BOSTON -- The pastor of a Watertown church was placed on administrative leave Sunday after he was accused of sexual abusing a child two decades ago, the Archdiocese of Boston said in a statement.

Church officials have notified police of the allegation against the Rev. Frederick Barr, the Archdiocese said, and the church has launched an internal investigation into the charge.

Barr is currently pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown, although the statement did not specify where the abuse allegedly took place 20 years ago. The church will be under the guidance of a temporary administrator while officials investigate the incident.