Mass. priest on leave amid investigation into alleged misconduct
A Massachusetts priest has been placed on leave while he is investigated for alleged misconduct that is “inconsistent with standards of ministerial behavior.”
In a statement Aug. 7, the Diocese of Fall River said the allegations against Rev. Rodney E. Thibault do not involve a minor. However, Thibault is accused of misconduct that violates the code of conduct for priests in the diocese.
Thibault is the pastor at Transfiguration of the Lord Parish in North Attleborough. Parishioners were told during Masses the weekend of Aug. 6-7 that Thibault has been placed on leave.
While on leave, he is not permitted to exercise public ministry nor present himself as a priest in public settings.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha “acknowledged how ‘distressing’ this turn of events is for parishioners of the parish and assured them of his prayers during this difficult time,” according to the diocese.
Thibault was first assigned to North Attleborough in 2019 as pastor fo the town’s three former parishes. Those parishes were merged into one to form the Transfiguration of the Lord Parish in 2020.
Rev. Michael Ciryak will serve as temporary administrator of the parish.
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