Pastor Removed From Lake View Church Over Sex Abuse Allegation

CHICAGO — The head pastor of a church in the Lake View neighborhood has been removed after an allegation of sexual abuse was reported to the Archdiocese of Chicago. Someone came forward and said the pastor sexually abused them as a child in 1979 in suburban Midlothian, the archidiocese said in a statement.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pastor Rev. Patrick J. Lee has been removed while the allegation is investigated, the archdiocese said.

Fr. Lee was assigned to St. Christopher Parish in Midlothian in 1979.

"The allegation was received by the Archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review," the archdiocese said in its statement. "In keeping with our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Cook County State’s Attorney."

The person who reported the allegation has been offered services with the archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Ministry, according to the statement.

Cardinal Blase Cupich has appointed Father Larry Lisowski administrator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish effective immediately, the archdiocese said. , Lisowski is pastor of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parish.

"The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee, to come forward," the archdiocese said.

Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the Archdiocesan website.

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