The longtime pastor of a New Jersey Catholic church has resigned amid an investigation into $500,000 missing from church funds.

The Rev. Douglas Haefner's decision was made public in a letter sent Thursday to the parishioners of St. Matthias Church in Franklin Township.

Diocese of Metuchen Bishop James Checchio wrote in the letter that Haefner has acknowledged he "borrowed" the money and blamed the issue on his "compulsive behavior." But further details haven't been disclosed.

It's not clear how much money may be missing overall. The Diocese is currently conducting a forensic audit of the parish.

An attorney for Haefner released a statement to News 12 New Jersey that said in part, “It is quite unfortunate that, as he steps out of the public, some have used the opportunity to violate the confidentiality that, as a matter of law, attaches to those health-related issues."

Haefner served as a pastor at St. Matthias for 27 years. The church has 3,225 registered families.