As practicing Catholics, it is our responsibility to read the 2011 Grand Jury Report on clergy abuse. Please read it. Pray on it. And, then most importantly, I ask you to act on it. No real solution can be found until the entire Church addresses this issue. Pedophilia can and does occur anywhere. What doesn't … Continue reading Summer Required Reading for Catholics: The 2011 Grand Jury Report
Tag: Cardinal Rigali
Bishops Break Promise Despite Clear Needs of Church
"Bishops Won't Focus on Abuse Policies" by Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times, June 14, 2011 My take on the info in the above linked article: Are they for real? My daughter graduates from Catholic grade school this week. The Bishops and the Holy See have more than let down her wonderful teachers, the parish … Continue reading Bishops Break Promise Despite Clear Needs of Church
Q&A: Why Are So Many Priests Silent?
Q. Why are members of the priesthood silent on the various issues that challenge the church, today? What are the factors that silence them? Why do they permit the factors to silence them? Why don't they organize and provide substantive insights and remedies. And, why do we call silent priests "good priests"? If there is … Continue reading Q&A: Why Are So Many Priests Silent?
Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation
Why won't The Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board take this strong a stand? Kudos to the Kansas City Star. Even though Cardinal Rigali sent in his resignation papers upon his 75th birthday (as required), our newspapers could do a better job of making him more uncomfortable while he waits. "Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop Finn's … Continue reading Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation
Philly Archdiocese Protection Policy Seriously Flawed
By Kathy Kane, Catholics4Change The most recent bulletin insert distributed from the Archdiocese highlights the The Standard of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. The Standards apply to clergy, teachers, coaches, volunteers - all who interact with children. The most important sentence in that document is the following: “Any Church personnel or volunteers who violate the Standards … Continue reading Philly Archdiocese Protection Policy Seriously Flawed
St. Thomas Parish Meeting Leads to Determined Fight
By Kris Strid, Guest Blogger I attended an opportunity for prayer and dialogue concerning the sexual abuse scandal at our parish St. Thomas of Villanova last week. The meeting was initiated and run by the Parish Council. The format was perfect for honest dialogue. Our Pastor and assistant sat in the back and listened. I … Continue reading St. Thomas Parish Meeting Leads to Determined Fight
Cardinal Rigali on National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
"National Sexual Assault Awareness, Child Abuse Month," by Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia for The Catholic Standard and Times The Cardinal writes: "The resurgence of news coverage concerning sexual abuse causes further pain. Every time there is a report of abuse it not only re-injures the victims, our parishioners are shaken by each disclosure, … Continue reading Cardinal Rigali on National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sr. Maureen Invites C4C Site Visitors To Prayerful Protest May 6th
There will be the usual First Friday Vigil on May 6th from noon to 1 p.m. in front of the Philadelphia Archdiocesan offices at 222 North 17th Street in center city. All of welcome to participate in prayer, picketing and protest. Sister Maureen Paul Turlish Victims’ Advocate For more information, email: maturlishmdsnd@yahoo.com Publishers note: Lets' … Continue reading Sr. Maureen Invites C4C Site Visitors To Prayerful Protest May 6th
‘Duped’ Pastor Urges Cardinal to Meet With the Faithful
Click here to see the letter - MMR- Msgr. John T. Conway, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in North Wales, also sent a letter to Cardinal Rigali. In it, he urges Cardinal Rigali to visit the Montgomery County area faithful. Conway wrote the letter after a March 28 meeting with parishioners. The gathering … Continue reading ‘Duped’ Pastor Urges Cardinal to Meet With the Faithful
Reaction to Cardinal Rigali’s Response
What is your reaction to the response? The first parish bulletin insert only indirectly answers one of our 10 questions. When child safety is at stake, we won’t wait months for “possible topics for future inserts.” Waiting with faith brought us the latest grand jury report. We find this response unacceptable. The last question remains … Continue reading Reaction to Cardinal Rigali’s Response