This week I want to provide you with a written response,
based on my homily from last weekend, to the seven names of credibly accused
priests by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate last weekend.
Even without knowing all of the facts—who did what, when
and where—this absolutely breaks my heart—as I am sure it does yours. As a priest, I find myself disgusted,
embarrassed, ashamed, angry and a whole lot of other words that I can’t write
in this column, whenever I hear of crimes—or alleged crimes—committed by a
member of the clergy, especially against
a child.
Yet my reaction—our reaction—only pales to the damages
done to victims of clergy abuse and their families. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go to anyone
who has been harmed or abused by a priest. On behalf of our parishes, diocese and Church, I am so sorry. I beg you—if you have not already—go to law
enforcement. As a beloved son or
daughter of God, you deserve justice.
As the Psalmist says, “Truth shall
spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.” You deserve healing. You deserve wholeness. Please take that courageous step to
speak with law enforcement about what happened. You do not have to suffer in silence and you could help stop
current abuse from happening again.
I pray also that victims of clergy abuse—or any other
abuse—may find healing through Jesus, through our Church and through the
sacraments. Know my door is also
open if you have experienced such egregious behavior in your life.
I want to be clear—priests who have harmed children—like
any other person—are criminals. They are not above the law. Their actions represent neither Jesus
Christ, who said “Let the children come
to me…” nor the Catholic Church, nor the Diocese of Duluth nor our
parishes. They reflect the actions
of criminals and the ugliness of sin and evil. Frankly, such offenders are sick and they must experience
justice and healing through our civil and ecclesial systems.
Sadly, we live in a world and society where abuse is far
too common. While the Catholic
Church makes the front page for such crimes (which isn’t the worst thing in the
world, as it keeps us accountable), the Catholic priesthood is actually among
the lowest percentage of offenders in any demographic—less than 2% of priests
have been accused or convicted of such crimes. In no way does this excuse any misconduct—one case is far
too many—but the fact is that abuse is a national problem.
And, despite what you may see (or not see) in the media,
the Catholic Church in the United States is on the front lines to combat this
issue. I have seen this firsthand
in my time in seminary. Before I
could even enter seminary I had to pass a thorough psychological examination
and a background check. Throughout
my time of formation, education on safe environment, boundaries and best
practices were consistently taught.
In the United States, the Diocese of Duluth and our
parishes, safe environment training is required for all priests, religious,
employees and volunteers, as is a background check, for anyone working with
minors. I also have the right to
ask for such training and a background check from anyone else who works or
volunteers in our parish.
We are trained—to various degrees based on our
profession (think here of our teachers)—to look for signs of abuse and have
been consistently told to call the civil authorities if we suspect abuse. Our Catholic churches and schools today
are actually among the safest places your kids can be.
Many of you know the men whose names appear on the list
I read from Bishop, and I would like to speak to you. I have heard you share your own shock, disappointment,
confusion and grief: “Fr. so and so did my wedding,” “I was a good friend of
his,” “He baptized my children.” Again,
I am sorry for the pain you may be feeling now.
Please remember, our Church has been and will always be
made up of sinners. Think of the
12 apostles—Peter denied Jesus, Judas betrayed Jesus and only one out of the
twelve were with Jesus as he hung upon the cross. Yet our Church, made up of sinful members, is “without spot and wrinkle.” If Christ worked in your life through a
priest—even if this priest did bad things on the side—Jesus still worked,
especially in the sacraments. It
is Jesus who presides at the sacraments.
In the ancient church there was a famous saying, “When Judas baptizes,
Jesus baptizes.” The mystery of
the Mystical Body of Christ is that it is perfect—yet made up of imperfect
people.
Finally, as I have prayed through difficult situations
in my priesthood, I find we must remember two things. First—when evil strikes, how do I
respond? What is my personal
answer to evil? How do you respond? I hope you respond with holiness. I hope you respond in the exact way the
evil one hates—by growing closer to God.
Our world and our Church—both going through some dark times—needs
saints. This is your call.
Second, I am reminded of a line at Mass. It is one of my favorite lines that I
and other priests proclaim: “Lift up your
hearts.” Lift up your
hearts! God has given our parishes
many blessings: joy, excitement, new families, growing school, growing faith
formation, hospitality, service to the poor and yes, even donuts. Let these continue in the name of Jesus
Christ!
Jesus Christ has led the Church he has established for
2000 years. He has now led the
Diocese of Duluth for 125. For
nearly the same time he has led our parishes. Anyone who has studied Church history knows we have been
through a lot during this time and have lived through some crazy times. For me, one of the greatest proofs that
our Catholic and Christian faith is of God is that we are still around! We have tried to mess it up over and
over, yet here we are. Because we
are all about Jesus Christ. He
promises to heal the brokenhearted and to be with us until the end of the age.
So we turn to him in the most holy Sacrifice of the
Mass. We offer our prayers on
behalf of victims of abuse and their families. We offer our prayers for truth, justice and
forgiveness. We offer our prayers
for our own parishes, community and diocese.
Lord, let your truth spring out of the earth, and your
justice look down from heaven.
God
Bless.
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