CHICAGO (IL)
Journal & Topics [Des Plaines IL]
October 2, 2022
Parishioners of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Rosemont have been notified that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor has been filed against retired priest Fr. John Clemens.
The accusation is from an alleged incident nearly 50 years ago, according to a statement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.
Clemens served as pastor at Our Lady of Hope from 2008 to 2018 when he retired. He is currently the church’s pastor emeritus. The church serves Catholics in Rosemont, Des Plaines, travelers through O’Hare Airport, and other neighboring communities.
“I have asked Father Clemens to step aside from ministry until our independent Review Board can investigate the allegation and present its recommendation to me,” said Cardinal Blase Cupich in a recent statement. “We have reported the allegation to civil authorities and have offered assistance to the accuser. Father Clemens has agreed to cooperate fully with this process, and we will provide him with pastoral assistance as he awaits its outcome.”