STATEMENT BY BISHOP DANIEL P. REILLY

On the allegation of sexual misconduct against Fr. Lee F. Bartlett

Due to a pending allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor some years ago, Fr. Lee F. Bartlett has requested that I grant him administrative leave from his duties as pastor effective Saturday, March 16, 2002 in order that the parish not be spiritually burdened during an impending investigation. Although the diocese has yet to receive the details of the allegation, I have agreed to his request. As soon as the person making the accusation meets with members of our Initial Review Committee, that committee will forward a signed report with all details to the District Attorney’s office for them to take appropriate action. As a result, Fr. Bartlett will not be engaging in any public ministry in this diocese or elsewhere.

The person making the allegation called the chancery on Thursday afternoon, March 14, to learn how to file his allegation. He was told that his complaint should be formally presented to members of the Initial Review Committee and that a written report will be prepared with him at that meeting. The report will be signed and included in materials forwarded to the District Attorney’s office. All this is in keeping with our diocesan policy issued in 1996 for filing an allegation with the diocese, and consistent with the new procedures involving the District Attorney’s office.

In the meantime, Fr. Peter Scanlon will oversee the pastoral and temporal affairs of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Worcester. Msgr. Thomas Sullivan, chancellor of the diocese, will be presiding at Eucharistic liturgies at the parish this Sunday morning 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.

These are difficult times for many people, including the person making the allegation and the person’s family, as well as the entire Sacred Heart of Jesus parish family which Fr. Bartlett has served well as pastor since 1985.

As we continue to deal with this allegation, I ask for your prayers and support for all those who have faced upheaval in their lives due to child abuse and for all who continue to work towards the protection and wellbeing of children.

March 15, 2002