The Cleveland Diocese is changing Father Sam Ciccolini's duties as a priest while he appeals a federal court's order to make $3.5 million in restitution to IBH Foundation after being convicted of charges connected to tax fraud and embezzlement last year.
Diocese spokesman Bob Tayek disputes published reports that Father Sam has been suspended. [A page 1 headline in the Akron Beacon Journal today read “Father Sam is suspended.”]
See 'For the Record' on the Cleveland Diocese website
"Father Sam, first and foremost was not suspended from priesthood or from the diocese. He remains a priest in good standing in the Diocese of Cleveland," Tayek said. "There were some changes and clarifications to his role made by the bishop."
Tayek says Father Sam has been asked by Bishop Richard Lennon not to celebrate Mass or the sacraments publicly, but can do so privately.
Ciccolini will remain in residence at Immaculate Conception in Kenmore and will still receive most of his benefits, but will not be paid, while he awaits re-assignment.
Click here to go to Akron News Now site where you can listen to an audio of Tayek.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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