Batavia priest on leave as diocese investigates conduct

Monsignor Aaron Brodeski of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia is on a leave of absence while the Rockford Diocese investigates an allegation regarding his conduct.

Bishop David Malloy informed parishioners of this at Masses last Sunday.

The bishop did not say of what Brodeski has been accused, nor who has accused him. He did, however, tell parishioners the conduct "in no way pertains to anything having to do with minors, parish funds or anything pertaining to Holy Cross Parish or School," according to the statement he read.

Brodeski, who went on leave Friday, has served the parish a little more than one year.

Malloy said Brodeski agreed to take a leave of absence for evaluation, and for possible treatment for "personal and spiritual difficulties" affecting his priesthood.

"The faith and well-being of all our Catholic people as well as the health of our priests are paramount as we conduct our worship and ministries together," Malloy said.

He also asked parishioners to pray for Brodeski and the diocese, "as we cooperate with the authorities during this investigation."

Penny Wiegert, diocese spokesman, said there would be no other comment beyond the statement Malloy made.

Brodeski, 44, grew up in Rockford. According to a biography on the Holy Cross website, Brodeski was ordained in 1998, then served two years at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Crystal Lake. He spent eight years in the diocese's vocation office, during which time he also served as a pastor or administrator at parishes in Amboy, Maytown, Walton and Harmon in northern Illinois. He then became pastor at St. Mary in Byron, then St. Mary in Woodstock and St. Patrick in Hartland. He also served as spiritual director of Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock.