The Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, has informed St Mary, Star of the
Sea Catholic Church parishioners that pastor Fr Ted Prentice has
"concluded that it would be in the best interests of the parish for him
to resign as your pastor".
Fr Prentice has tendered his resignation effective Monday, April 20, the archdiocese announced according to The Daily Astorian.
In a letter sent to parishioners, the Vicar General, Monsignor Dennis J. O'Donovan said after several weeks of retreat, Fr Prentice would accept an assignment at another parish in the Archdiocese of Portland.
The letter states that after a detailed review by the Archdiocese's Department of Financial Services, "no significant financial irregularities were noted" about St Mary, Star of the Sea School.
But the review found Prentice mishandled or questionably disbursed parish funds. None, however, were for his personal use.
The review found that approximately $83,000 in expenditures were questionable. Prentice agreed to reimburse the parish 60 percent of that amount, after questioning some of the analysis. The Parish Finance Council agreed.
"The Archdiocese will cooperate with any law enforcement authorities that may conduct their own investigation," the letter reported.
MORE @
Catholic priest resigns after questionable handling of funds (Daily Astorian)
LINKS
Portland Archdiocese
St Mary Star of the Sea, Astoria