NEWS RELEASE
The Diocese of Peoria, Illinois
August 26, 2015

Contact: Patricia M. Gibson, Chancellor
309-671-1550

For Immediate Release

“CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PEORIA REQUIRES PRIEST TO NO LONGER
FUNCTION IN PUBLIC MINISTRY”

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C. of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria has, upon the unanimous advise of the Diocesan Review Commission, required Father Terry Cassidy, Pastor of St. Ann Church, Peoria, Illinois, to step down from public ministry. Allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor were made against Cassidy dating back nearly thirty years ago. He can no longer function as a Catholic priest in any public capacity, wear clerical garb or the Roman collar, and is to refrain from using the title Reverend or Father.

Cassidy’s assignments serving in the Diocese of Peoria include: Christ the King Church, Moline (1984-1987); St. Catherine Church, Aledo, St. Mary Church, Keithsburg, St. Anthony Church, Matherville, St. Theresa Church, New Boston, St. John Church, Viola, St. Andrew Church, Oquawka (1987-1989); St. Mark Church, Peoria (1989-1990); St. Edward Church, Chillicothe (1990-1992); St. Mary Church, Moline (1992); St. Jude Church, Peoria (1992-1994); St. Mary Church, Wenona, St. John the Baptist Church, Lostant (1994-1995); St. Joseph Church, Chenoa, St. Mary Church, Lexington (1995-1999); St. Martin de Porres, Peoria (1999-2001); Spiritual Advisor for TEC (2006 – 2013); Spiritual Advisor for Cursillo (2006 – current); St. Ann Church, Peoria (1999-current).

Under the direction of Bishop Jenky, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all children. The implementation of the Protecting God’s Children program and the current safe environment program used within the Diocese, has made an important impact on the safety of the children in the Catholic faith communities throughout the 26 counties of the diocese.

Bishop Jenky continues to pray daily for all victims of sexual abuse and apologizes and prays that the Lord will heal the wounds resulting from this abuse. Bishop Jenky asks for the prayers of the faithful for all the individuals involved in this case and especially for the overwhelming majority of our priests and lay ministers whose zeal and holiness do so much to build up the body of Christ in Central Illinois.

At this time, out of respect for the privacy of the individuals involved in the case, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria will not be providing any further information.

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