The Diocese of Joliet serves as a prominent center for the Catholic Church in Illinois, covering seven counties, including DuPage County. Unfortunately, like many dioceses across the country, the Diocese of Joliet has faced serious allegations of clergy sexual abuse that have shaken the faith of its congregants and the larger Catholic community.

The Joliet clergy abuse attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team are dedicated to helping survivors seek the compensation they deserve while holding institutions accountable for their role in enabling abuse.

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Background and Influence of the Diocese of Joliet

The Diocese of Joliet was established in 1948 to serve the growing Catholic population in Illinois. Today, it encompasses over 100 parishes, such as Saint Jude, Saint Mary, and Saint Francis, and numerous schools across seven counties, including Will, Ford, and DuPage County.

With its headquarters in Joliet, the diocese has played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural lives of its communities.

The Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus is the diocese’s central place of worship for the diocese. Named after the patron saint of expectant mothers and those in need of shelter, it symbolizes faith, hope, and service.

It hosts significant diocesan events, including ordinations, celebrations of the sacraments, and liturgical gatherings led by the bishop of the diocese.

The current bishop of the Diocese of Joliet is Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, who was installed as the sixth bishop of the diocese in September 2020. Bishop Hicks has emphasized the importance of transparency and support for survivors of abuse while continuing the diocese’s mission of fostering faith, education, and community outreach.

The diocese also relies on auxiliary bishops to support its extensive operations, from managing parishes to overseeing educational initiatives by the Catholic Church.

From its early years, the Diocese of Joliet has been known for its commitment to education and service rooted in faith and moral values. The diocese has supported charitable initiatives to assist vulnerable populations, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and outreach.

While the diocese’s contributions to the community are commendable, its handling of abuse allegations has cast a shadow over its legacy, prompting demands for accountability and systemic reform.

Abuse Allegations Within the Diocese of Joliet

The Diocese of Joliet has faced serious allegations of clergy sexual abuse dating back to the 1950s and have persisted for decades, mirroring a broader crisis within the Catholic Church.

The Illinois Attorney General’s 2023 report on clergy abuse documented numerous cases within the diocese, highlighting its failure to adequately protect vulnerable children and address allegations. [1]

Several clergy members associated with the Diocese of Joliet have been accused of abuse, including:

Rev. James Burnett: Accused of abusing multiple minors, Burnett was named in lawsuits that revealed long-standing patterns of abuse. Survivors alleged that diocesan officials failed to act on complaints, allowing him to continue serving in ministry. [2]
Rev. Lawrence Gibbs: Gibbs, who served in various parishes across the diocese, was accused of abusing children in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite multiple complaints, he was reassigned to different parishes until legal actions brought his misconduct to light. [3]

These cases reveal troubling patterns, including:

Abuse often occurs during one-on-one interactions between priests and minors, such as counseling sessions or extracurricular activities.
Complaints being dismissed or minimized by diocesan leadership.
Accused priests are being reassigned to new parishes instead of being removed from ministry or reported to law enforcement.

Survivors of abuse within the Diocese of Joliet have described enduring psychological and emotional trauma, often compounded by the Catholic Church’s failure to acknowledge their suffering. Many have come forward decades after their abuse, finding strength in survivor advocacy groups and legal actions that expose systemic failings within the Church.

The list of accused Illinois clergy in the Diocese of Joliet includes:

Fr. John F. Barrett
Fr. Richard L. Bennett
Fr. James Boyce
Br. William Bedard
Fr. Andrew L. Buczyna
Fr. John J. Burke
Fr. James R. Burnett
Fr. Robert Cell
Fr. Thomas A. Corbino
Br. Daniel (William Kevin) O’Brien
Fr. Phillip J. Dedera
Fr. Arno Dennerlein
Fr. Paul F. Dinan
Fr. Richard Dochstader
Fr. William Dugal, III
Fr. Leonard (Jeffrey) Fairfield
Fr. Lowell E. Fischer
Fr. Alejandro Flores
Fr. Salvatore Formusa
Fr. James M. Frederick
Fr. Michael L. Gibbney
Fr. Lawrence M. Gibbs
Fr. Leonard J. Gilman
Fr. William (Patrick) Gleeson
Fr. Carroll Howlin
Fr. Richard E. Jacklin
Fr. Mark Jendrysik
Fr. Harold Jochem
Fr. Robert (Barry) Kremer
Fr. Frederick A. Lenczycki
Fr. John D. Malzone
Fr. Kevin McBrien
Fr. Richard J. McGrath
Fr. J. Anthony Meis
Fr. Lawrence W. Mullins
Fr. James A. Nowak
Fr. Donald G. O’Connor
Fr. Donald P. Pock
Fr. Edward F. Poff
Fr. Franklin (Felix) Prior
Fr. Anthony J. Ross
Fr. Richard M. Ruffalo
Fr. Francis Lee Ryan
Fr. Jeffrey Salwach
Fr. Gerald J. Simonelli
Fr. Henry Slade
Fr. John C. Slown
Fr. David Stalzer
Fr. Edward A. Stefanich
Fr. James O. Storm
Fr. Charles Van Duren
Fr. William D. Virtue
Fr. Oliver T. Walsh
Fr. Myles Patrick White
Fr. Francis (Lambert) Yore

