Staff reports

The pastor of St. Christopher Church in north Chili, the Rev. Robert Gaudio, has been placed on administrative leave until an investigation into a recently received allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor can be completed; according to a release Sunday from the Diocese of Rochester. Parishioners were told of the decision at the 9 a.m. Mass.

The allegation dates from the 1970s.

Gaudio strongly denies the accusation, and said "I never did this," according to diocese spokesman, Doug Mandelaro .

Gaudio is forbidden to practice public ministry pending the outcome of the investigation.

Gaudio was ordained in 1974. Before he served at St. Christopher, he served at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport, St. Alphonsus Church in Auburn, St. Andrew Church in Rochester, Holy Name of Jesus Church in Greece, St. Monica Church in Rochester and St. Ann Church in Palmyra, Wayne County, concurrent with ministry at St. Gregory Church in Marion, Wayne County.

Details of allegation

Attorney Leander James of James, Vernon and Weeks said in an email to the Democrat and Chronicle on Sunday that he was authorized to share details of the accusation by a male client who was 14, going on 15 years- old at the time of the alleged offenses. He said his client was an altar boy and alleges the abuse took place at St. Andrew’s Church, 923 Portland Ave.

In the statement the alleged victim thanked the diocese for placing Gaudio on leave while an investigation is conducted.

"I am willing to cooperate with the Diocese’s investigation of Fr. Gaudio. I hope if there are other abuse victims out there that they can come forward and heal. The truth must come out. I am sure there are people who are shocked by this, including Fr. Gaudio’s parishioners. When clergy abuse occurs, it hurts the victims terribly, but it also hurts many others, including the faithful. My heart goes out to them."

The victim said that he had begun serving Mass for Gaudio, who was inspiring and encouraging at first, but that later Gaudio begun to do things that the victim alleges made him feel dirty, embarrassed and ashamed.

"It damaged my self-esteem, stole my faith and left me feeling embarrassed, dirty and ashamed. This was a turning point in my young life. I spiraled downward from there. It caused so many problems as an adult. I’ve been suffering so much from anxiety over the memories of the abuse," the alleged victim said in the statement.

The Rev. Edward Palumbus has been named temporary administrator at St. Christopher in Gaudio's absence.

DIOCESE HELP FOR VICTIMS

Victims of abuse should always report to the civil authorities. To report a case of possible sexual abuse and to receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, victims are encouraged to contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Deborah A. Housel, at (585) 328-3228, ext. 1555 (toll-free 1-800-388-7177, ext. 1555) or by e-mail to victimsassistance@dor.org.

More:Former McQuaid principal on list of Jesuit priests accused of sexually abusing children

This story is free to readers as a public service. Please consider supporting local journalism.