North Attleboro Priest Placed on Leave for Alleged Misconduct

NORTH ATTLEBORO — A North Attleboro priest and former pastor in Dartmouth has been placed on administrative leave during an investigation into alleged misconduct, according to a statement from the Fall River Diocese released Sunday.

Reverend Rodney Thibault was put on leave last week by Bishop Edgar da Cunha for the investigation into what the diocese called "inconsistent with the standards of ministerial behavior."

"The alleged misconduct does not involve a minor," the statement went on to note, although it did not give any further details on the behavior in question.

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Before his appointment to North Attleboro in 2019, Thibault had worked for several years as pastor and parish priest at St. Mary's in Dartmouth.

While on leave, he will not be permitted to exercise public ministry or present himself as a priest in public, according to the diocese's statement.

In the release, Bishop da Cunha called the turn of events "distressing" for parishioners.

Reverand Michael Ciryak will serve as temporary parish administrator, the diocese announced.

Anyone with any concerns about the conduct of any priest, staff, or volunteer affiliated with the diocese is encouraged to contact Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance Carolyn Shipp at 508-985-6508 or by email at cshipp@dioc-fr.org.