The Diocese of Erie announced today that it has removed Msgr. Charles Kaza from active duty, after receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against him.

Msgr. Kaza has been serving as pastor of St. Tobias Parish in Brockway, and president of DuBois Central Catholic School Board.

The Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General forwarded the allegations to the diocese and its independent investigators at the K&L Gates law firm. The firm conducted a preliminary investigation, and Bishop Lawrence Persico, made the decision to place Msgr. Kaza on administrative leave and restrict him from active ministry. 

The abuse is alleged to have taken place while Msgr. Kaza was serving at St. John the Baptist Parish, Erie, in the 1980's.

The action announced today took effect May 13.  The diocese says Kaza is cooperating with the investigation and will remain on leave, staying at a private home with family until the investigation is complete.

In keeping with its Policy for the Protection of Children, the diocese plans to cooperate fully with the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Officials with the diocese ask anyone with information related to this case to contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General at 1-888-538-8541 and K&L Gates at [email protected].

Bishop Persico has named Father Leo Gallina as temporary administrator of St. Tobias Parish, effective May 20. Father Gallina will be in residence at the parish beginning May 28.