The Diocese of Buffalo suspended Father Patrick O’Keefe following allegations of sexual harassment of adults and other misconduct issues, affecting parishioners across Genesee County churches where he served.
Father O’Keefe had been serving as a parochial vicar at Ascension Parish, Resurrection Parish, both in Batavia, Saint Brigid Parish in Bergen and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in LeRoy.
Nancy and Bill Brach have attended Ascension Church for more than a decade. They described their reaction to learning about the suspension.
“Word travels quickly in this community, and so most people are aware of it,” said Nancy Brach.
“It was unexpected, but I don’t know if I’d say it’s a surprise — you know, because he hasn’t been real warm with the parish,” said Bill Brach.
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