Several Mixes of Emotions

Being present to the moment this weekend, as the people of both parishes share gratitude and prayers for A.J. & Mary Hoy, the music director and accompanist at St. Mary Parish, there is both gratitude and sadness. Please read the reflection column A.J. wrote on their behalf in this weekend’s bulletin, and join us after the 9:30 Mass for a snack and opportunity to thank them for their ministry with us.

If you are reading this column at church, you may want to put it aside and come back to it afterward, as the remainder pertains to a more serious mix of thoughts and emotions. Over the past week or so we have heard about the extent of clergy sexual abuse and secrecy surrounding it in the state of Pennsylvania, and before that the allegations of immoral and potentially criminal behavior of some seminarians in Boston. All of these sicken me to think about, particularly the kids and youth who were robbed of much of their childhood, and all those who had their trust in the community of the Church violated. The investigation into the seminary allegations is just beginning, but the story has rocked the majority of faithful priests of our archdiocese who, like Fr. Bill and myself, experienced our formation for priesthood there. Whether kids or adults, every human person is made in the image of God, and no person should have their dignity disrespected by harassment or abuse of any form. Even abuse from many years ago continues to have effects on most of those who experienced it. News stories like these on the one hand can be validating, but on the other hand they can reopen old wounds. Walking in spiritual conversations with people who endured abuse by priests or by others, they have helped me come to know a small part of their pain.

While it cannot undo the harm of the past, parents today can be confident that changes about 15 years ago have greatly improved protection of children and how these serious allegations are handled (as evidenced again by Cardinal Seán’s swift launch of an investigation into the seminary). Priests and all who minister publicly in our parishes undergo annual background checks and are trained on how to recognize and report inappropriate behavior. Child Abuse Prevention Teams help us to remain vigilant, and we still need to pray for healing and reconciliation.

I want every person in our parishes to know that any allegation of inappropriate behavior will be taken seriously. Our staff, especially the Directors of Faith Formation and I, will treat anyone who comes forward with respect and help them to find the information and assistance they deserve. If you know anyone who has been abused by any Catholic minister, please encourage them to report it to church and/or civil authorities (more info at BostonCatholic.org).

I close by inviting you to pray as I have, either the Prayer for Healing and Reconciliation in this bulletin or a prayer of your own. We pray for healing for all who have experienced any form of abuse, and for God to make a way for reconciliation between those harmed by certain members of the Church, and the many Church members who long for them to feel safe again in God’s care.