Fr. Richard L. Bennett: Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Have Been Admitted, Established or Determined to Be Credible

Fr. Richard L. Bennett

Ordained: 1972

  • 1973-1976: St. Dennis, Lockport, IL (JOL)
  • 1976-1979: St. Pius X Church, Lombard, IL (JOL)
  • 1980-1985: St. Raphael Church, Naperville, IL (JOL)
  • 1985-1986: St. Mary Church, Downers Grove, IL (JOL)
  • 1987-1998: Sacred Heart, Joliet, IL (JOL)
  • 1999: Catholic Community of Wheatland, Naperville, IL (JOL)
  • 2000-2009: Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church, Naperville, IL (JOL)
  • 2004-2007: Office of Deans (JOL)
  • 2010: Absent on Leave (JOL) – Location Unknown
  • 2011-2019: Unknown

Fr. Richard L. Bennett was ordained into the Diocese of Joliet in 1972. Fr. Bennett has been named in at least one civil lawsuit alleging child sex abuse. The lawsuit alleged that Fr. Bennett sexually abused an 11 or 12-year-old boy at St. Pius X parish in Lombard, Illinois. The lawsuit further alleged that Fr. Bennett abused the boy after finding out that the boy had been sexually abused by another priest. The Diocese of Joliet purportedly received child sexual abuse allegations against Fr. Bennett in 2004, but Fr. Bennett remained in ministry until 2007. In 2007, the lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by Fr. Bennett was dismissed. Fr. Bennett’s whereabouts, status as a priest, and whether he has had access to children since 2010 are unknown.