59-year-old priest who served in Fall River, Taunton, Cape Cod, and Seekonk added to Diocese list of “Credibly Accused” clergy, placed on leave

FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River has announced that it is updating its list of “Credibly Accused” clergy posted on the Diocesan website.

Two of those who are listed have died recently and the information for each has been updated to reflect this. Father James F. Buckley died on July 7, 2024, and Joseph D. Maguire died on September 11, 2024.

The Diocese has also added the name of Father Thomas Kocik to the listing of “Credibly Accused” clergy.

Following a review of all older files, the Diocese began an investigation into allegations made against Father Kocik involving actions alleged to have occurred in the 1990s. At the outset of the investigation, Bishop Edgar da Cunha placed Father Kocik on administrative leave and restricted his priestly faculties. The restrictions, (which continue), include prohibition from exercising public ministry including the celebration of public Mass or of other sacraments. He also may not provide spiritual direction or present himself as a priest in good standing.

According to the Diocese, Bishop da Cunha reviewed all of the facts of the case and considered the recommendations of the Ministerial Review Board, (an independent and consultative body made up primarily of lay members to advise the bishop on alleged misconduct by clergy).  Ultimately, the Bishop determined that the allegations were credible and met the definition of sexual abuse of a child, as defined in the Diocese’s Policy for the Protection of the Faithful.  He informed the priest that he would not be returning to public ministry, and that the restrictions (as listed above) would continue.

Father Kocik denies any culpability in the incident. A determination of credibility does not mean that Father Kocik has been found guilty in a court of law. Rather, it is a reflection that the allegation itself is credible or believable.

The “Credibly Accused” list states that the 59-year-old Kocik has served at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Seekonk, St. Francis Xavier-Hyannis, St. Anne’s Hospital-Fall River, St. Anne-Fall River, St. Joseph-Taunton, Morton Hospital-Taunton, Charlton Memorial Hospital-Fall River, St. Michael-Fall River, Santo Christo-Fall River, and Cape Cod Hospital.

“The solemn promises we make when we are ordained call us to higher standards of conduct, and there is always profound sadness when the actions of a priest fall short and harms someone entrusted to our care,” said Bishop da Cunha. “My prayers remain with anyone who has suffered abuse by clergy, especially minors and vulnerable adults. I offer my deepest apologies to them and to their families.”

Through its Victim Assistance Outreach, the Diocese of Fall River offers supportive services to victims of clergy sexual abuse and their families, as well as to members of parishes impacted by these cases. For assistance, please contact Carolyn Shipp, the Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance at 508-985-6508 (confidential voicemail) or cshipp@dioc-fr.org.

Complete information on the Diocesan response to the sexual abuse crisis is available here.