SOUTH HOLLAND (IL)
ABC 7
By Evelyn Holmes
February 4, 2006 - Holy Ghost Church in South Holland will learn Sunday who will replace Father Joe Bennett, who was removed from the parish by the Archdiocese of Chicago after allegations of sexual abuse surfaced. Father Bennett has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Called Father Ben by his parishioners, the 65-year-old faces allegations of child abuse stemming from 30 years ago. He has not been criminally charged, but the Father Bennett was removed from public ministry by the Chicago archdiocese. Church officials said that since 2005, Bennett has been monitored by other priests assigned to the parish. The archdiocese is now reviewing the allegations and Father Bennett is at a private residence.
Many of Bennett's parishioners are offering support to their priest.
"Every single church, a lot of it is hidden. The Catholic Church is always, always slandered because we always stand up for what we believe in. but I believe Cardinal George will be the man that will straighten everything out," said Joyce Smith, parishioner