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Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Church
Dear Friends,
The recent publication of the grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse in six dioceses in Pennsylvania along with the resignation of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick have inaugurated another phase in the sexual abuse crisis in our Church. We struggle to understand how priests and bishops could abuse children, minors and young adults entrusted to their care. We remain mystified how so many bishops could do so little to protect these innocent victims and then do so much to hide the sins and crimes of predators without ever being held accountable. Our anger, sadness and distress are shared by so many active and inactive Catholics. Praying for victims of abuse first and foremost, we also pray for one another as we chart our way through these pain-filled and challenging times.
Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire Ministries released two videos this week to help us understand better the crisis we face and what we as members of the Church are called to do in response. Please take some time to look at these videos. Share them with family and friends.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will cleanse and strengthen our Church, and I remain grateful for the faith and hope of so many parishioners even in such difficult times.
Msgr. Mike -
News
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February 25
Massachusetts bishops are addressing the state’s Catholics prior to the Feb. 21-24 Vatican Summit on the sexual abuse crisis. It is a crisis, they say, “that has again enveloped the life of the Church.” “The Summit Meeting, convoked by Pope Francis, will involve the presidents of over 180 Episcopal Conferences from throughout the world; along with (Boston) Cardinal (Sean) O’Malley, participating in his role as President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children. The goal of the Summit Meeting, as stated by the Holy Father, is ‘catechesis’ of the episcopal conferences,” the bishops said in a letter to the people of the Commonwealth, published below.Read More -
September 2This Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of another summer season as many of us transition back to school and a busier schedule. Several parishioners asked me this week if I would share with them the comments I made in my homily last weekend relative to the sexual abuse crisis we continue to face in the Church.Read More
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Resources from Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire Ministries
Friends,
Many of you have asked for my thoughts on the McCarrick abuse crisis, the Pennsylvania grand jury report, and the recent report from Archbishop Viganò.
We're all devastated by the horrific suffering of these many victims, and we're all wondering what to do next.
I shared some thoughts a couple weeks ago, in an article, but I thought it might be helpful to have a more candid conversation today, building on the USCCB's statement just released, which I wholly support.
Please watch the discussion, and together let's pray for the victims and the entire Body of Christ.
Peace,
Bishop Robert Barron
Founder, Word on Fire Catholic Ministries -
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Why Remain Catholic? (With So Much Scandal)
In light of the recent scandals, I know many people are wondering whether they should remain in the Catholic Church. And I totally get that; the outrage is warranted. But in this time of crisis, I beg you not to flee, but to fight--not violently, with the weapons of the world, but with the weapons of the Spirit. We need you.
Please share the video below with your family and friends, especially those thinking of abandoning the Catholic Church in this time of terrible crisis. -