New Bedford Priest Removed from Church

The reasons are vague, but the Fall River Diocese says Father Marek Chmurski is still a priest in good standing.

In a written statement, the Diocese says Father Chmurski was removed as the pastor at Saint Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford after Bishop George Coleman heard from several parishioners over the past several months, becoming increasingly concerned over Father Chmurski's ministry.

Father Chmurski was notified of the change before leaving on a month-long vacation to Poland. The Diocese says upon his return in November, Father Chmurski will be offered another assignment, and another priest will take over the ministry at Saint Lawrence.

No single reason has been provided for Father Chmurski's removal. The Diocese recently learned Saint Lawrence had accumulated funds in a commercial bank in excess of the amount normally allowed by diocesan policy. Those funds have been transferred to the Fall River Diocesan depository account where they remain assets of Saint Lawrence Parish and continue to earn interest for the church.