Nun accused of stealing church money

HOLLEY, N.Y. (AP) - Authorities say a nun faces grand larceny charges after more than $100,000 was stolen from two western New York churches where she worked.

Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone tells The Buffalo News that Sister Mary Anne Rapp is scheduled to appear in Kendall Town Court on Monday night to answer to the charges.

The newspaper reports that the money was stolen from Catholic churches in Holley and Kendall, rural parishes between Buffalo and Rochester.

No other details have been released.

The nun's attorney, James Harrington, told the newspaper he couldn't comment on the case.

The attorney for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo says Sister Mary Anne was placed on administrative leave more than a year ago after an audit conducted by the diocese turned up irregularities.

Sister Edith Wyss, provincial minister for the 138 members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, released this statement:

"This is a difficult time for all of us, especially those of us who have lived and worked with Sister Mary Anne for her nearly 50 years in our community. We cannot and do not condone the conduct alleged in these charges.

"When she was placed on administrative leave from her parishes in February 2011, she agreed at our order’s behest to seek treatment for her gambling addiction. She spent 9½ months in an in-patient treatment program and has maintained her recovery in the year since. As sisters we continue to pray for Sister Mary Anne and help her deal with her addiction, which sadly is prevalent in our society.

"The investigation and the legal process must run their course and we have no further comment at this time. We would add that for the Sisters of St. Francis, this is a private matter involving one of our own and we would ask that our privacy be respected."