On Feb. 11, Cardinal Cupich sent a letter to the community of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich to tell them that he was reinstating their pastor to ministry following an investigation into allegations of abuse. “Last September, I informed you of new allegations the Archdiocese of Chicago received, accusing Father David F. Ryan of sexually abusing a minor. In keeping with our procedures, he once again was asked to step aside from his pastoral duties until a thorough investigation and process could be completed. He has fully cooperated with civil authorities and the Archdiocese of Chicago during these months,” the letter read. “After numerous attempts, those making the accusations have refused to cooperate with both civil and church investigations. This was reported to our Independent Review Board (IRB). Based on this information, the IRB finds that there is not sufficient reason to suspect Father Ryan is guilty of sexually abusing a minor and recommends he be returned to ministry and that the files be closed on these two claims due to the lack of cooperation of those making the accusations. Therefore, I am pleased to inform you that I have accepted this recommendation and I am reinstating Father Ryan as your pastor, effective immediately. “I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the great patience you and Father Ryan have shown in what must appear to be a very unfair set of circumstances. Yet, as Father Ryan has always acknowledged, he is convinced of 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 word and do everything possible to restore Father Ryan’s good name.” The cardinal said the letter would be shared with all pastors and sent to media, archdiocesan employees and posted on the archdiocese website. “Healing now must be the pathway forward for all of us,” Cardinal Cupich wrote. “Father Ryan shares this very same sentiment and you can honor him by doing everything possible to promote a spirit of reconciliation and unity, so that the mission of Jesus can flourish. That is my prayer for you.”
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.
Father John Clemens reinstated to ministry 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.
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.