Joliet Diocese Opens Personnel Files on Priest Abusers

The Diocese of Joliet Tuesday lifted a protective order on personnel files concerning 15 priest-offenders.

According to Jim Dwyer, diocesan spokesperson, "the diocese's settlement agreement with plaintiff David Rudofski regarding his allegation against Fr. James Burnett has become final."

The suit was filed in 2006 by Rudofski against Burnett, the former pastor at . He previously served at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, Joliet, and St. Charles Borremeo, Bensenville.

The settlement terms include a statement from Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, "acknowledging the allegations of child sexual abuse against Fr. Burnett made by Mr. Rodofski, Mr. Dan Shanahan and a man who did not want his name disclosed are considered substantiated."

The total amount of the settlement has not been disclosed. Dwyer said the diocese would leave the financial disclosure up to Rudofski.

"Unfortunately the dark cloud of the history of child abuse in this diocese has imposed itself almost every day," Conlon said. "The abuse itself and the way it was handled in many cases have created serious harm to the lives of individuals, parish communities and the whole diocese."

The Diocese of Joliet oversees parishes and missions in seven counties—Will, DuPage, Grundy, Kendall, Ford, Iroquois and Kankakee.

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