A Cedarburg priest will return for services next weekend after being cleared by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in its investigation of an allegation that he sexually abused a minor decades ago.

In a letter sent to parishioners Sunday, Archbishop Jerome Listecki said the allegation against the Rev. Tom Eichenberger of St. Francis Borgia Parish was not substantiated.

Eichenberger was put on leave in September. The allegation came from a claim filed in the church's bankruptcy case, which accused Eichenberger of molesting a minor during his first assignment at a parish in West Allis after his 1976 ordination.

The report was reviewed by the district attorney's office, which did not file any charges as the incident was beyond the statute of limitations. It was then turned over to an independent investigator, who reported to the Diocesan Review Board. After review, the board recommended that Eichenberger be restored to the ministry.

Listecki wrote that the priest will be back at the parish later this week and will join parishioners for mass next weekend.

In the letter, Listecki thanked Eichenberger for his patient cooperation, as well as those who serve on the review board and staff who cared for the church.