December 05, 2008
Lewd Act Charge Leads to Priest Lawrence J. Bukaty's Departure
LANSFORD, Pa. -- When Monsignor Lawrence J. Bukaty abruptly left his post as pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Carbon County only days after presiding over its inaugural Mass, parishioners were told he had left for health reasons. Officials have now confirmed that Bukaty had another motive to leave: The 58-year-old was charged with public lewdness in June after a park ranger saw him fondling himself on a nude beach in New Jersey. Bukaty, who's held several assignments in the Allentown Diocese over the years, pleaded guilty July 30 to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct, according to court records. As part of his probation, he must stay out of Sandy Hook, the federal park where clothing-optional Gunnison Beach is located.Click Here For The Full Story......
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Pa. Priest Accused of Lewd Act at Nude NJ Beach
LANSFORD, Pa. -- A Roman Catholic priest was charged with public lewdness at a nude beach in New Jersey over the summer, weeks before leaving his post at an eastern Pennsylvania church, a newspaper reported Thursday. Parishioners at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Carbon County were told that Monsignor Lawrence J. Bukaty, 58, stepped down as their pastor in late July for health reasons. Court documents indicate that Bukaty was charged with public lewdness in June after a park ranger saw him fondling himself at clothing-optional Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, N.J., The Morning Call of Allentown reported. Bukaty pleaded guilty July 30 to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct and agreed to pay a $525 fine and stay out of Sandy Hook, according to court records.
Real Reasons for Monsignor Lawrence Bukaty's Departure Emerge
The truth is coming out about a priest's departure from his church. Monsignor Lawrence Bukaty worked throughout the Diocese of Allentown. In July, he resigned from St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Carbon County because of what he called "health reasons." But now officials say Bukaty had actually been charged with public lewdness after an incident at a beach in New Jersey. Bukaty pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and is receiving treatment.