Massachusetts pastor removed; more than $200,000 missing from parish

October 14, 2013

The pastor of a Catholic parish in Northboro, Massachusetts, has been removed after the Worcester diocese discovered more than $200,000 missing from parish accounts.

Worcester’ Bishop Robert McManus informed members of St. Bernadette parish that the pastor, Father Stephen Gemme, had been removed in July after he acknowledged a gambling problem. A thorough check of parish finances then uncovered the missing funds.

Father Gemme has resigned as pastor, and is now on a “medical leave of absence,” the bishop disclosed. The diocese has referred the case to local law-enforcement officials, and Bishop McManus said that he hoped for full restitution of the missing funds.

 

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Further information:

• Northboro priest removed in alleged thefts (Worcester Telegram)
• Bishop’s Letter to St. Bernadette Parish (Worcester diocese)