CHICAGO (IL)
The Reporter [Palos Heights, IL]
November 12, 2024
A priest who has served at several southwest suburban parishes is under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
The Rev. Martin “Marty” Marren has been directed to step aside while the investigation takes place, according to the Chicago Archdiocese.
Marren reportedly said he is innocent but agreed to cooperate with the investigation.
Marren is currently an associate pastor at St. John Fisher in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and St. Cajetan Parish in the city’s Morgan Park community.
He served as pastor of Queen of Martyrs Parish in Evergreen Park from 2018 to 2022. Marren was associate pastor at St. Gerald Parish in Oak Lawn from 1997 to 2004 and at St. Germaine Parish in Oak Lawn from 1984 to 1991.
He was a deacon at the former St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park in 1983.
Marren has served at two other parishes and was ordained in 1984.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is conducting the investigation.
A letter was read at Sunday Masses at each parish where Marren has served.
The person making the allegations has been offered support through the archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Ministry.
“We want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is paramount,” Cardinal Blase Cupich wrote. “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.”
Cupich’s written report did not clarify when or where the alleged abuse occurred, nor did it provide the age or gender of the alleged victim.
The archdiocese did not respond to calls for comment.
Cupich said that at the conclusion of the investigation by DCFS, results will be provided to the Independent Review Board.