Lincoln Diocese priest placed on leave

A member of the Lincoln Diocese has been placed on a leave of absence following “immoral conduct with an adult woman.”

According to a statement by Bishop James Conley, Father Mark Cyza, chief administrative officer of Lourdes Central Catholic School and Pastor of St. Benedict parish in Nebraska City, was put on leave after he disclosed “a moral failing that was committed within the past few years."

The statement says Cyza admitted to immoral conduct with an adult woman, who was not an employee of the parish or the school.

According to the statement, the diocese has not received any allegations of criminal wrongdoing and there have been no reported violations in terms of minors.

Father Jonathan Haschke has been appointed interim chief administrative officer for Lourdes Central Catholic.

Previously, Father Scott Courtney, a reverend in Central Nebraska, was placed on leave.

In addition, Rev. Patrick Barvick was removed from his role as a pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Davey, and in early August, Rev. Charles Townsend was removed from the ministry for engaging in an “emotionally inappropriate, nonsexual relationship” with a 19-year-old.