Lancaster Parish Gets Temporary Administrator

By Michael Hartwell
Sentinel & Enterprise
February 1, 2014

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_25041771/lancaster-parish-gets-temporary-administrator

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LANCASTER -- The Rev. Thomas Hultquist was named temporary administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Lancaster Thursday by the Worcester Diocese.

The previous pastor, the Rev. Edward P. Lettic, was placed on administrative leave last weekend by Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Worcester for allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

The allegations date back to 40 years ago in Greater Worcester, before Lettic was assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish in 1993. The allegation was listed as "credible" by McManus and if proven to be true Lettic will be removed from the priesthood.

Raymond Delisle, spokesman for the Worcester Diocese, clarified that Hultquist's role is that of an administrator, and he is not the church's new pastor. The church's new permanent pastor will probably be appointed by McManus in June, when pastoral assignments are customarily announced.

Hultquist is a Whitinsville native who was ordained in 1976. He has been an associate pastor in St. Cecilia Church in Leominster, St. Camillus Church in Fitchburg, St. Peter Parish in Worcester and St. Joseph Church in North Brookfield.

Hultquist was pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Barre from 1992 until 2013 until that parish merged with St. Thomas-a-Becket Parish in South Barre. The merger formed St. Francis of Assisi Parish in July.

Contact: mhartwell@sentinelandenterprise.com