Gagnon residing in area parish

WORCESTER (MA)
Telegram & Gazette

Kathleen A. Shaw
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

The Rev. Jean-Paul Gagnon, who has been named in a civil suit alleging sexual abuse of Timothy P. Staney, is living with the Rev. Dennis J. Rocheford in Blackstone, according to Raymond L. Delisle, spokesman for the Worcester Diocese.

Rev. Rocheford, pastor of St. Therese’s Parish in Blackstone, is a priest assigned to assist clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Worcester charged with sexual misconduct.

Unlike the seven priests who were removed from active ministry last year by Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, Rev. Gagnon is only on personal leave and has not been removed. “The investigation is continuing and has not reached the stage where there would be a removal,’ Mr. Delisle said.

The diocese is following the norms adopted by the American bishops last June for handling allegations of sexual abuse and these regulations call for a full investigation, he said. “This allegation came to us via a suit.’

Rev. Gagnon previously lived in the rectory of St. Augustine Parish, Millville, where he was pastor for several years, Mr. Delisle said.

Rev. Gagnon is still a member of the Presbyteral Council of priests because he has not been removed from ministry by Bishop Reilly. He is also the official dean of his deanery. The diocesan directory lists Rev. Gagnon as being treasurer for the 2002-03 year.