CHICAGO (IL)
Archdiocese of Chicago IL
September 6, 2024
Sept. 6, 2024
Dear St. Josaphat Parish and School Family,
I write to you with difficult news. The Archdiocese has been notified that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has opened an investigation into allegations they termed child exploitation and child molestation during a public penance service against Father Martin Nyberg. Father Nyberg, who has served your parish as associate pastor from July 1, 2024, strenuously denies the allegations.
In keeping with our policies, we reported the allegations to civil authorities and offered assistance to the accusers. I asked Father Nyberg to step aside from ministry until civil authorities have completed their investigations and our Independent Review Board has presented its recommendations to me. Father Nyberg agreed to cooperate fully with this process, and we will provide him with pastoral assistance as he awaits its outcome.
We appreciate your understanding that only with an impartial and thorough effort can we fulfill our duty to protect the young people in our care and, if the investigation warrants, restore the good name of the person so accused. We will provide you with more information on the investigation as it becomes available.
We encourage 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.
Please know I am keeping all of you in my prayers as we complete this process. I hope you will join me in praying for everyone involved in the work of protecting children.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase Cupich
Archbishop of Chicago
Letter to St. Josaphat (PDF)
Letter to St. Paul of the Cross (PDF)