The Rev. David Ryan, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich, has been retired effective February 1, 2026, following years of allegations of child sexual abuse. The decision was announced in a letter from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, to the parish community on February 8, 2026.
Repeated Allegations and Investigations
This represents not the first time allegations have surfaced against Father Ryan. The archdiocese first placed him on leave in 2020 amid accusations of abuse while he was on staff at Maryville Academy, a church-run home for troubled youth in Des Plaines. He was later reinstated in September 2021, but that decision was revisited, delaying his return. In February 2023, he was again reinstated following what Cardinal Cupich described as a “thorough investigation.”
The 2023 reinstatement followed a determination by the archdiocese’s independent review board (IRB) that there was “insufficient reason to suspect” Father Ryan had sexually abused minors, due to a lack of cooperation from his accusers in both civil and church investigations.
Recent Developments and Retirement
Additional allegations emerged last year in connection with a civil complaint filed in Cook County concerning events that allegedly occurred in the mid-1990s while Father Ryan was on staff at Maryville Academy. These allegations involve both Father Ryan and the Rev. John P. Smyth, who served as executive director of Maryville for over 40 years. A lawsuit filed last year alleges that a former Maryville resident, identified as John Doe 6, was sexually abused by both Smyth and Ryan after being placed at Maryville in 1996.
Cardinal Cupich stated that the recent allegations made it unlikely they would be resolved “within the foreseeable future.” Father Ryan “strenuously denies this allegation, and states that he has never harmed a child.”
Transition and Parish Response
The Rev. Steven Lanza has come out of retirement to serve as parish administrator until June 30, 2026, while a search for a novel pastor begins. Despite the ongoing allegations, Cardinal Cupich praised Father Ryan’s “exemplary leadership” and framed his retirement as a “kindness.” The parish is collecting “memories” of Father Ryan to create a “memory book” celebrating his tenure, noting his success in eliminating the parish’s debt since his arrival in 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the latest action against Father Ryan?
Additional allegations arose last year in connection with a civil complaint in Cook County regarding alleged abuse that occurred in the mid-1990s while he was on staff at Maryville Academy.
What was the archdiocese’s previous response to allegations against Father Ryan?
Father Ryan was first placed on leave in 2020, then reinstated in September 2021 and again in February 2023, with reinstatements based on a lack of cooperation from accusers in investigations.
What is the parish doing in response to Father Ryan’s retirement?
The parish is creating a “memory book” to celebrate Father Ryan’s “positive impact” on the community, collecting letters, photos, and shared memories.
How will communities balance accountability and support for alleged victims when navigating similar situations?
