Parish pastor took money, bishop says

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