August 16, 2018
Dear Parishioners,
I wanted to speak with all of you about the terrible news we have all heard this past week. I decided to write a letter because I know that with the mixed congregations at the weekend Masses, some of the wording seems inappropriate for those who have little children, and not all parents appreciate this type of conversation with young people present. Moreover, we have four churches in the parish, and it would be hard to get the same message out to all the Masses in person. So as impersonal as a letter is for such a difficult topic, I felt I needed to address this issue out of love and concern for all of you. I know that I cannot remain silent. I have also included Bishop Deeley’s statement and the United States Catholic Bishop’s statement for you.
I am sure that all of you are as sick and disturbed as I am about the news concerning archbishop McCarrick, the Bishops in Pennsylvania and the Boston seminary. After the experiences in 2002, I thought that this mess was done and cleaned up, and we were ready to move forward with rediscovering our mission to proclaim the message of Christ and the evangelization he calls us to do. It seemed that we were well on our way, and now this past week, we realized that there is still more work to do.
With the news of sexual abuse and the betrayal of trust, it disheartens Catholic who are faithful and want to keep practicing. It makes it hard and embarrassing to be identified as being Catholic among friends and colleagues who rightfully question the actions of church leaders. Moreover, it also brings up the pain and hurt in those who were abused by priests, bishops and other people. Sexual abuse is evil, and victims never fully heal from their wounds. Those who are hurt just learn to live with it the best they can for the rest of their lives. When it all comes back in the news, and it relates to the Church, it only hurts them even more. What seems to be a grace during this time is that people continue to come forward to bring their experiences to the light knowing that they are not alone where God’s healing grace can work. Hopefully this will begin the healing process for those who have kept it in for so long. I encourage those who have been abused to come forward and report it to the civil authorities to make sure that the perpetrators are stopped.
It is my hope that the bishops work together to resolve this crisis to regain the trust of the priests and laity. I know that it is difficult, but with God, all things are possible. I pray for the Church I love; the good bishops and priests who work so hard to care for people as Christ did; and most especially for the victims who have been hurt. We as a parish and a diocese do all we can to create a safe, prayerful and loving community for all ages by faithfully following the norms of Protecting God’s Children. Please add us, the victims, faithful laity, priests and bishops to your daily prayers, Holy Hours of Adoration and rosaries. In this way Jesus can bring us together on the right course according to His will. If any of you ever want to talk to me about these events, I make myself very available to you.
Fr. Daniel Greenleaf
Pastor