Archbishop Shawn McKnight said the investigations involve the Rev. Jerry Arano-Ponce, a priest at Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea Parish.
“The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has received an allegation of behavior inconsistent with our safe environment policies involving Father Jerry,” McKnight wrote in a letter to parishioners that was posted on the church’s website Thursday.
The announcement also was posted on the archdiocese’s website.
“This matter is being taken with the utmost seriousness,” McKnight said. “In keeping with diocesan policy, and out of an abundance of caution to protect the well-being of all members of our community, Father Jerry has been temporarily removed from ministry.”
McKnight said that during the investigations, Arano-Ponce will be prohibited from celebrating Mass and performing pastoral duties.
The restrictions will remain in effect “pending the outcomes of formal investigations by local law enforcement and the Archdiocese,” McKnight said.
Arano-Ponce could not be reached for comment.
Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea Parish is at 22779 Metcalf Road and has a Bucyrus address.
Parishes where Arano-Ponce has previously served include St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roeland Park and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka.
No further details provided McKnight did not provide additional information about the allegations.
“This precautionary measure is a standard step to protect all parties and should not be understood as a determination of guilt,” he said. “In moments like this, we naturally want answers, but rumor and speculation serve no one and only wound the unity of our parish. “For that reason, and in keeping with established practice, no further details will be shared until the matter is resolved. As your Archbishop, I am deeply concerned for everyone impacted by this situation, for those bringing forward the allegation, for Father Jerry, and for you, the parish community.”
The archbishop said he planned to appoint a temporary pastoral administrator for the parish as soon as possible. He asked for prayers for everyone involved and for unity within the parish.
“I encourage anyone who believes that they have been the victim of misconduct involving a priest, deacon, religious, employee, or volunteer to contact local law enforcement officials,” he said. “You may also contact our Office for Protection and Care through the confidential report line at (913) 276-8703 or submit a report online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.”
In a letter accompanying McKnight’s, the Rev. John Riley, the archdiocese’s vicar general and chancellor, asked those with information or concerns regarding the matter to contact the Miami County Sheriff’s Department at (913) 294-3232.
McKnight, former bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, was installed May 27 as the 12th bishop and fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas after being appointed by Pope Francis to replace retiring Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.
The action marks the second time in just over a week that the archdiocese has publicly addressed allegations of misconduct involving leaders in its community.
On Aug. 6, the board of trustees at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park fired its president, Phil Baniewicz, amid an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor.
The board chair said an independent, professional firm had been hired to conduct an investigation and that more information would be shared as it became available.