The longtime pastor of the Word of God Parish in Swissvale and
Rankin "took" church funds and has resigned, Bishop David A. Zubik of
the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh wrote in a letter to
parishioners Saturday.
In a letter to be distributed at all Masses in the parish this
weekend, Zubik wrote that the Rev. Francis J. Drabiska, who has been
pastor for 16 years, resigned and that diocesan auditors discovered
financial problems.
"It has become clear through careful review of parish finances by
diocesan auditors that funds have been misappropriated in some fashion
from Word of God," Zubik wrote.
"Father Drabiska acknowledged that he
took funds and subsequently resigned as pastor."
Drabiska has been placed on administrative leave. He cannot
administer the sacraments and cannot present himself as a priest in good
standing, said the Rev. Ron Lengwin, a spokesman for the diocese.
Lengwin would not say how much money was involved.
An attempt to reach Drabiska last night was not successful.
Word of God encompasses St. Anselm and St. Barnabas churches in Swissvale and Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rankin.
Zubik said civil authorities would investigate. Mike Manko, a
spokesman for the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, confirmed
that the diocese had contacted prosecutors.
"Our office was made aware of the audit Friday, and it's our
expectation that diocesan officials will meet with us this week," Manko
said.
Zubik appointed the Rev. John Lynam as administrator of Word of God
Parish in addition to his responsibilities as pastor of Madonna del
Castello Parish in Swissvale.
Drabiska was born in Ellwood City and ordained a priest in the
Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1976.
He has been pastor at Word of God since
1994.
Before that, he served as pastor and parochial vicar of St.
Anselm; and as parochial vicar at St. Agatha Parish, Bridgeville, and
St. Joseph Parish, Pittsburgh.
SIC: PTR/USA