Lancaster Pastor Removed after Sex with Minor Alleged

WCVB
January 26, 2014

http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/central-massachusetts/lancaster-pastor-removed-after-sex-with-minor-alleged/-/11983998/24125500/-/da0bx1z/-/index.html

[with video]

LANCASTER, Mass. —A longtime Lancaster pastor has been put on administrative leave following accusations of sexual misconduct with a minor 40 years ago, church officials said.

Edward P. Lettic, of the Immaculate Conception Parish, was placed on leave after a victim recently came forward with a “credible allegation,” the Worcester Diocese said in a statement.

Watch NewsCenter 5's report

It is the “first and only” allegation of misconduct involving Lettic that the diocese has received, according to the statement. Lettic has been a priest since 1973.

Lettic has been pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Lancaster since 1993 and


was serving at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Worcester at the time of the alleged misconduct. Lettic has also served at churches in East Douglas and Auburn.

“Because of the serious nature of the allegation, and consistent with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, I must relieve Father Lettic of his duties as pastor of the parish and remove his faculties as a priest,” Rev. Robert J. McManus, bishop of Worcester, said at a mass at the parish.

“I truly realize that this news is a shock for you as it has been for me,” McManus said.


“I ask that you join me in prayer for the parish community, as well as for those who have been hurt in any way by sexual misconduct. I also ask that you keep Father Lettic in your prayers.”

The diocese said an investigation is underway.

"A canonical process has begun including a report of the allegation to the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith in Rome," according to a statement. "The result of that canonical process, if found guilty of the allegation, could include removal from the clerical state or a sanction such as a life of prayer and penance."