Winnipeg priest put on leave, investigated for impropriety

A Winnipeg priest has been put on administrative leave overallegations of impropriety and the archbishop has turned to the Pope for advice in handling the matter.

There is no word on what exactly the allegations against Rev.Fred Olds involve or when the incidents took place. However, a statement from the archbishop ofSt.Bonifacenotes theallegations do not involve minors.

Olds was the pastor at St. BernadetteParish for 20 years and left in 2015 to become pastor at St. Timothy Parish. Both parishes are part of theArchdiocese ofSt. Boniface.

In his statement, Archbishop AlbertLeGatt said he alsoremoved Oldsfrom membership on thediocese's Advisory CommitteeforThe Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults.

Please pray for the entire parish of St.Bernadette, for all its members and for all its families.- Archbishop AlbertLeGatt

LeGatt released the statement to parishioners atSt.Bernadette earlier this month, saying it was his "painful duty" to inform them about the accusations against their former priest.

"These allegations concern his responsibilities and duties as a shepherd, as a pastor of souls, as a Roman Catholic priest," the statement says.

LeGattsaid when he heard about the allegations, he hired a certified clinical psychologist to speak with people "so as to arrive at the truth as best it can be known."

A total of 28 people were interviewed and a report was submitted toLeGatt, who then took the actions against Olds. The priest was also advised toseek legal advice.

LeGatt'sstatement stresses that the accusations are still being investigated and Olds "is presumed innocent until proven otherwise."

"We continue the search for the whole truth in the matter of these allegations," he said.

LeGattalso noted he has turned to the Vatican in Rome to seek advice and direction. But he is also asking parishioners to help by providing two things: information and prayers.

"I ask that if anybody has any information at all that may be relevant or helpful to please contact my office immediately," he said.

"And finally, I bring forward to all of you my deepest request at this time. Please pray. Please pray for the good of all, for the good of each individual. Please pray for the entire parish of St. Bernadette, for all its members and for all its families."

St.Bernadetteisnot new to being in the news. It's the same parish where an employee embezzledmore than $400,000.

Leo McCaughan, who managed finances for the church between 2009 and 2015, admitted last month to the charges.

• Former Winnipeg church administrator pleads guilty to embezzling $400K