BRAINTREE -- The Archdiocese of Boston announced March 31 that the Holy See has dismissed Thomas H. Maguire from the clerical state. As a result of the Holy See's decision, he may no longer function in any capacity as a priest.

Thomas H. Maguire was ordained in May 1976. In October 2012, Maguire was removed from public ministry following allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct in the presence of minors which occurred days before. These matters were referred to law enforcement, investigated and could not be substantiated.

Subsequently other victims came forward to report inappropriate sexual conduct which had occurred in the mid 1990's and before. These matters were also reported to law enforcement but fell outside of the criminal statute of limitations. The archdiocese continued to investigate the complaints and determined that they were credible. A Church process under canon law was undertaken and has concluded that Maguire is guilty of abuse of a minor.

"We are grateful to the victims who had the strength to come forward. Their courage assisted the Church in seeking justice for the inappropriate conduct which occurred years before the initial allegation in 2012. We pray for all those affected by this matter," the archdiocese said in the statement announcing the dismissal.

Through its Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach, the Archdiocese continues to make counseling and other services available to survivors, their families and parishes impacted by clergy sexual abuse and by allegations of abuse by members of the clergy. Cardinal Seán O'Malley encourages any person in need of pastoral assistance or support to contact the Archdiocese's Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach by calling 617-746-5985.

Following is the assignment history of Thomas Maguire:

Administrative Leave -- Oct. 24, 2012

Pastor, St. Helen Mother of the Emperor Constantine, Norwell -- Sept. 2001 - Oct. 2012

Pastor, St. Jeremiah, Framingham -- March 1998 - Sept. 2001

Temporary Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph, Needham -- Feb. 1998 - March 1998

Priestly Renewal Program -- Jan. 1997

Temporary Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas Aquinas, Bridgewater -- June 1996 - Jan. 1997

Parochial Vicar, St. John Evangelist, Canton -- June 1989 - June 1996

Parochial Vicar, St. Denis, Westwood -- Oct. 1987 - June 1989

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Rosary, Stoughton -- June 1987 - Oct. 1987

Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick, Watertown -- June 1985 - June 1987

Assoc. Pastor, St. Mary, Dedham -- Feb. 1978 - June 1985

Sick Leave -- Jan. 1978 - Feb. 1978