JOLIET (IL)
The Herald News
By Ted Slowik
staff writer
JOLIET — A day after their pastor was suspended because of a sexual abuse allegation, stunned parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Raymond gathered to pray for healing.
Prayers were offered for victims of sexual abuse, as well as for the parish and for the Rev. James Burnett. The cathedral rector was placed on administrative leave Tuesday, when a 34-year-old Gulf War veteran went public with an accusation that Burnett molested him while at St. Mary Church in Mokena about 25 years ago.
At a Wednesday morning Mass attended by students from St. Ray's School, the Rev. Brad Baker said the community "was grieving and hurting in so many ways."
"We feel hurt, denial, anger, confusion, compassion for victims and concern for our pastor," Baker said, his voice cracking with emotion. "God is with us amidst any darkness.
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