Fr. Joseph R. Bennett

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago

Summary of Assignments:

  • Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL
  • 1966: Ordained
  • 1966-1974: St. John (Baptist) de la salle in Chicago, IL
  • 1974-1976: Our Lady of the Ridge in Chicago Ridge, IL
  • 1976-1978: St. Joseph and St. Anne (French) in Chicago, IL
  • 1976-1978: Cook County Jail (Chaplain)
  • 1978-1980: St. Christina’s in Chicago, IL
  • 1980-1989: St. John de la salle in Chicago, IL
  • 1989-1991: St. Agnes in Chicago, IL
  • 1991-1997: Our Lady of Fatima
  • 1997-2006: Holy Ghost in South Holland, IL
  • 2/2006: Removed from Holy Ghost

Notes: Archdiocese received allegations 11/12/02 that he had sexually abused 3 boys in 1976-78. Oral sex alleged. Despite polygraph confirmation, Review Board found no reasonable cause to suspect. Alleged on 12/3/03 to have abused 2 girls in 1967-69, including rape. Board recommended removal 10/15/05; Cardinal George kept Bennett in ministry until McCormack case broke. Removed 1/31/06; at least 10 other allegations were received. Settlement 8/12/08 released some documents. Personnel files released 1/14.

Sources: Chicago Sun-Times 02.01.06Chicago Sun-Times 02.02.06Chicago Tribune 02.02.06Cardinal George Deposition 01.30.08Documents produced as Exhibits to Cardinal George Deposition 01.30.08Table of Allegations Against Bennett from Cardinal George Deposition 01.30.08Chicago Tribune 08.12.08WBBM 08.12.08ABC 7 08.13.08Beacon News 08.13.08Chicago Sun-Times 08.13.08Chicago Tribune 08.13.08The Times (AP) 08.13.08Jeff Anderson & Assoc News Release 08.14.08Chicago Sun-Times 01.21.14Chicago Tribune 01.21.14Chicago Tribune 01.21.14National Catholic Reporter 01.21.14NY Times 01.21.14Personnel File Released 01.21.14Wood TV 01.22.14Yakima Herald Republic (AP) 01.22.14Archdiocese of Chicago Documents 11.11.14BA.org Assignment Recordhttp://bishopaccountability.org/