Boston parishioners stunned as priests suspended

Parishioners at two Boston-area churches were stunned on Sunday to learn their priests had been suspended as part of the Catholic Archdiocese’s efforts to root out priests accused of sexual misconduct.

‘‘I think it comes as a shock. At first people will need time to process it,’’ parishioner John Dottar said as he left his.

‘‘He was always very gregarious and outgoing. From everything I saw he was nice to everyone and very well-liked.’’

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston announced on Saturday it had suspended two priests.

The decision followed public criticism that it had ignored past allegations of priest misconduct.