WORCESTER, Mass. >> A Catholic priest who pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $240,000 from his Massachusetts church to pay for a gambling habit will be allowed to return to parish ministry on a limited basis.

The Telegram & Gazette reports the Rev. Stephen Gemme will be allowed to fill in for other priests in the Worcester Diocese who are on vacation or otherwise unable to work. Bishop Robert McManus said Gemme will not be involved in administrative duties.

Gemme was placed on five years’ probation in 2015 after admitting to stealing from St. Bernadette parish and school in Northboro. He has an agreement with the diocese and its insurers to pay them back.

Gemme was allowed earlier this year to return to ministry outside parishes, celebrating Mass at an addiction recovery center.