Priest in Lancaster Faces Sexual-Misconduct Allegations

By Nick Mallard
Sentinel & Enterprise
January 27, 2014

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_25000360/priest-lancaster-faces-sexual-misconduct-allegations

The Rev. Edward P. Lettic was placed on administrative leave Sunday after a "credible allegation" of sexual misconduct with a minor from 40 years ago surfaced.

LANCASTER -- The pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish has been placed on administrative leave by the Worcester Diocese following allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Bishop Robert J. McManus informed the parish that a "credible allegation" from a victim placed the Rev. Edward P. Lettic in the misconduct incident from 40 years ago.

"It is the first and only report of an allegation of misconduct which we have received involving Father Lettic," McManus told parishioners. "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 to remove his faculties as a priest."

Ray Delisle, director of communications for the Dioceses, said that an initial investigation into the allegations was enough to put Lettic on leave.

The case will now go through a canonical process that could lead to his removal from the clergy, Delisle said.

Lettic was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Worcester in 1973.

Prior to being named pastor of Immaculate Conception in 1993, Lettic served as a chaplain at Westboro State Hospital and as an associate pastor at St. Joan of Arc in Worcester, St. Denis in East Douglas and St. Joseph in Auburn.

A temporary administrator will be named this week to oversee the parish until a new pastor is named, according to McManus.

"A canonical process has begun including a report of the allegation to the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith in Rome," McManus said.

"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."

Calls to Immaculate Conception's rectory seeking comment were not returned Sunday afternoon and knocks on the rectory's door were unanswered.

Contact: nmallard@sentinelandenterprise.com