WORCESTER (MA)
Telegram & Gazette
By Kathleen A. Shaw TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
kshaw@telegram.com
WORCESTER— Patricia O’Leary Engdahl, who has directed the Office of Healing and Prevention of the Catholic Diocese of Worcester since its inception in 2002, is leaving that position to become director of the Molly Bish Center for the Protection of Children and Elderly at Anna Maria College.
Raymond L. Delisle, spokesman for the diocese, said yesterday Ms. Engdahl is leaving the job with the diocese but he had no information on who will replace her. Her appointment at Anna Maria, a Catholic college in Paxton, takes effect July 18.
Ms. Engdahl, a lawyer and former assistant district attorney in the office of John J. Conte, was hired by the diocese when the office was created in June 2002, about the time the American bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Working with Frances Nugent, a licensed social worker, the office was involved in giving assistance to victims claiming clergy sexual abuse and in administering the programs aimed at rooting out clergy, church workers and volunteers who might pose a threat to young people. Her office was involved in doing criminal records checks of everyone working or volunteering in the diocese.
“We’re delighted to have her,” said Shelley Finn, Anna Maria spokeswoman. Ms. Engdahl replaces Sarla Chand, who left to take another job.
William D. McGarry, Anna Maria president, said the center was formed more than a year ago with the help and encouragement of John and Magdalen Bish, parents of Molly A. Bish. Ms. Bish, 16, was abducted from her lifeguard job in Warren five years ago and slain. Her killer has not been found. Mr. McGarry approached the Bishes and asked them to support such a center, he said. They not only supported the effort but became active participants. “They are wonderful people,” he said.