New Bedford Priest Removed From Ministry

A New Bedford priest has been removed from his ministry after a review board has determined that allegations of sexual abuse of minors brought against the priest are credible.

The Fall River Diocese says a ministerial review board recommended that Father Daniel Lacroix be permanently removed.  He had been on administrative leave since November.

The Diocese says the incidents happened decades ago.

Bishop Edgar da Cunha says he met with Father Lacroix last week to inform him of the decision.

A letter was read to parishioners at St. Mary's Church last weekend, where Lacroix had served as pastor since 2017.

In 2019, Lacroix was named co-pastor at three North End churches, St. Joseph-St. Therese, St. Mary and Our Lady of Fatima.  He had been on administrative leave since last November.

Bishop da Cunha offered the assistance of the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator for anyone who may be in need of pastoral support and concluded his letter by asking for prayers “for all involved, most especially for survivors of abuse.”

Information from the Diocese of Fall River