Fr. Arno A. Dennerlein: Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Have Been Admitted, Established or Determined to Be Credible

Fr. Arno A. Dennerlein

Ordained: 1969

  • 1970-1971: Notre Dame, Clarendon Hills, IL (JOL)
  • 1972: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Lockport, IL (JOL)
  • 1973-1976: St. Patrick, Joliet, IL (JOL)
  • 1977-1978: St. John the Baptist Church, Winfield, IL (JOL)
  • 1979-1990: St. Anthony Church, Frankfurt, IL (JOL)
  • 1991-2004: Sacred Heart Church, Lombard, IL (JOL)
  • 2005: Unknown
  • 2006-2010: Absent on Leave (JOL) – Location Unknown
  • 2011-2012: Unknown
  • 2013-2018: Leave of Absence (JOL) – Location Unknown
  • 2019: Unknown

Fr. Arno Dennerlein was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Joliet in 1969. At least four survivors have accused Fr. Dennerlein of child sexual abuse that occurred in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. In 2003, Fr. Dennerlein was removed from public ministry amid child sexual abuse allegations. Fr. Dennerlein has been named in at least two civil lawsuits. Fr. Dennerlein has been named on the Diocese of Joliet’s list of “Diocesan Priests with Credible Allegation(s) of Sexual Misconduct with Minors Made Against Them While Serving in the Diocese of Joliet” with “Credible Allegations and Canonical Process Pending.” Fr. Dennerlein’s current status as a priest, his whereabouts, and whether he has access to children are unknown.