January 22, 2006

Dear St. Agatha Family Members,

It is with great sadness that I have asked Fr. Tom Walsh to stand before you today with some painful news to share.

Your pastor, Fr. Daniel McCormack, has been withdrawn as pastor of St Agatha Parish pending further inquiry and following criminal charges that he engaged in sexual misconduct with minors. The allegations have been reported to the Cook County State’s Attorney.

The independent Review Board of the Archdiocese will conduct a review of this matter and make its recommendations. For now, Fr. McCormack has been placed on administrative leave. He is in a monitored setting and will have no contact with minors.

If anyone has additional information or a concern to raise regarding Fr. McCormack, please contact our Archdiocesan Professional Responsibility Administrator directly at 1-800-994-6200. You may also contact the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney at 312-603-5440.

This is very difficult news to share and even more difficult, I know, to hear. If there is more information about the situation to share, it will be shared.

For the time being, Fr. Tom Walsh, who has been in residence at St. Agatha, will minister to the liturgical and other needs of the parish. I have assured him and the rest of your pastoral staff that they shall have any additional assistance they need going forward.

May I ask that you join me now to pray for all people in need of the Lord’s peace and healing for the person who brought this concern to the Archdiocese, Fr. McCormack, and for all those affected by the horror of sexual abuse.

Please know that Cardinal George is praying for the people of St. Agatha Parish at this difficult time. Be assured that I shall also keep you in my prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. John R Manz
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Episcopal Vicar of Vicariate III