Fr. Stephen Gemme to assist in parochial sacramental ministry

May 12, 2017, WORCESTER, MA – Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, announced today that he has granted faculties for pastoral ministry to Rev. Stephen M. Gemme, effective immediately. He will celebrate Mass and other sacraments in parishes in need of emergency assistance due to the unavailability of a priest. These situations arise due to sudden illness, retreats, vacations, and personal emergencies involving the pastor or associate in a parish. Fr. Gemme will not have any access to or involvement in any administrative duties while assisting in a parish.
 
Bishop McManus removed Father Gemme from ministry in July 2013 after he admitted to a gambling addiction. He pleaded guilty in 2015 to stealing nearly $240,000 from St. Bernadette Parish and School in Northborough. The parish and school were made whole in their loss through Diocesan insurance. Fr. Gemme entered into a restitution agreement with the Diocese and its insurers and has participated in a mental health evaluation and continuing treatment for his gambling addiction. In March, 2016 he was granted limited faculties to return to pastoral ministry in non-parochial settings in accordance with the terms of his probation and his treatment program. He has not functioned in any fiduciary capacity.