay away from children.

Father Bob Marsicek is a long time fixture at St. Pius Catholic community.

But Friday we confirmed police are investigating allegations against the priest, and that he's been removed from ministry while they do so.

On the holiest week for Catholics, parishioners at St. Pius X are stunned to hear their priest isn't allowed to celebrate mass with them.

"It's shocking."

Fr. Bob Marsicek has been temporarily pulled from his pastoral roles, according to his religious order and the archdioceses.

Police are investigating an allegation Marsicek Had inappropriate contact with a student at Wauwatosa Catholic -- a combination of St. Pius and St. Bernard students.

Parishioners say it's hard to believe.

"There is some great, grave misunderstanding is what I would think."

Ginny Reinmuller and her daughter, Louise are long time parish members.

"I've known him since I was in 4th grade and he's always been the most loving person around here," said Louise.

"He would never do anything to hurt anyone. That is not him," added her mother.

Marsicek was suspended Thursday. He has not been arrested. There are few details about the accusations. According to his direct superior, Fr. Joe Rodrigues, police told Marsicek to stay away from schools until further notice.

For now, parishioners we talked to are giving him the benefit of the doubt.

"He's very caring, he's very charismatic and he's been a blessing to this community."

Fr. Rodrigues, Salvitorian's Religious Order Provincial, tells TODAY'S TMJ4 they are "in the dark" about what exactly was reported to police. We are told the priest is under direct supervision of his order during the investigation.