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Priest granted leave of absence
From News Channel 9: 11/17/2003
(www.capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/?SecID=33&ArID=47993)
By: Jessica Schneider

The Holy Family Parish in Little Falls is now without its only priest. News of a relationship scandal back in the 1980's is leaving the pastor's post -- once filled by Father Charles Celeste -- vacant.

Attorney John Aretakis said, "I can tell you that a very great many percentages of the people at Holy Family Parish do not want Father Celeste back."

Aretakis represents Randy Sweringen -- the man just coming forth to say that he had an adult relationship with Celeste.

Father Celeste is not denying it and has asked the diocese for a leave of absence -- which Bishop Howard Hubbard has approved.

Albany Diocese spokesman Father Kenneth Doyle said, "He regrets very much the choices that he made during that time frame, which was 15 to 20 years ago. It was an adult relationship. None of that makes it alright. It's not only inappropriate, but it's wrong and he acknowledges that."

At the time, Sweringen was an undergrad at RPI, a pledge at Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Just next door was St. Paul's Church where Father Celeste was serving as a priest.

Father Doyle said Celeste was not removed from the priesthood because it was a mutual relationship between two consenting adults that happened more than a decade ago. But Aretakis said there was nothing mutual about it.

Aretakis said, "Randy has said in his statement that the physical interaction between them was never mutual. In other words, it was always Father Celeste engaging in contact with Randy."

Father Celeste will stay away from the Little Falls parish for an undetermined amount of time. Doyle said it is likely Celeste will eventually return to the priesthood.

Father Doyle said, "The diocese will be in a process of continually reviewing his situation and seeing whether and when he might be ready to go back to ministry."

No legal charges are pending, but Aretakis said Randy Sweringen is waiting for a formal apology from Father Celeste and the Albany Diocese for the abuse he suffered 16 years ago.

Father Celeste was the only pastor at Holy Family Parish. Father Doyle said there will be several substitute pastors to take over the weekly duties in the church while Celeste is on leave.