Father Ciotoli withdraws from ministry

In light of a single allegation of sexual abuse that was first reported in a Child Victims Act (CVA) case, Father Vincent Ciotoli, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Schenectady and St. Margaret of Cortona in Rotterdam, has voluntarily withdrawn from public ministry while the independent Diocesan Review Board investigates the claim. The decision is effective immediately. While on leave, Father Ciotoli will not publicly officiate at sacraments, wear clerical garb, or present himself as a priest.

Out of an abundance of caution and sensitivity to all concerned, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has accepted Father Ciotoli’s decision, and asks for prayers for all involved. Father Ciotoli maintains his innocence.

Father Ciotoli has served as pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace since 2010, and as pastor of its mission church, St. Margaret of Cortona, since 2015. Prior to that he served at the following parishes: St. Luke’s, Schenectady; St. Mary’s, Glens Falls; Our Lady of the Assumption, Latham; St. Patrick’s, Troy; St. Pius X, Loudonville; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Gloversville; St. Helen’s, Schenectady; Immaculate Conception, Glenville; St. Patrick’s, Ravena; St. Teresa of Avila (now Mater Christi), Albany; Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls; and Our Lady of the Assumption, Rotterdam.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany takes all allegations of child sexual abuse seriously. The Diocese urges anyone who as a child was sexually abused by a Catholic priest or deacon to report the matter to a law enforcement agency or to the Diocese. To report an incident of abuse or to seek help, contact the Diocese’s Assistance Coordinator, Frederick Jones, at (518) 453-6646 or by email at [email protected].