Former St. John Bosco Priest Put on Leave as Archdiocese Investigates Allegations

A Catholic priest assigned to parishes in Bucks and Montgomery counties has been placed on administrative leave, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Monday.

Father Louis J. Kolenkiewicz, 47, who most recently served at Saint Bede the Venerable Parish in Holland, has been suspended as the archdiocese investigates allegations against him.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Kolenkiewicz allegedly violated ministry standards that deal with appropriate behavior around children.

The archdiocese did not elaborate on details regarding the allegations.

This is the second time Kolenkiewicz has been placed on administrative leave. In September 2011, while serving at Our Lady of Peace in Milmont Park, he was suspended in response to possible concerns regarding his suitability for ministry.

In 2014, he was reinstated and assigned to Saint Bede the Venerable. He has also served at Saint John Bosco in Hatboro from 1994-2002 and Saint Ignatius in Yardley from 2002-2004.

While on administrative leave, Kolenkiewicz is not permitted to exercise public ministry, administer any of the sacraments, or present himself publicly as a member of the clergy.

Parishioners at Saint Bede the Venerable were notified this weekend of Kolenkiewicz’s leave and counselors were made available.