Lee Bartlett, Former Priest in Worcester, Leominster and Southbridge, Accused of Abusing Teen in 70s, Loses Status

By Cyrus Moulton
Telegram & Gazette Staff
August 26, 2020

https://www.telegram.com/news/20200826/lee-bartlett-former-priest-in-worcester-leominster-and-southbridge-accused-of-abusing-teen-in-70s-loses-status

Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing a man when he was a teenager in the 1970s has been laicized at his request, Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Worcester Diocese announced Wednesday.

Lee F. Bartlett III, 74, was dispensed from the clerical state by Pope Francis and, as a result, 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.

The laicization follows the Catholic Church’s commitment to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the diocese announced.