St. Teresa of Avila Church, where concerns about financial irregularities have led to an investigation by the Erie County District Attorney’s office, has a new pastor.

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec assigned the Rev. James B. Cunningham to oversee the South Buffalo parish. Cunningham began his term on Saturday.

He succeeds Monsignor Fred R. Voorhes, who was unexpectedly removed as temporary administrator in August after he declined to fire the parish business manager, Marc J. Pasquale.

Both Voorhes and Pasquale had expressed concerns to the diocese about apparent financial discrepancies at the parish that occurred prior to their tenures. Pasquale took his complaints to the District Attorney and later was fired. Diocesan officials deny the removals had anything to do with Pasquale’s whistle blowing, and they have said Voorhes did nothing wrong. They have not elaborated.

Parishioners have organized a reception for Voorhes at noon today in the Irish Center.