Claremore priest reinstated

A Catholic Priest returned to his Claremore church this morning to hold his first mass since being suspended.<br><br>Only News On Six was there as Father Paul Eichhoff spoke to his parish for the first

Friday, November 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A Catholic Priest returned to his Claremore church this morning to hold his first mass since being suspended.

Only News On Six was there as Father Paul Eichhoff spoke to his parish for the first time in months.

The Diocese placed Eichhoff on administrative leave earlier this year, while it looked into allegations of sexual abuse from 25-years ago.

The Diocese has concluded its investigation of Father Eichhoff and allowed him to return to parish work.

Friday Eichhoff responded for the first time publicly to the allegations in a prepared statement. â€œI stated at that time; and I state again today, I did not commit such acts. I have no knowledge of any of the events."

Eichhoff says the experience has made him more sensitive to the needs of those who have suffered abuse. He sued the alleged victim for slander, who has counter-sued for damages he says he suffered at the hands of Eichhoff.

Rev Eichhoff is the pastor of Saint Cecelia Church in Claremore.