How Could You? Hall of Shame-Father Daniel McCarthy

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Chicago, Illinois, “Cardinal Blase Cupich asked Father Daniel McCarthy to “step aside from ministry” after the archdiocese received an allegation from their Office of Child Abuse Investigations. The allegation stems from when McCarthy was assigned to Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago approximately 50 years ago.

McCarthy is currently retired, but serves as the pastor emeritus for Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity School, a K-8 school on the Northwest Side. McCarthy has been asked to “live away” from the parish while the matter is investigated.

According to Notre Dame College Prep’s website, Father McCarthy is the school’s chaplain. On April 27, the school celebrated his 53rd ordination anniversary. McCarthy has also been Resurrection College Prep’s school chaplain. It’s unclear if he still holds the role, but he did as of last year.

Cardinal Blase Cupich issued the following letter to the Saint Elizabeth community.

In it, he said the incident has been reported to the Cook County State’s Attorney and DCFS. Additionally, the victim has been offered services with the archdiocese’s

Dear Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish and School Family,

It is with great difficulty that I write to share news about your pastor emeritus, Father Daniel
McCarthy. I have asked Father McCarthy to step aside from ministry following receipt this week by the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor approximately 50 years ago while he was assigned to Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago. I have asked that Father McCarthy live away from the parish while the matter is investigated.

Allegations are claims that have not been proven as true or false, therefore, guilt or
innocence should not be assumed. 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 making the allegation has been offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry and the Archdiocese has begun its investigation of this matter.
In the days and weeks ahead, members of the Archdiocese’s Office for the Protection of
Children and Youth will be available to answer any questions you may have and provide you with
support during this challenging time.

It is crucial that you know nothing is more important than the welfare of the children
entrusted to our care. 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. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse
can be found on the Archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org. Please know that you are in my prayers. We will do our best to keep you informed of developments as they occur.”

Priest affiliated with Archdiocese of Chicago schools accused of sex abuse
[WGN 10/17/2020 by Andy Koval, Rob Sneed, Judy Wang]

“McCarthy was accused of sexually abusing a minor about 50 years ago during his time at the now-closed Angel Guardian Orphanage in West Ridge, Cardinal Blase Cupich wrote in a letter to the St. Elizabeth community.”

Father Daniel McCarthy removed from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity amid sexual abuse investigation
[Chicago Sun-Times 10/17/2020 by Sam Kelly]

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