Glendale Heights Priest Removed For 'Sexual Encounter' With Girl

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL --- A Glendale Heights priest has been removed from ministry after he reportedly admitted to having an "inappropriate sexual encounter" with a girl more than 35 years ago. Rev. Mark Jendrysik, who served as pastor at St. Matthew Parish at 1555 Glen Ellyn Rd., reportedly had inappropriate sexual contact with the girl when she was a summer intern with Diocese of Joliet, according to a statement from the diocese.

Bishop Daniel Conlon reportedly consulted with the Diocesan Review Board before removing Jendrysik from ministry. Conlon "expressed his deepest regrets and apology to the victim" in a statement. The diocese's statement also praised the victim for coming forward to report the incident: "The reporting of such incidents is emotionally difficult, and the victim in this case has shown great courage in coming forward."

The Diocese of Joliet is asking anyone who has information about inappropriate behavior on the part of Jendrysik or other Diocese of Joliet representatives to call authorities or the Illinois Clergy Abuse Hotline 888-414-7678 and the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator 815-263-6467.

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