ATLANTA--A Marist School teacher was accused of sexual misconduct by a young man was immediately removed form teaching and priestly functions almost two years ago, officials of the school said May 17.

The case involving Father Philip Gage, SM, was reported by a Marist graduate and his family in August 1993. They requested at the time that the incident not be made public, said Headmaster Michael F. Maher.

Father Gage taught at the school from 1988 until 1993.

The graduate said he had been 17 years old at the time that fondling by the priest occurred, school officials reported. Admitting to improper conduct, Father Gage insisted that the victim had been over 18 and not a Marist student at the time, the officials said.

Marist officials said Father Gage was immediately removed from his teaching duties when the case became known and was transferred to the headquarters of the Marist order in Washington, D.C. These actions were taken in conformity with the policy of the order, the Marist officials said.

“During the course of investigating this matter, additional information revealed that Father Gage may also have been involved in an improper relationship with a second male Marist graduate who was 18 years of age at the time the relationship began,” the officials said. “Father Gage has denied any improper conduct with respect to this second individual.”

The disclosure came from the headmaster and the two other members of the school’s top administrative group, Father Hartnett and Father Kevin J. Duggan, SM, campus pastor. The private Catholic school, which is 94 years old, enrolls, 1,018 boys and girls in grades 7-12.

The headmaster met May 17 with 120 faculty and staff to inform them of the case. The heads of the Marist Parents Club were informed at separate meetings.

In the letter sent to “members of the Marist family,” parents were asked by school officials to discuss the case with their children at home. Outside psychologist have been called in by the school to counsel students, faculty and staff.

“A necessary and important part of the healing process is to make ourselves more aware of all the issues related to the topic of abusive behavior, including sexual abuse,” the letter said.

Recipients of the letter were also asked to pray for the victims and their families, for Father Gage and for the Marist School community.

Marist School is independent of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. However, Archbishop John F. Donoghue was informed by Marist officials because he is the spiritual leader of Catholics in North Georgia, school officials said.