The Illinois Attorney General released its final report in regard to the inquiry begun by Lisa Madigan into the Illinois Catholic dioceses’ handling of childhood sexual abuse by Catholic clergy initiated in August of 2018.
First and foremost, please join me and all the parish in praying for victims and all those affected by clergy sexual abuse. Here at St. Patrick, we have and will continue to make every effort to protect our children, young people, and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse by clergy and those employed by our church. Click here to read what we do to foster a safe environment. We pray that we all may bring the healing of Jesus to all those affected and find refuge in his Heart.
Bishop Hicks has released a statement in response to the report outlining the processes in place in the Diocese of Joliet to ensure a safe environment. “As the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, I express profound remorse over any failure of the diocese to respond to an allegation of abuse with prompt and compassionate attention. I pledge to ensure the diocese maintains strict adherence to the safeguards mandated by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the U.S. bishops in 2002. And I pray for the continued healing of victims/survivors so they may overcome the burden of their pain and move forward with courage.”
