The North Reading Police Department has been made aware that Father Thomas M. Gillespie, pastor of St. Theresa’s Parish, has been placed on administrative leave after the Archdiocese of Boston received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The alleged reported abuse dates back to the late-1970s and did not occur in North Reading. While we have not received any information or any reports that indicate that the alleged abuse involved North Reading families, this is something that we take very seriously. The Police Department has been in contact with the Archdiocese of Boston regarding this matter.
If anyone has any questions or concerns, you are urged to call the North Reading Police Department at 978-664-3131, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Chief Michael P. Murphy