Queens Pastor Is Placed on Administrative Leave

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has placed a Queens pastor on administrative leave from priestly ministry after receiving allegations of sexual abuse placed on the diocese’s telephone reporting line.

The bishop said that Msgr. George F. Zatarga, the pastor of American Martyrs parish, Bayside, since 2005, acknowledged the inappropriate behavior. He also wrote a letter resigning his pastorate and agreed to undergo counseling and treatment, which he has begun.

In a letter to parishioners read at the Masses Dec.1 -2, Bishop DiMarzio said: “Allow me to share with you that no information presented in the allegations involved any members of this parish.”

Msgr. John W. Maloney, the territorial vicar for the Queens South Vicariate, read the letter at the four weekend Masses as the representative of the bishop.

When the diocese learned of the allegations, the information was immediately given to the District Attorney’s Office of Kings County, “following our standard procedure,” the bishop’s letter said.

Bishop DiMarzio said that as a priest on administrative leave Msgr. Zatarga is not permitted to present himself as a priest, wear clerical attire, celebrate Mass publicly or administer the sacraments. He is allowed to offer Mass privately.

After the Masses, Dominican Sister Ellen Patricia Finn, the Victims Assistance Coordinator, and eight members of the diocesan Healing/Intervention Team were available to parishioners to hear their “thoughts and concerns” about the news presented in the letter. A number of parishioners spoke with the team, she said.

Msgr. Zatarga, 65, became the pastor of American Martyrs in 2005 after serving as the diocesan Vicar for Senior Priests for six years. Ordained in 1968, he served as a parochial vicar at St. Frances de Chantal, Borough Park, and St. Gertrude’s, Edgemere; pastor of Christ the King, Springfield Gardens; and chaplain at Bishop Loughlin M.H.S., Ft. Greene, and Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood.

In his letter, Bishop DiMarzio asked the parishioners of American Martyrs to pray for all victims of abuse by clergy, stating that “the courage of those who have come forward at this time should be especially respected and admired.”

Saying that he was speaking as the diocesan bishop and on behalf of all in the Church, he apologized to the victims “for the emotional suffering they have endured.” He said that “even the passage of time” has not dimmed their hurt.

Bishop DiMarzio also encouraged prayers for the former pastor, asking parishioners to “reflect on the good that Msgr. Zatarga has accomplished in his nearly four decades in the priesthood.”

The bishop named Msgr. Edward J. Bottino, a retired pastor of the diocese, to serve as the parish administrator until a new pastor is appointed. He assumed his duties this week.

In his letter, Bishop DiMarzio said that anyone wishing to present an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy should call the toll-free reporting number, (888) 634-4499. He said the caller would be treated “with courtesy and respect.”

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