St. Marcelline Catholic Parish

Dear St. Marcelline Community,

I write to share some difficult news about Mr. Howard Grossman. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received a call from a third party stating that Mr. Grossman had a sexual relationship with a child when she was fifteen years old. This is alleged to have occurred 15 years ago. We have been informed by DCFS that they will investigate the allegation and St. Marcelline Church will cooperate fully.

In consultation with the Archdiocese of Chicago and in keeping with archdiocesan child protection policies, Mr. Grossman will not be working at the parish during the investigation. Allegations are claims that have not been proven as true or false. Therefore, guilt or innocence should not be assumed.

At this time, our Director of Religious Education Mary Kramer will lead and oversee EDGE, Confirmation Programs and the ASP. Meetings and classes will continue at their scheduled time.

The welfare of the children entrusted to our care remains our priority. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual abuse involving minors seriously and encourages anyone who has 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.

As always, you are in my prayers. Please keep me in yours.

Fr. Tony Bury