CHICAGO (IL)
Daily Herald
By Bob Susnjara and Madhu Krishnamurthy
Daily Herald Staff Writers
Posted Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Citing fears about “unwelcome scrutiny” for Carmel Catholic High School, the Chicago archdiocese will not allow the school’s walkathon on a neighboring seminary in Mundelein where priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors live.
Now, Carmel must find another place to hold its walk after about 15 consecutive years at University of St. Mary of the Lake on Route 176. Carmel marketing director Dawn Jenich said the switch shouldn’t affect how much money is raised for the 1,350-student private school.
Archdiocese of Chicago officials sent a letter to Carmel last week stating the sprawling, picturesque seminary land is unavailable for the April 28 walk. Archdiocese spokesman Jim Dwyer said the decision spares Carmel officials from being questioned about priests accused of sexual wrongdoing.
“We thought it was the prudent thing to do. The reason behind it is they should be able to raise funds for their walkathon without unwelcome scrutiny,” Dwyer said.
Carmel board member Vito Grimaldi said he’s confident the school will find another venue for the walk. He said he did not begrudge the archdiocese’s stance on the seminary.