Legal Proceedings and Investigations into the Diocese of Joliet

The Diocese of Joliet has been the subject of numerous investigations and lawsuits related to clergy sexual abuse. Besides the 2023 Illinois Attorney General’s report, the Diocese of Joliet has faced multiple civil lawsuits filed by survivors of clergy abuse.

In August 2018, the Diocese of Joliet reached a $1.4 million settlement with three men who alleged they were sexually abused by Father Leonard Mateo between 1980 and 1982, when they were under the age of 11.

The victims came forward with their allegations in 2014, while Father Leonard Mateo left the Diocese of Joliet in 1984 and passed away in 2004.

Bishop Joseph Imesch, who led the diocese during the period of the alleged abuses, admitted in a deposition that priests with credible sexual abuse allegations were allowed to continue ministry without any warning to parishioners. Imesch passed away in 2015. [4]

In 2013, the Diocese of Joliet reached a settlement involving Rev. James Burnett, who was accused of sexually abusing minors during his tenure at St. Mary Parish in Mokena and other assignments. The settlement included the release of personnel files related to Burnett and other priests with substantiated allegations of abuse. While the exact financial terms were not disclosed, one of the settlements was reported to be $600,000. [5]

In April 2015, the Diocese of Joliet agreed to a $4.14 million settlement with 14 men who alleged they were sexually abused by five priests during their childhoods. The abuse reportedly occurred between the 1960s and 1980s across various suburban churches within the diocese and the priests involved included:

Rev. James Nowa
Rev. Michael Gibbney
Rev. Lawrence Gibbs
Rev. Myles White
Rev. Fred Lenczycki [6]

In response to public and legal pressure, the Diocese of Joliet has taken steps to address past abuses and prevent future misconduct. These measures include:

Publishing a list of clergy members with substantiated allegations of abuse.
Establishing a review board to evaluate complaints against clergy.
Implementing mandatory training programs for clergy and lay staff on abuse prevention.

While these efforts are significant, survivors and advocacy groups argue that more comprehensive reforms are needed, including independent oversight and stronger measures to ensure transparency.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse in the Diocese of Joliet

Survivors of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Joliet can pursue both criminal and civil legal actions. While criminal cases may be limited by statutes of limitations, civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek financial compensation for emotional distress, therapy costs, and other damages. Illinois law now provides expanded opportunities for survivors to file civil claims for sexual abuse, regardless of when it occurred.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Injury Lawyer Team brings years of experience in clergy abuse cases, offering compassionate and skilled representation to survivors of abuse in the Diocese of Joliet. Our Illinois clergy abuse lawyer team understands the emotional toll these cases take and provides the necessary support to help survivors navigate the legal process.

We specialize in uncovering patterns of institutional negligence, holding not only individual perpetrators but also enabling institutions accountable. Our thorough investigation and legal strategy ensure survivors receive maximum compensation for their suffering.

We represent victims of clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Chicago, including:

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If you or someone you love has experienced clergy abuse in the Diocese of Joliet, Injury Lawyer Team is here to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. We will handle your case with sensitivity and confidentiality, empowering you to share your story without fear.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we help you recover compensation.

Call 866-757-6452 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a clergy abuse lawyer.

References: [1] Illinois Attorney General, [2] Chicago Tribune, [3] CBS News. [4] AP News, [5] Bishop Accountability, [6] Bishop Accountability