Former St. Michael Priest Cleared Of Sex Abuse Allegations, Reinstated

CHICAGO — A priest linked to St. Michael's Parish in Orland Park has been reinstated after being cleared of sex abuse allegations, the Archdiocese of Chicago has announced.

Cardinal Blase Cupich penned letters to several parishes in the south suburbs, clearing the priest of the allegations and disclosing his return to ministry. The Archdiocese in Oct. 2023 had asked Fr. William Killeen to step back pending investigation of an allegation of child sexual abuse.

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 late last month 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 Killeen be returned to ministry and that the file be closed.

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

The welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount consideration. Consequently, we take seriously all allegations of sexual misconduct. It is to the credit of our priests that they support our child protection policies. They understand that only by applying a meticulous and impartial process to all allegations can we remain committed to our work of assisting survivors and, with the help of independent advisors, thoroughly evaluate all allegations.

Cupich went on to say that he is also "committed to restoring the good name of those accused if the case is unsubstantiated.

"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."

Other parishes impacted by the investigation included:

• St. Michael in Orland Park
• St. Alexander in Palos Heights
• St. Patricia in Hickory Hills
• St. Christopher (now St. Augustine) in Midlothian
• Infant Jesus of Prague (now St. Veronica) in Flossmoor
• St. Francis Xavier in La Grange
• St. Cletus in La Grange
• St. John of the Cross in Western Springs

All parishioners received a similar letter.

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.

"This period away from ministry has been challenging for him," Cupich wrote. "He deserves our respect and gratitude and I hope you will join me in thanking him for his long-standing dedication."

Cupich urged anyone who believes they have been abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward.

"You will be received with respect and compassion," his letter reads.

To report abuse, please refer to the Archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org.

Patch Editor Lorraine Swanson contributed to this report.