There’s been no end to bad news. But I, and many of you, draw strength from knowing there are good people out there. In the comments, please share about a group or individuals who work to lift children up. I’ll start with a shout out and prayer for the teachers and volunteers of Our Lady of Confidence, a special education school in Willow Grove. I am awed by their generosity and devotion. It’s a physically demanding job that requires the patience of a saint and the rewards are only paid in gratitude. They are God-sends to the parents and the children.
Yes, my daughter went to Our Lady of Confidence for Elementary School. I am not contradicting you at all -each of us has different experiences. Our experience was quite damaging and we are still trying to undo self esteem issues. We wouldn’t allow our daughter to go to their High School (housed within Bishop McDevitt), as our SN children do not get a diploma when they graduate at 21. smh… I really wish that the AOP would provide more SN services or decent schools, as the demand is so high. Sorry for my mini rant – I have needed to say that for years. Good topic though.
MC, I’m sorry that was your experience there. You are right about the demand and if anything services are becoming more limited.
I am so happy that you are not offended, Susan. I did not want to comment, but as a weekly volunteer and donator there, as well as things that had happened to my daughter, I feel somewhat knowledgeable the bad vibes and actions there. Thank you for listening. I pray so hard for new schools and services to open up for our wonderful needs children. They ROCK!!!! Thanks again!
I would like to give a high five to all the volunteer coaches and catechists who share lots of time, knowledge of sports and faith with thousands of catholic and non catholic kids.
I want to give a shout out to all the dedicated catholic hospital volunteers in New Orleans, some who have been volunteering for 15 years or more.
I’m going to argue that we are not in need of light. After all, do you think we would see and recognize the darkness and evil were we not illuminated and enlightened by our own good sense, decency, moral compass, rational capacity, instincts, spirit, and faith? In this context, we are all brilliant heroes minus the men in black.
Foundation to Abolish Child Sex Abuse (FACSA) has been working for almost a decade to improve laws for children and victims in Pa..often against overwhelming odds and well funded opposition.
Also, not an established organization but the apartment residents in Texas who recognized the predatory behavior of former Fr Brzyski and warned children and parents. They didn’t need laws , charters of child protection or empty promises..They saw a person they believed posed a danger to children and alerted others to keep the children safe..as I always say this isn’t rocket science. People will do the right thing when they want to and it is amazingly uncomplicated. Hats off to them.
I’d like to give a big shout out to Aid For Friends, the meals for Shut-Ins program started by a classmate of my mother’s at Little Flower, Rita Ungaro Schiavone. Mrs. Schiavone is a wonderful, kind hearted person who started this years ago and it has grown by leaps and bounds over time. Thanks also to the wonderful volunteers who make the meals that are stored in many rectories, and in AFF’s building, and to those that visit the sick and elderly to deliver a week’s worth at a time.
May I also give a huge shout out to Special Olympics? My daughter won a gold at the Gymnastics competition yesterday!! What a wonderful group of people out there…
MC, congrats to your daughter 😉
The below link will take you to an interesting article on Patrick Wall, former monk and priest, now child defender. When it comes to defending children Wall, Doyle, and Sipe are the tip of the spear.
http://www.citypages.com/2014-03-19/news/how-patrick-wall-became-the-catholic-church-s-worst-nightmare/
I read the whole article. I keep praying for other clergy to step forward, speak out and stand with the children in a similar way…..show the strength, determination and courage in spite of the RCC institutional pressures and indoctrination…………DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE CHILDREN.
DrWho, you did notice that Pat Wall was able to stand up very early on his life and just looking at his physical stature, the intimidation factor is definitely a plus in his advocacy work.