Statement of the Archdiocese of Chicago on Father Patrick Lee
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, has asked Father Patrick Lee, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish (Chicago), to step aside from ministry following receipt this week by the Archdiocese of Chicago of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor in 1979 while Fr. Lee was assigned to St. Christopher Parish in Midlothian. The allegation was received by the Archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review. In keeping with our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Cook County State’s Attorney. The person making the allegation has been offered the services of the archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Ministry.
The archdiocese has begun its review of this matter. Fr. Lee will live away from the parish while the allegation is investigated. Cardinal Cupich has appointed Father Larry Lisowski, pastor of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parish, administrator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, effective immediately. Fr. Lisowski will retain his duties as pastor of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parish and Archdiocesan Dean.
Fr. Lee has served the archdiocese in various roles, including:
- St. Christopher Parish (Midlothian), associate pastor, May 12, 1976 to June 30, 1979
- St. Matthias Parish (Ainslie Street, Chicago), associate pastor, May 23, 1979 to December 7, 1983
- Quigley Preparatory Seminary (North), faculty member, July 1, 1979 to December 31, 1986
- St. Giles Parish (Oak Park), associate pastor, December 7, 1983 to December 30, 1986
- Immaculate Conception Parish (North Park Avenue, Chicago), associate pastor, June 15, 1986 to April 14, 1987
- Immaculate Conception Parish (North Park Avenue, Chicago), pastor, April 14, 1987 to July 1, 2013
- St. Joseph Parish (N. Orleans Street, Chicago), pastor, July 1, 2001 to July 1, 2013
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish (Belmont Avenue, Chicago), pastor, July 1, 2013 to present
The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee, to come forward. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the Archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org.