Former Area Pastor Under Investigation Commits Suicide

The Catholic Diocese of Columbus says a pastor who was placed on administrative leave November 7th took his own life Wednesday in Chicago.  The Diocese says Father James Csaszar, of the Church of the Resurrection in New Albany,  was placed on leave after diocesan officials were made aware of excessive and questionable text and telephone communications with a minor and potential misuse of church funds while serving as pastor of St. Rose Parish in New Lexington. Following a review of the matter, New Lexington Police were contacted and all information was turned over to them and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for their review.  The Diocese of Columbus says an investigation was being conducted at the time of Father Csaszar’s death.  The Diocese said in a statement “We are reminded throughout sacred scripture that our God our Father is loving, merciful, compassionate and forgiving.  We also know that in his years of priestly ministry Fr. Csaszar did many good things for the people that served in his parish assignments.  And so we ask that everyone pray for Father Csaszar, his family, friends and parishioners during this most difficult time.”  The Diocese says Father Csaszar also served as an associate pastor at St. Nicholas Church in Zanesville from 1999 until 2003.