NORTHBOROUGH (MA)
My Fox Boston
NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A pastor at St. Bernadette Parish in Northborough has resigned after he confessed to embezzling parish and school funds to feed his gambling addiction, the Bishop of Worcester said in a letter to parishioners.
In the letter dated this weekend, Bishop Robert McManus informed St. Bernadette parishioners Fr. Stephen Gemme had come to him in July to admit he had a gambling problem. Bishop McManus said he immediately revoked his right to authorize checks and made arrangements for the pastor to go on a medical leave of absence.
Additionally, Bishop McManus ordered a review of the school and parish finances. The results of the review came back on Oct. 7, and it appeared that during the last four years, more than $100,000 in school funds and more than $120,000 in parish funds were used by Fr. Gemme for personal use.
As a result of the review, the matter was turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for further investigation.
Bishop McManus said he will pursue full restitution for the parish and school, but in the meantime, Fr. Richard Reidy will continue to be the administrator of the parish while Fr. John Hamm will continue to serve the daily, pastoral needs of the parish and school.
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