Parishioners at St. Wenceslaus Parish in west Omaha are looking for answers after learning that a priest was removed from ministry this past June.
Archbishop George Lucas will be meeting with parishioners Thursday night to explain why the archdiocese removed Father Francis Nigli, who was assigned there in 2015.
Parishioners are only now finding out about the dismissal following a sexual assault allegation by a 21 year old man, who told police the incident happened on campus grounds. No charges were filed.
Archdiocese spokesman, Deacon Tim McNeil, says the meeting with the archbishop will begin at 7:00. "He wants to hear their concerns and their thoughts about the assignment of father Nigli. He wants to assure them that minors were never in danger."
The Omaha was the second incident involving Nigli. In 2013 he was accused by an 18 year old of sexual assault while he was assigned to St. Patrick's parish in O'Neil. Following that incident, O'Neil says Nigli was sent for mental health treatment.
"We relied on a renowned treatment center in Washington D.C., McNeil tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB. "We were consulted by the archdiocese's review board and determined he was suitable for ministry with some restrictions."
McNeil says Nigli's dismissal wasn't immediately revealed "because it fell into the category of sinful behavior. It was immoral personal conduct. But now we live in a different environment and people are expecting more."
He says Thursday's meeting with Lucas is the first step in keeping Catholics better informed. "He wants to assure them that he is going to hold all priests and church personnel to even a higher standard of personal conduct."