LIBERTYVILLE (IL)
Lake & McHenry County Scanner [Lake County, IL]
July 27, 2026
By Sam Borcia
A retired deacon and pastor who served at a church in Libertyville, as well as other parishes in the Chicago area, has been asked to step away amid an allegation that he sexually abused a child.
Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich announced the news in a letter to members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 East Maple Avenue in Libertyville, last week.
The Archdiocese received allegations against Father Thomas Conde regarding the sexual abuse of a child.
Conde served at St. Joseph Parish in several roles and also at Christ the King Parish in Chicago, All Souls Parish in Lansing, Saint Christina Parish in Chicago and Saint John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs.
He was a deacon at St. Joseph from March to June 1987, an associate pastor from June 1987 to January 1992 and an administrator from January to July 1991.
The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review was informed that a lawsuit will be filed alleging the sexual abuse of a minor against Conde.
The abuse is alleged to have occurred at St. James in Sauk Village more than 20 years ago.
Conde, who is retired, has “strongly denied” that he has ever sexually abused anyone.
“Our request to learn the exact nature of the claim through an interview of the person making the accusation has been denied, yet as a matter of transparency we are making it known that a legal case will be filed in court,” Cupich said.
Cupich said that “out of an abundance of caution” and in keeping with the church’s child protection policies, he has asked Conde to step aside from all ministry to parishes and live away from any parish.
Conde will be away until the Archdiocese learns more about the allegation, investigates it and completes its standard process, which includes presenting it to the Independent Review Board for a recommendation.
“Only by conducting a thorough and impartial review, which includes having access to the person making the allegation, can we ensure fairness to all concerned. As a matter of policy, we have reported this allegation to law enforcement authorities,” Cupich said.
The Archdiocese said it will offer the services of its Victim Assistance Ministry once they make contact with the alleged victim.
“I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously,” Cupich said.
“We appreciate the courage it takes to step forward and encourage anyone who believes they have experienced abuse or inappropriate behavior by a member of the clergy, religious or lay employee of the archdiocese to report it to the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth,” Cupich said. “They will be received with compassion and respect.”