Priest Dismissed after Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Briefly Worked at St. Joseph's

Wicked Local Needham
April 22, 2016

http://needham.wickedlocal.com/article/20160422/NEWS/160429281

The Archdiocese of Boston recently announced that it has dismissed Thomas H. Maguire from the clerical state. According to his assignment history Maguire served at 10 Massachusetts parishes, including Saint Joseph Parish in Needham.

A March 31 press release from the Archdiocese of Boston stated that Maguire’s dismissal followed “allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct in the presence of minors.”

In 1998, Maguire served as a Temporary Parochial Vicar at Saint Joseph Parish for a brief period between Feb. 1 and March 30.

The initial allegation came in 2012 while Maguire was serving as Pastor at Saint Helen Mother of the Emperor Constantine in Norwell. The inappropriate conduct was alleged to have occurred around that time.

According to the press release, law enforcement investigated the allegations but could not confirm them.

Following that allegation, other victims reported inappropriate sexual conduct leading up to the mid 1990’s according to the press release - Maguire was ordained in 1976. Though reported to law enforcement, the reports fell outside the statute of limitations, the press release stated.

In its own investigation, the Archdiocese determined that the reports were credible, according to the press release.

“A church process under Canon Law was undertaken and has concluded that Maguire is guilty of abuse of a minor,” the press release stated.

As a result of the decision Maguire cannot operate as a priest in any capacity, according to the press release.

In the press release the Archdiocese thanked the victims for stepping forward.

“Their courage assisted the Church in seeking justice for the inappropriate conduct, which occurred years before the initial allegation in 2012,” the press release said. “We pray for all those affected by this matter.”

Due to his short time at Saint Joseph Parish, there are no documents about his responsibilities there according to Senior Priest in Residence Reverend Monsignor Frank McGann.

McGann said the parish would be unable to comment because there was no one currently working at the parish who had been there the same time as Maguire.

According to McGann, Parochial Vicars typically serve as assistants to priests and carry out typical parish work such as celebrating mass.

In its press release, the Archdiocese stated that it offers counseling and other services to anyone impacted by clergy sexual abuse and allegations of abuse by clergy members. Those in need of support were encouraged to contact the Archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach by calling 617-746-5985.

Maguire’s status and assignment history can be found at www.bostoncatholic.org under Categories of Accused Priests.