Archdiocese investigates sexual abuse allegations against Bartlett priest

The pastor of a Bartlett parish has been asked to step aside from ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The archdiocese received allegations that the Rev. Christopher Ciomek of St. Peter Damian Parish sexually abused a minor about 30 years ago, according to a letter from Cardinal Blase Cupich dated Monday.

Cupich wrote that these "allegations are claims that have not been as true or false. Therefore, guilt or innocence should not be assumed."

Ciomek was ordained in 1998 and served as full-time associate pastor at St. Monica Parish in Chicago and then at St. Theresa Parish in Palatine, according to his biography on the St. Peter Damian Parish website.

Ciomek has been directed to live away from the parish while the archdiocese investigates, and Cupich said he is fully cooperating. The Rev. Curtis Lambert - who resides in retirement at the parish - will serve as temporary administrator.

The allegations were reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County state's attorney, and the person making the allegations has been offered services through the Victim Assistance Ministry, according to Cupich's letter.

Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the Archdiocesan website at archchicago.org.