On June 20, Cardinal Cupich sent letters to Our Lady of Hope Mission and Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish informing them of the reinstatement of Father John Clemens. “As I previously informed you, the archdiocese received an allegation of child sexual abuse against Father Clemens dating back approximately 50 years ago. In accordance with our policies for the protection of children and youth, the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board, assisted by our Office of Child Abuse Investigation and Review and outside investigators, conducted a thorough review of the allegation,” the cardinal wrote. “In light of the information presented, the IRB determined that there is not a reasonable cause to believe Father Clemens sexually abused a minor. In addition, the board recommended that the file be closed and Father Clemens be returned to ministry. Having given careful consideration to their recommendation, which I accept, I now inform you that I am reinstating Father Clemens’ faculties to minister. “I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the great patience you and Father Clemens have shown in this moment of trial. Yet, Father Clemens supports the need for us as a church to keep our word that the safety of children remains our priority. At the same time, we must keep our commitment to do everything possible to restore Father Clemens’ good name. We will share this letter with our priests, asking them to provide it to their parishioners. It will also be sent to the media and archdiocese employees and posted on our archdiocesan website.”
Students, adults plant pinwheels during abuse prevention service A new crop of silver and blue pinwheels bloomed under a cloudless blue sky April 25 at the Healing Garden of the Archdiocese of Chicago, next to the Church of the Holy Family, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road.
Papal commission to submit first safeguarding report, launches study group The pope’s commission for advancing the Catholic Church’s efforts to prevent the abuse of vulnerable persons is due to submit its first annual report on the state of safeguarding in the church.
Masses held to pray for those harmed by clergy sexual abuse Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered at three Masses to pray for healing for those harmed by clergy sex abuse of minors.