Gloversville priest on voluntary leave

Rev. David Tressic, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Gloversville, has taken a voluntary leave of absence from ministry "due to media exposure of myself and this parish."

His comments were read to parishioners at Masses last weekend by Sister Kathleen Turley, RSM, a chancellor of the Albany Diocese. She was acting on behalf of Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, who was out of the country at the time.

Newspapers and broadcast media reported last week that Father Tressic had filed a criminal complaint against a man who had accused him of sexual misconduct while both were adults.

In the statement read at Masses by Sister Kathleen, Father Tressic said, "I am on leave to protect the parish from any possible exposure to this personal matter. It is my prayer that the judicial system will come to a speedy conclusion and that I will be able to return to you shortly. I ask for your understanding and prayers during this time."

The priest was referring to his filing of a criminal complaint with the Fulton County district attorney, accusing the man of extortion.

According to media reports, the man was a drug addict whom Father Tressic took in several years ago. The man told the media that he got off drugs, became the parish handyman and began college courses. He also claimed that there was a proposed settlement in the amount of $75,000, to be paid by Father Tressic for educational and living expenses.

Kenneth Goldfarb, spokesman for the Diocese, said that the Diocese "has never offered nor provided a financial settlement to anyone in connection with this matter."

During her visit to Sacred Heart last weekend, Sister Kathleen promised that the Diocese would "see that the pastoral needs" of the parish were met and offered to speak with parishioners one-on-one to discuss their reactions.

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