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Diocese places priest on leave

The Rev. Matthew E. Misurda has been placed on leave from public ministry by The Most Rev. Bishop Mark L. Bartchak, bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, after accusations of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Misurda had been pastor of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Johnstown.

The alleged incidents date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, according to Tony DeGol, diocese director of communications.

The accusations have been reported to civil authorities, and the dio­cese urges anyone with in­formation about child sexual abuse to report it to law enforcement.

Misurda, 67, was born in Johnstown and ordained a priest in 1977. He served at various parishes throughout the diocese, and he was appointed pastor of St. Clare of Assisi in 2012. While he is on leave, Misurda is not permitted to function publicly as a priest.

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