A former St. Hyacinth’s and Blessed Mary Angela priest has been reinstated by the Buffalo Diocese.

According to a news release issued Thursday afternoon, an independent investigations and review and recommendation by the Independent Review Board of the Diocese of Buffalo concerning allegations been determined to be unsubstantiated. Bishop Michael W. Fisher has accepted the recommendations and has reinstated the following priests who were previously placed on administrative leave:

Included in the list was the Rev. Matt Nycz, a former Dunkirk priest, who serves at SS. Peter and Paul in Wiliamsville.

Also reinstated was:

¯ Rev. Adolph Kowalczyk, pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard Park

¯ Rev. Gregory Dobson, who is retired but continues to assist in various parishes of the Diocese

¯ Rev. Monsignor James G. Kelly (83), a retired priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, but who continues to assist in parish ministry.

The diocese followed its rigorous policies and protocols in dealing with the allegations in question, including notifying the Erie County District Attorney’s office, which declined to act on any of the allegations. In addition, Diocesan attorneys reached out to the attorneys for the plaintiffs, and the Diocese confronted each of the accused priests, all of whom denied ever committing any acts of abuse. Some of the accusers cooperated with the investigation, and one refused to cooperate or provide information beyond the accusation.

The Diocese of Buffalo encourages any person who wishes to report an instance of sexual abuse or sexual harassment by a member of the clergy, diocesan employee or volunteer to contact the Victims Assistance Coordinator at (716)-895-3010 or Jacqueline.joy@ccwny.org. For a more extensive overview of resources, go to: https://www.buffalodiocese.org/abuse-response