Priest Reinstated with Restrictions After Placed on Administrative Leave for 'Inappropriate, nonsexual behaviors'

A Buffalo priest who had been on administrative leave since last fall due to allegations of misconduct has been cleared to return to ministry, but with certain limitations.

Rev. Walter Grabowski was placed on leave in September following accusations of “inappropriate, nonsexual behavior” involving adult women.

After an investigation conducted by the Diocesan Independent Review Board, Bishop Michael Fisher announced that while the allegations were substantiated, Grabowski had completed a targeted program to address his behavior and may now resume limited ministerial duties.

Although he has been reinstated, Grabowski is prohibited from serving in the parishes where he was last assigned.

These include the parish family comprising Fourteen Holy Helpers, Queen of Heaven, and St. John XXIII in West Seneca; St. Gabriel in Elma; and St. John Vianney in Orchard Park.

In June, Grabowski formally retired from active priestly ministry, but he will continue to serve in a restricted role as a retired priest within the Diocese of Buffalo.

The review board concluded that Grabowski’s conduct crossed appropriate social boundaries. However, it did not involve sexual behavior.

Bishop Fisher said the decision to permit Grabowski’s limited return was based on the outcome of the investigation and the priest’s completion of corrective measures.

Priest Reinstated with Restrictions After Placed on Administrative Leave for 'Inappropriate, nonsexual behaviors'