CHICAGO (IL)
Chicago Tribune
By Carlos Sadovi
Tribune reporter
6:38 a.m. CST, December 9, 2013
The pastor of a Lakeview Roman Catholic parish has agreed to step aside after an allegation this week that he engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor 20 years ago while he served as pastor of an Orland Park church, officials said today.
Rev. Michael W. O’Connell has served at St. Alphonsus Parish, 1429 W. Wellington Ave., since July 1, 2012, said Archdiocese Spokeswoman Susan Burritt.
A single allegation of sexual misconduct was presented to the Archdiocese of Chicago last week. It is alleged that O’Connell engaged in the misconduct 20 years ago while he served as pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park, said Burritt.
O’Connell agreed to step aside from his role as pastor of St. Alphonsus and has agreed to live away from the parish until an investigation has concluded, according to a statement by the Archdiocese of Chicago. O’Connell decided to step aside from his duties at the request of Cardinal George, officials said.
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