In two weeks, the Resurrection Roman Catholic Church will hold its first Mass, but now a priest from one of the merging churches is crying foul.

The Rev. Francis Balestino of Immaculate Conception ended mass with a plea to his parishioners. He claims he was forced into retirement and is now looking for employment and a place to live.

On top of the speech, he wrote a message in the church's bulletin. He told parishioners he did not request or expect to be relieved until his 75th birthday on Dec. 1, 2009.

Canon law states Catholic priests may submit their resignations at 75, although their bishops may ask them to keep working.

According to Tony DeGol, spokesperson for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, "Fr. Balestino was offered several positions where he could minister, have a place to live and income. But he declined."

Bishop Joseph Adamec recently announced the appointments for the priests in Cambria City. In the listing, Balestino was granted senior priest status and retirement from administrative responsibilities, effective July 22.

The Very Rev. Anthony Francis Spilka, pastor of Sts. Casimir and Emirich Parish and St. Columba Parish, was appointed parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Michael Parish.

The Rev. Nicholas Swiatek, parochial vicar at Sts. Casimir and Emerich Parish and St. Columba Parish, was appointed parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Michael Parish.

The Rev. Andrew Stanko, pastor of St. Stephen Parish, was appointed pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Mundy's Corner.

The Rev. Charles Amershek, pastor of St. Rochus Parish, was granted a sabbatical from parochial administrative responsibilities for the purpose of assisting sacramentally as needed in the diocese, as well as for retreat and study purposes, in accord with doceasan policies.

All of the appointments are effective July 22, 2009, when the diocese merges: Immaculate Conception, Sts. Casimir and Emrich, St. Columba, St. Rochus and St. Stephens to form the Resurrection Roman Catholic Church.