Former St. Al, St. Patricia Priest Cleared Of Sex Abuse Allegations

CHICAGO — Cardinal Blase Cupich penned letters this week to five parishes in the south suburbs, clearing a priest of sex abuse allegations and reinstating him to ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

One year ago, Rev. William Killeen, a retired priest who served in the St. Alexander and St. Patricia parishes as an associate pastor, stepped aside from ministry at the cardinal’s request after the archdiocese received a child sex abuse allegation.

The abuse was alleged to have happened approximately 40 years ago at St. Patricia Parish in Hickory Hills, where Killeen had served as an associate pastor from 1982 to 1989.

The allegation was reported to civil authorities and the person making the allegation was offered the services of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s victim assistance ministry.

Cupich said in his letter that the Archdiocese Independent Review met this week to review the results of the year-long investigation. The board determined that there was no cause to believe that Killeen sexually abused a minor.

Further, the independent review board recommended that Killen be returned to ministry and that the file be closed.

The cardinal said the archdiocese takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously.

“At the same time, I am committed to restoring the good name of those so accused if the case is unsubstantiated,” Cupich continued in his letter. “To that end, I publicly affirm that Father Killeen is a priest in good standing and express sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the People of God in the Archdiocese of Chicago. This period away from ministry has been challenging for him. He deserves our respect and gratitude and I hope you will join me in thanking him for his long-standing dedication.”

Parishioners at St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights received a similar letter, where Killeen also served as an associate pastor from 1975 to 1982.

Other parishes where Killen also served, include Infant Jesus of Prague (now St. Veronica), Flossmoor; St. Francis Xavier and St. Cletus, both in LaGrange, St.

Killeen retired in 2019, but still celebrates mass occasionally at St. Francis Xavier Parish and St. Cletus Parish, both in La Grange and St. John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs.

The Archdiocese of Chicago urges anyone who believes they have been abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. To report abuse please refer to the Archdiocesan Protection of Children and Youth.

“You will be received with respect and compassion,” the cardinal said.