The assistant pastor at St. Luke Church in Barrington has been removed from his duties for “errors in pastoral judgment.”

According to a press release from the Diocese of Providence, Rev. Eric Silva has been placed on administrative leave “following concerns raised by parents of students at Immaculate Conception Regional Catholic School and St. Luke School regarding questions he asked students in the context of the Sacrament of Penance.”

It has been reported that Father Silva, while hearing confessions for children, asked boys and girls inappropriate questions, including if they were sexually active.

The Diocese of Providence responded quickly to the situation, placing Father Silva on administrative leave. In accordance with diocesan policies, Father Silva will not celebrate Masses or exercise any other public ministry while he is on leave.

Also, he will no longer be assigned as an assistant pastor at St. Luke Church. 

The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, offered a statement in response to the situation.

“The Church places great responsibility on the priest as confessor to exercise prudence, discretion, and attentiveness to the age of penitents. Confession must always be an opportunity to experience God’s mercy and peace. It is truly unfortunate whenever that doesn’t take place in confession,” he said. “I have asked Fr. Silva to take this period of leave as an opportunity to reflect on these priestly responsibilities and to engage in additional formation.”

Father Silva had served as an assistant pastor at the Barrington church since July 1, 2019. He was first ordained a priest on June 8, 2019. 

At Sunday Masses on Feb. 13, St. Luke Pastor Father Tim Reilly shared the news about Father Silva, referring to Father’s Silva’s actions as “errors in pastoral judgment.”