Fall River diocese suspends another retired priest from ministry

The Standard Times via the Taunton Gazette
January 27, 2020

https://www.tauntongazette.com/news/20200126/fall-river-diocese-suspends-another-retired-priest-from-ministry

In a Sunday press release, the Diocese of Fall River announced the suspension of another retired priest, Rev. Herbert T. Nichols for an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, alleged to have occurred approximately 20 years ago. The decision to suspend him was made based on information learned from a review of the personnel files of diocesan priests, the release said.

Ordained in 1975, Nichols’ assignments have included three New Bedford parishes: St. James; Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and St. Anthony of Padua Parish. He also had assignments at St. Anne Parish, Fall River; St. Bernadette Parish, Fall River; St. Joseph Parish, Taunton and St. Mary Parish, Taunton.

The allegation, which Nichols denies, is under investigation by the diocese, according to the release.

As a retired priest, Nichols was not assigned to any parish but did help with the celebration of Masses in various parishes since retirement, including with the Maronite community within the diocese, according to the release. The diocese said his suspension precludes him from all ministry until the investigation is completed and a determination on the matter is made.

Last year, the Fall River diocese hired an independent consultant to complete a comprehensive evaluation of its priestly personnel files, and Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha informed parishioners that a list of credibly accused clergy would follow, the release said. The diocese suspended some priests in response to information gathered during the file evaluation pending further investigation, as required under its policies.

“The task of evaluating all of the files and the response needed on our part as a result of the findings have, regretfully, taken more time than first thought,” said Bishop da Cunha. “It is crucial that we take the time and perform the diligence necessary to compile a list that is accurate and complete, and we continue to do so.”

“I understand that these recent announcements regarding the suspensions of priests are upsetting to our diocesan community of faith and often bring renewed pain to victims of sexual abuse especially victims of sexual abuse by clergy,” added da Cunha in the release. “I continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who have suffered greatly.”

Last Sunday, the diocese announced the suspension of two other retired priests; the Rev. James F. Buckley and Rev. Edward J. Byington, both of whom served in parishes in Fall River. Byington served as an assistant priest at St. George Parish in Westport from 1982 to 1984.

According to Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represents a victim with allegations against Byington, the abuse occurred in 1971 when Byington offered his client a ride home from the ECHO (Encountering Christ in Others) retreat, but instead drove him to the rectory of Sacred Heart Church in Taunton.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve its Office of Safe Environment, the diocese recently hired Carolyn Shipp, a licensed social worker, to focus on pastoral outreach to victims/survivors, according to the release. “As a social worker, I am here to listen to anyone with concerns and to connect survivors to the resources they need,” said Shipp.

Anyone with information that they wish to raise regarding the conduct of any past or present member of the diocese, is encouraged to contact Carolyn Shipp, the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator, at 508-985-6508 or cshipp@dioc-fr.org.