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	Pawtucket: Priest Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation By Chris Boardman ABC 6 August 24, 2009 http://www.abc6.com/news/54543132.html PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) - A Pawtucket priest has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of sexually abusing a boy more than 20 years ago. Church officials announced Monday that the Rev. Kevin Fisette has resigned as pastor of St. Leo the Great parish. He has been placed on administrative leave by officials in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. The diocese said it was informed of the abuse allegation in March. Church leaders did not release more details about the complaint. No criminal charges have been filed against Fisette, who did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment. In a written statement prepared for his parishioners, Fisette did not comment on the allegations but asked for prayers for himself and his accuser. Bishop Thomas Tobin said he will appoint a new priest to run Fisette's parish. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) ***** (PROVIDENCE, RI) - In accordance with The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and diocesan policy, the Diocese of Providence today announced that Father Kevin R. Fisette has resigned as pastor of St. Leo the Great in Pawtucket and has been placed on administrative leave as a result of a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor more than 20 years ago. This is the only allegation the diocese has received relative to this individual priest. According to Father Kevin Fisette, no criminal charges will be filed at this time. The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, will soon appoint an administrator for St. Leo Parish. The Bishop plans to celebrate Mass at St. Leo's in the near future to provide parishioners spiritual and pastoral support. "I am saddened by this unfortunate news, however, the Diocese of Providence takes seriously this allegation," said Bishop Tobin. "I offer my prayers and support for the individual who came forward with this allegation and his family during this time, Father Kevin Fisette and his family as well as the faithful of St. Leo the Great." Father Kevin Fisette's faculties, or permission to serve as a priest, have been suspended in accordance with the charter. The full content of the charter may be accessed through a link found on every page of the Diocese of Providence's website at www.dioceseofprovidence.org. Father Kevin Fisette was ordained to the priesthood on November 21, 1981 and has served in the following assignments: Rhode Island Hospital chaplain 1981-1982; St. Mary, Cranston, 1982-1985; St. Catherine, Warwick, 1985-1990; St. James, West Warwick and Bishop Hendricken High School 1990-1993; Pawtuxet Valley CYO spiritual director 1990-1993; Saints Peter and Paul, West Warwick, 1993; and Holy Name of Jesus, Providence 1997-2004. He was appointed pastor of St. Leo the Great in 2004. Upon receiving an allegation of sexual abuse in March, the diocese promptly reported the information to law enforcement authorities who investigated the matter. Diocesan officials were last week informed through the State Police that criminal charges would not be pursued at this time. The diocese is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and remains committed to addressing all credible allegations of abuse. Parishioners of St. Leo's were notified of the allegation that prompted the resignation yesterday at Mass. The Diocese of Providence urges anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse or with credible knowledge of such abuse by any member of the Church to report the information to local law enforcement or the Diocesan Office of Education and Compliance at 401/941-0760.
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