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A priest of the Albany Diocese who was removed from ministry nearly three years ago is scheduled to go on trial in Pittsfield, Mass., on charges of sexual abuse of minors.

Gary Mercure faces felony charges that he molested two New York youths during trips to the Berkshires. Jury selection for the trial, which has been postponed several times, is planned for Jan. 31 in the Superior Court of Berkshire County.

Mercure was placed on leave from priestly ministry in January 2008 and permanently removed from ministry in August 2008 after the Albany Diocese found reasonable grounds to believe he had engaged in improper sexual conduct with a minor. The Diocese has a zero tolerance policy for sexual abuse of minors by clergy.

The charges were first filed in October 2008. According to the Berkshire County District Attorney's office, Mercure faces felony counts of child abuse.

He pleaded not guilty and has been free pending trial on the condition that he have no contact with the alleged victims.

The alleged victims were boys from the Glens Falls area whom Mercure allegedly took to Massachusetts during the period when he was assigned to serve as associate pastor at Our Lady of the Annunciation parish in Queensbury.

Diocesan action
In January 2008, the Albany Diocese received allegations that Mercure had engaged in inappropriate behavior with a minor during the 1980s. Mercure began administrative leave in January 2008 and was removed permanently in August 2008 following an investigation and recommendation by the Diocesan Review Board.

As a result of his removal from ministry, Mercure cannot present himself or function publicly as a priest. He can neither celebrate Mass nor perform any other sacraments in public, and cannot wear clerical garb.

Mercure also served at St. Mary's parish in Glens Falls, Sacred Heart and St. William's in Troy, St. Mary's in Clinton Heights and Our Lady of the Assumption in Latham.

No tolerance
In keeping with diocesan policy, the allegations were immediately turned over to the pertinent district attorneys.

The Albany Diocese has urged anyone who was sexually abused by a Catholic priest or deacon to report the matter to a law enforcement agency or to the Diocese immediately. To do so, contact the Diocese's assistance coordinator, Theresa Rodrigues, at 453-6646 or by email at [email protected].

(01/27/11)[[In-content Ad]]

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