Archdiocese Outlines Process Investigating Misconduct Allegation

By Tim Hadac
Regional News
December 19, 2013

http://www.theregionalnews.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/32757-archdiocese-outlines-process-investigating-misconduct-allegation

Archdiocesan officials confirmed this week that they are investigating an allegation of sexual misconduct made against the Rev. Michael W. O’Connell, 56, who served as pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park from 1997-2012.

??At issue is behavior that allegedly occurred nearly two decades ago at Our Lady of the Woods, officials said.

??O’Connell previously served at St. Michael Parish in Orland Park from 1983-89, where he was part of a team that helped establish Our Lady of the Woods.

??He currently is on leave as pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish on Chicago’s North Side. According to the Rev. Shawn Gould, administrator of that parish, O’Connell “denies this allegation.”