A survivor's network of priestly abuse says it received two separate complaints in the past year against Father Paul Abbass, who stepped down from his position as executive director at an addictions treatment centre for adult men in Sydney.

Members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) say the new allegations came from former residents of Talbot House. One is described as being of a sexual nature, while the second is said to involve the handling of medication at the treatment centre.

John MacEachern works with the Diocese Planning Council in Glace Bay and Abbass is a longtime friend. He says he is shocked by the allegations.

"I've known Father Paul since he was first at St. F.X. many years ago," says MacEachern. "In all the time I've watched him I have never heard a negative word about Father Paul until what I read yesterday."

MacEachern is helping parishes in the diocese to arrange the sale of properties to pay a multi-million dollar settlement to victims of priestly abuse. He admits that parishioners are not happy over recent developments in the Catholic Church, particularly in his diocese.

"I've spoken to a lot of people and I've listened to a lot of people. A lot of people are sad, they feel hurt, and there is a lot of frustration," he says.

Pat Bates is a parish leader in Sydney River and he too is surprised at the claims.

"We are concerned where these allegations might lead," says Bates. "I've known Father Abbass for a long time. He works very hard. He's been quite involved in the legal settlement business."

The new allegations have some parishioners in the Diocese of Antigonish saying they are beginning to lose faith in the Catholic Church.

"I stopped going to church a couple of year ago when the allegations all started," said one former parishioner. "I just don't feel safe anymore."

But not all Catholics have lost faith in the church.

"I am still going to church," says parishioner Jolene MacKenzie. "I still believe in the values of my religion. It is just sad."

No details have been released about the official complaints filed against Abbass at Talbot House, which launched the investigation into his conduct.

Abbass has refused to comment on the case but he did agree to step down from Talbot House and from his parish duties while the investigation is conducted.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Randy MacDonald