NATRONA HEIGHTS — A Roman Catholic priest resigned as pastor of two parishes following questions about his financial practices, the diocese's bishop said.

The Rev. Richard Tusky resigned last week from St. Joseph in Natrona and Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Natrona Heights.

Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik told members of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament that there were unresolved questions about Tusky's handling of some parish receipts, including those from memorial booklets, rental property and an estate sale.

Zubik, reading from a letter to parishioners Saturday, said an initial audit by the diocese "turned up more questions than answers." He did not disclose the amount of money concerned but said the overall finances of the churches are strong.

"In my role as bishop, I take most seriously the trust you place in me and your expectation that I provide for the care of your parish," he said.

The diocese will investigate further, and an independent firm also will review the parishes' finances, Zubik said.

Zubik said he gave Tusky, who came to the parishes almost four years ago, the option of resigning or being removed from the parish until the investigation was complete. Tusky remains a diocesan priest but has been restricted from performing the duties of a priest, he said.

A listed number for Tusky could not be found Sunday, and messages left at both churches were not immediately returned.

Retired Auxiliary Bishop William Winter will serve as temporary administrator of the two parishes. The Rev. Thomas A. Wagner, a former vicar in Natrona Heights, will become the new pastor starting April 14.

A decade ago, the late Rev. Walter J. Benz was accused of stealing more than $1.3 million from Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Hampton. Benz, who died of leukemia in 1998, told police he took on average $1,000 a week from collection baskets at the two churches over a period of 26 years.

"It is truly unfortunate that that kind of cloud should arise again," Zubik said.