NEWS

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49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609 Phone/Fax 508 791-5357

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ray Delisle

508-791-5357

STATEMENT BY BISHOP DANIEL P. REILLY

On allegations against Fr. Gerard P. Walsh

Due to an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the late 1970s, I have placed Fr. Gerard P. Walsh on administrative leave from his duties as pastor effective Wednesday, March 20, 2002 in order that the parish not be spiritually burdened during the investigation. As a result, Fr. Gerard Walsh will not be engaging in any public ministry in this diocese or elsewhere. In keeping with our policy, we will cooperate fully with the District Attorney’s office in their investigation of this allegation.

In the meantime, Msgr. Louis Piermarini will oversee the pastoral and temporal affairs of St. Roch Parish, Oxford. Msgr. Piermarini is in residence at St. Roch Parish and is the director of the Office of Religious Education. He will be presiding at Eucharistic liturgies at the parish this weekend and will be available to parishioners to express my concern and the support of the diocese. I will also be conferring with parish leaders to determine what additional assistance is needed by the parish.

I ask for your prayers and support for the person making the allegation and the person’s family, as well as the entire St. Roch parish family which Fr. Walsh has served as pastor since 1993.

My prayers and encouragement are with all members of our diocesan family during these trying times which are so difficult for everyone. We pledge, once again, our continued commitment to work towards the protection and wellbeing of children in our care.

March 20, 2002