Peoria diocese removes priest

ILLINOIS
Quad-City Times

By Thomas Geyer

The Catholic Diocese of Peoria has removed a priest from public ministry based on allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor dating back about 30 years, the diocese announced Wednesday in a news release.

Bishop Daniel Jenky, upon the unanimous advise of the Diocesan Review Commission, required the Rev. Terry Cassidy, pastor of St. Ann Church, Peoria, to step down from public ministry.

Cassidy can no long function as a Catholic priest in any capacity, nor can he wear clerical garb or the Roman collar. He also is to refrain from using the title reverend or father.

According to the diocese, Cassidy has served at many churches, including Christ the King Church in Moline from 1984-1987, and St. Mary Church, Moline, in 1992. He also has served at St. Catherine Church, Aledo; St. Mary Church, Keithsburg; St. Anthony Church, Matherville; St. Theresa Church, New Boston; St. John Church, Viola, among others.

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