In October 2026, former students of Holy Angels Catholic School on Chicago's South Side filed the first in what their attorneys describe as a long series of civil lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Chicago. The lawsuits allege that children at the Bronzeville parish and school were sexually abused by priests over more than three decades, and that church leaders knew about the abuse and failed to stop it.
If you or someone you love attended Holy Angels, these reports may bring back painful memories. You are not alone, and you may have legal options. Below, our clergy abuse lawyers explain what the Holy Angels lawsuits allege, what Illinois law says about older abuse claims, and how survivors can take the next step at their own pace.
What the Holy Angels Lawsuits Allege
According to reporting by ABC7 Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times, seven lawsuits were filed on behalf of seven former students. Attorneys for the plaintiffs say they believe more than 100 children were abused at the school and expect dozens more lawsuits in the coming weeks.
The key allegations reported so far include:
- Four accused priests: The lawsuits name Rev. George Clements, Rev. Paul Smith, Rev. John Calicott, and Rev. Kenneth Brigham. All four have since died.
- Abuse spanning decades: One complaint describes what it calls a "continuous, decades-long" pattern of abuse between 1969 and 2002.
- Young victims: The plaintiffs' attorneys say the children were primarily poor, Black boys in kindergarten through eighth grade, some as young as five.
- Institutional knowledge: The lawsuit says they have church documents showing the Archdiocese knew of allegations against the priests. They allege that Calicott was removed from ministry in 1994 over abuse allegations, then returned and was named pastor at Holy Angels the following year. He was permanently removed in 2002.
- Race discrimination: The suits also claim that the Archdiocese's indifference toward reports from Black children, and doubts about their credibility, amounted to race discrimination.
The Archdiocese of Chicago told reporters it does not comment on pending lawsuits. These are allegations in civil complaints, and no court has ruled on them.
Holy Angels and the Archdiocese of Chicago
Holy Angels Church in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood was once a pillar of the South Side Catholic community. Under Rev. George Clements, who became its first Black pastor in 1969, the school grew to more than 1,300 students and became known as the largest Black Catholic school in the country.
Clements was nationally recognized for his adoption advocacy. He was never criminally charged, and he denied an earlier abuse allegation before his death in 2019. In 2022, news outlets reported that the Archdiocese settled a claim alleging he abused a minor in the 1970s while assigned to Holy Angels, without admitting wrongdoing. Of the four priests named in the new lawsuits, only Calicott appears on the Archdiocese's list of clergy with substantiated allegations.
For many former students and families, the reports raise hard questions about who knew what and when. Civil lawsuits are one way survivors can seek answers and hold an institution accountable for its decisions, not just the individuals who committed the abuse.
Can You Still File a Church Sex Abuse Lawsuit Decades Later?
Many Holy Angels survivors are now adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, or older. A common question is whether it is too late to file a child sexual abuse claim.
Illinois has expanded the time limits for childhood sexual abuse claims several times. Today, there is no civil filing deadline for many claims involving abuse of a minor under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2. However, the changes generally do not revive claims that had already expired under older versions of the law. Whether a specific claim can move forward often depends on:
- When the abuse occurred and which version of the law applied at the time
- When the survivor discovered, or connected, the abuse to the harm it caused
- Whether an institution concealed information that kept survivors from coming forward
- The type of claim, such as negligence, negligent supervision, or other legal theories against the institution
Because these rules are complicated, the only reliable way to know whether you have a claim is to talk with an attorney who handles clergy abuse cases. You can learn more in our guide to extended statutes of limitations for sexual abuse.
How to Sue the Catholic Church in Illinois
A clergy sexual abuse lawsuit is a civil case, separate from any criminal investigation. Even when the accused priest has died, survivors may be able to bring claims against the organizations responsible for supervising him, such as an archdiocese, parish, school, or religious order.
A Catholic Church abuse lawsuit typically involves:
- A confidential consultation. You share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. An attorney reviews whether a claim may be available.
- Investigation. Your legal team gathers records such as clergy assignment histories, school records, prior complaints, and church documents.
- Filing the claim. In many cases, survivors can file using a pseudonym, such as "John Doe," to protect their privacy.
- Negotiation or litigation. Many church sex abuse lawsuits resolve through settlement or mediation, while others proceed toward trial.
Holding the Institution Accountable
Lawsuits like those filed over Holy Angels focus on what the Archdiocese allegedly knew and what it did, or failed to do, with that information. Claims against an institution may involve allegations that it ignored complaints, moved accused clergy to new assignments, failed to supervise priests with access to children, or failed to warn families.
What Compensation May Be Available in Catholic Church Abuse Settlements
No amount of money can undo the harm caused by abuse. Still, compensation can pay for care and support that helps survivors move forward. Depending on the facts, a civil claim for sexual abuse may seek compensation for:
- Therapy, counseling, and future mental health care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in cases involving reckless or willful conduct by an institution
Catholic Church abuse settlements vary widely, and every case depends on its own facts. An experienced attorney can help you understand what may be possible in your situation.
Support for Holy Angels Survivors and Families
Coming forward is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong timeline. If news of the Holy Angels lawsuits has stirred up difficult feelings, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or a support organization such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). Talking with a lawyer does not commit you to filing a lawsuit. It simply gives you information so you can make the choice that is right for you.
Talk to a Chicago Clergy Abuse Attorney at Abels & Annes, PC
Abels & Annes, PC has represented survivors of sexual abuse in claims against powerful institutions, including the Archdiocese of Chicago. Our Chicago sexual abuse lawyers handle these cases with discretion, compassion, and respect for your privacy.
If you or a loved one was harmed at Holy Angels or another Catholic school or parish, call (312) 924-7575 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holy Angels Lawsuit
Who is named in the Holy Angels lawsuits?
The lawsuits name the Archdiocese of Chicago and accuse four now-deceased priests: George Clements, Paul Smith, John Calicott, and Kenneth Brigham. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Can I file a claim if the priest who abused me has died?
Yes, in many circumstances you can file a lawsuit even if the priest has passed away. A civil claim may be brought against the institution responsible for supervising the priest, such as the Archdiocese or the parish for example.
Will my name become public if I file a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit?
No, the victim is not named publicly unless they want to. Also, Illinois courts often allow survivors of sexual abuse to file under a pseudonym. Your attorney can explain how to protect your identity.
Do I need a priest abuse lawyer, or can I report directly to the Archdiocese?
You can report abuse to law enforcement or to the Archdiocese at any time. However, the Archdiocese represents its own interests. A priest abuse lawyer represents only you and can help you understand your rights before you make any decisions.
David Abels
Partner | Personal Injury Lawyer | Abels & Annes, P.C.
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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