Parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach took to social media this past weekend to share their shock that the Diocese of Palm Beach had removed their pastor from his office.
The Rev. Alex Vargas was placed on administrative leave on June 18 pending an investigation into “serious allegations” of misconduct, the diocese said in a prepared statement. The diocese did not specify the nature of the allegations but said the matter has been reported to “the appropriate civil authorities.”
It noted that Vargas “enjoys the presumption of innocence” under both civil and canon law “and is not considered guilty at this time.”
News of the decision spread quickly online throughout the parish, based on Military Trail near Woolbright Road in suburban Boynton Beach. Many spoke of their surprise, while others expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding the allegations. A few praised the diocese for publicly disclosing the investigation.
“I am a parishioner of this parish for over 11 years and I am both shocked and devastated about this,” one wrote on Facebook. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Please keep our parish community in your prayers.”
Bishop Gerald Barbarito, who retired in late 2025, named Vargas pastor at St. Thomas More in August 2025. He had previously served the parish as an administrator and a vicar. His biography on the church’s website said he was born in 1971 in Honduras.
Social media users described Vargas as a charismatic and kind priest who had long been part of the parish community. Residents wrote Vargas had served in St. Thomas More for over 15 years, with many saying he had baptized their children and attended a family member’s funeral.
“This is heartbreaking as I loved listening to his sermons every week,” a user posted on Facebook.
“He baptized my son and we’ve been members for 20 wonderful years at STM,” another user wrote on Facebook. “Nothing but a loving environment and congregation. I hope the truth comes out. The online persecution is horrendous.”
Others hope Vargas is cleared after the investigation.
“I truly pray this is a misunderstanding. St Thomas More is also a wonderful church. So sad,” a user wrote.
One parishioner at St. Thomas More wrote Vargas preparing to celebrate his first anniversary as the parish’s priest this summer. She added Vargas had helped the church grow by “warmly welcoming the faithful” and his fundraising efforts.
“All this momentum is driven by Father Vargas, who never tires of seeking the best for the community,” the parishioner wrote on Facebook. “I cannot even bear the thought of him being away.”
Anyone with information regarding Vargas, or any allegation of abuse by a representative of the church, is urged to contact the Diocese of Palm Beach Reporting Line at (561) 775-9558 or the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-800-96 ABUSE (962-2873).
Valentina Palm covers immigration and West Palm Beach for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Priest’s removal ‘heartbreaking’ for Boynton Catholic parish members
Reporting by Valentina Palm, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Valentina Palm, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
