CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) – A priest arrested in New Hampshire and charged with repeatedly raping an altar boy in Massachusetts during the 1980s pleaded guilty Tuesday, just as jury selection was set to begin in his trial.

The Rev. Robert Gale admitted raping the boy at St. Jude’s parish in Waltham between 1980 and 1985, when the boy was between 10 and 15 years old. Prosecutors said the boy was sexually abused by Gale about twice a month. The alleged victim is now 34 and was in the courtroom with his parents Tuesday as Gale pleaded guilty to four counts of child rape.

“I feel at peace,” Gale told Judge Charles Grabau.

His sentencing was scheduled for Wednesday, and Gale faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Prosecutors and defense lawyers both declined to say whether they’d agreed upon a sentence recommendation as part of a plea deal.

Gale, who is still a priest, has been on administrative leave. Under archdiocesan rules, a priest is put on leave when a credible accusation of abuse is raised.