Priest laicization announced by Diocese of Worcester

January 25, 2018, WORCESTER, MA – Following the Catholic Church’s commitment to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, has announced that Peter J. Inzerillo has been laicized at his request. He was dispensed from the clerical state by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. As a result of the laicization, he may not function in any capacity as a priest or be referred to as a priest or as “Father” in writing such as in event announcements or obituaries.

“It is my fervent prayer that Christ may bring healing and hope to anyone who has been abused by a priest or by anyone in the Catholic Church,” said Bishop McManus.
Bishop McManus encourages anyone in need of pastoral assistance as a result of clerical abuse to contact the diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator in the Office of Healing and Prevention by calling 508-929-4363.

Peter J. Inzerillo was removed from ministry in 2002 by Most Rev. Daniel P. Reilly, then Bishop of Worcester.  Mr. Inzerillo has not had faculties for priestly ministry since that time.  He was ordained in 1970 and served in the following parishes: St. Anna, Leominster, St. Anthony of Padua, Fitchburg, and St. Leo, Leominster. He was on the faculty of St. Peter Central Catholic High School in 1972 and later headmaster at St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic High School beginning in 1979. He also served as director of Vocations from 1983 until 1994. Mr. Inzerillo is now 74 years old.

In addition to this laicization, the Diocese of Worcester has announced previously the following men as having been removed from the clerical state by the Vatican since 2011: David Blizard, Gerard L. Branconnier, Lowe B. Dongor, Thomas Kane, Robert E. Kelley, Robert Shauris, and Thomas Teczar.
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