NORTHFIELD — With the Rev. Thomas Lisowski on leave, retired priests within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield will likely lead services at St. Patrick’s Church, according to diocese spokesperson Mark Dupont.
Lisowski was placed on administrative leave by Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, pending the outcome of investigation into an allegation of “inappropriate behavior involving a vulnerable adult,” according to a statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. Lisowski has been parish priest in Northfield for about 10 years.
“It should be noted that this is done out of an abundance of caution and should not be seen as a finding against Fr. Lisowski, who enjoys the presumption of innocence,” Dupont wrote Friday. “Fr. Lisowski disputes the allegation and has asserted his innocence.”
According to Massachusetts State Police, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office is responsible for conducting an investigation. On Monday, spokesperson Mary Carey said the District Attorney’s Office could neither confirm or deny any investigations. The diocese said in the statement that it will also conduct an investigation, “but only after civil authorities have completed their investigation and indicated we may proceed.”
Dupont said Monday that Bishop Rozanski led St. Patrick’s Church services on Sunday, and a number of retired priests within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield may rotate the duty in the interim.
According to Dupont, anyone with a complaint or concern about the diocese’s clergy, lay employees or volunteers should contact the Office of Safe Environment & Victim Assistance at 413-452-0624, or via the confidential toll-free number 800-842-9055, or send an email to reportabuse@diospringfield.org.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.