St. Theresa's Pastor Placed on Leave Following Sex Abuse Allegation

By Les Masterson
Patch
February 08, 2015

http://patch.com/massachusetts/northreading/st-theresas-pastor-placed-leave-following-sex-abuse-allegation

Father Thomas M. Gillespie, pastor of St. Theresa’s Parish, has been placed on administrative leave after the Archdiocese of Boston received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, announced the archdiocese on Sunday.

The alleged abuse dates back to the late-1970s.

When given the information, church officials alerted law enforcement and started a preliminary investigation, said the archdiocese.

In a statement, the Archdiocese of Boston said, “The decision to place Fr. Gillespie on administrative leave represents the Archdiocese’s commitment to the welfare of all parties and does not represent a determination of Fr. Gillespie’s guilt or innocence as it pertains to this allegation.

“The Archdiocese will work to resolve this case as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is fair to all parties.

“Through its Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach, the Archdiocese continues to make counseling and other services available to survivors, their families and parishes impacted by clergy sexual abuse and by allegations of abuse by members of the clergy.

“Cardinal Seán encourages any person in need of pastoral assistance or support to contact the Archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach by calling 617-746-5985.”