Pastor's Resignation Has Churchgoers Confused

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Parishioners from Incarnation of Our Lord in Olney went to church on Sunday, but they didn't learn much about the federal investigation that has forced their pastor to step down.  New information is emerging, though, through the priest's own web pages.

Monsignor Hugh Shields, serving as a temporary administrator shared only the basics, that Father Jerry Pinero had stepped down pending the outcome of a federal investigation. Parishioners were puzzled but supportive.

(Parishioner 1):  "He gets along well with a lot of people, a lot of different nationalities. I just don't understand what's going on."

(Parishioner 2):  "He was one of the best priests we ever had here and we expect him back."

But Father Pinero was doing more than pastoring Incarnation. According to several web pages, featuring his name and picture but nothing about his vocation, he was involved in multi-level marketing, a pyramid-type business that promises thousands in income in exchange for a small buy-in.

He promoted one on a facebook page, but then added a comment, saying, "I just found out this is a hoax."

Archdiocese spokesman Donna Farrell declined to comment, but she did say being involved in an outside business would violate archdiocese policy.

Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio.