September 13, 2018 by Catholic San Francisco

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Hispanic leaders rise to challenge of evangelization

Knights bring a rose to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Voices, spirits raised with prison choir

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO Newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco

www.catholic-sf.org

Serving San Francisco, Marin & San Mateo Counties

September 13, 2018

$1.00 | VOL. 20 NO. 18

English Cardinal prays for bishops’ pardon Simon Caldwell Catholic News Service

In Marin County, the pastors of St. Anselm Parish in Ross and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mill Valley sensed that communication and community are needed in any disaster and invited parishioners to separate group “listening sessions.”

LIVERPOOL, England – An English cardinal prayed for the forgiveness of bishops who had brought “the face of evil” into the Catholic Church by allowing or carrying out acts of abuse. Without naming the bishops, Cardinal Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Vincent Nichols Westminster said such leaders had sowed “hurt, damage and mistrust” among the faithful. He made his remarks before a crowd of 6,000 people gathered at Liverpool’s Echo Arena during the National Eucharistic Congress and Pilgrimage. During Sept. 8 reflections before the Blessed Sacrament, he told his audience that together they came to Christ “knowing our failings, sensing the anger in many hearts, knowing the face of evil.” “I feel this with great keenness and sadness, for the failings of my fellow bishops are there for all to see,” said Cardinal Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

see anger, tears, action, page 6

see cardinal, page 18

(Photo by Christina Gray/Catholic San Francisco)

St. Anselm parishioners, staff and clergy came together Aug. 29 to share their thoughts on the most recent clergy sex abuse scandal at the invitation of Father Jose Shaji, pastor, seated far left.

Marin pastors gather reeling parishioners to talk about church crisis Catholic San Francisco approached daily communicants at local parishes after Mass and asked them for their thoughts. A handful did speak to us (see boxon Page 6). Most wordlessly waved the question away with tears or fury in their eyes or said they were too upset to talk about it.

Christina Gray Catholic San Francisco

In the days following the Pennsylvania grand jury report Aug. 14 that lifted the veil on seven decades of child sex abuse by more than 300 Catholic priests in that state and the church leaders who covered it up,

Church spotlights catechists’ labor of love Nicholas Wolfram Smith Catholic San Francisco

Catechists and directors of religious education throughout the archdiocese are preparing to begin their faith formation ministries for youth, young adults, and adults. On Sept. 16, the day designated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as Catechetical Sunday, the church will highlight the critical role of catechists with the theme of “Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ.”

related story on page 8: Peninsula parishes move toward family-centered faith formation. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, in an archdiocesan letter for Catechetical Sunday, expressed his “joy and gratitude” for the “generous and faith-filled service” of catechists across the archdiocese, and noted the

difficulty of working within a society that has deemphasized the importance of religion. Even within the church, catechesis has changed over the years. Sister of Social Service Celeste Arbuckle, director of faith formation for the archdiocese, told Catholic San Francisco that one of the challenges in the church today is making sure that catechesis and evangelization always accompany each other. Several decades ago, catechists could teach the faith in a question and answer format

and assume that evangelization would take care of itself. Today, she said, the “cultural container” of Catholicism to reinforce faith formation has disappeared, posing both new challenges and opportunities. For many catechists and religious education directors in the archdiocese, their work is a continued source of joy and discipleship. Rachel Gee, director of religious education at St. Anne Parish in San Francisco, told Catholic San

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Index On the Street . . . . . . . . 4 National . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 31

2 ARCHDiocesE

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Letter to the faithful

Need to know Holy Names Sisters celebration: The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary celebrate 150 years of ministry in California with a special Mass on the feast day of Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, foundress of the community, Oct. 6, Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland. Parking available in the Kaiser lot, 300 Lakeside Drive for $5. To help with planning for the reception, an RSVP is requested by Sept. 28 – visit www.snjmca150. org or email CAanniversary@snjmuson.org. ROSARY RALLY: The annual archdiocesan rosary rally will take place at St Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, Oct. 6: 9 a.m., rosary; 10 a.m.,Young People’s Mass, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, principal celebrant; 11 a.m., procession; noon, renewal of Consecration to Immaculate Heart of Mary, crowning of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Benediction. Visit rosaryrallysf.com; call (628) 600-8589. AFTERNOON FOR WOMEN AND MEN: Sister Edith Prendergast, a religious Sister of Charity, and former director of religious education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, leads an afternoon of prayer and reflection for women and men Oct. 14, Presentation Sisters Convent, 2340 Turk Blvd., San Francisco, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Her talk is titled “Leading and Living with Hope in Difficult Times.” The session will weave reflection, sharing, poetry, stories and more. Please send your name and name of anyone attending with you to Presentation Sister Rosina Conrotto, conrottor@sfarch.org.

Archbishop cordileone’s schedule Sept. 14: Priest Personnel Board meeting Sept. 15: Hispanic Day Mass, cathedral, 9:30

prayer, penance and adoration of fore grateful to Cardinal DiNardo Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese, the Blessed Sacrament, so that God for recognizing the merit of finding Last Sunday [Aug. 29, 2018] will bless us with this grace. answers that are “conclusive and witnessed Please know of my gratitude to based on evidence,” and I join my what many you all: to you our priests, who voice to that of other bishops in are calling remain close by your people, lendcalling for such an investigation a “bomband for taking any corrective action ing them support and pastoral care shell” in the that may be necessary in light of its in this time of crisis; to you our Church: the deacons, who assist priests in this publication of findings. responsibility and bring the Gospel I was named a bishop on July 5, Archbishop to those for whom it would other2002, three weeks after the USCCB Carlo Maria wise be inaccessible; to you our meeting in Dallas that approved Viganò’s victims assistance coordinators and the Charter for the Protection of “Testimony,” to all who support victims on the Children and Young People, and alleging corArchbishop painful path toward healing; to the still at the height of the drama of ruption and Salvatore J. faculty and administration of St. revelations of sex abuse of minors coverup at all Cordileone Patrick’s Seminary for your hard by clergy. levels of the work in providing deep and healthy At that time, I was asked to conChurch based formation for our future priests for duct a prayer service at the concluon his long the renewal of the Church in our sion of a conference on family life and extensive personal knowledge. corner of the Lord’s vineyard, and hosted by the diocese that attracted I came to know Archbishop Goodsthe & Candles Religious & Books to our seminarians for your fervor participants from around theGifts world. ViganòChurch well during years he and generosity in responding to the I met there an Australian priest served as Apostolic Nuncio here in with whom I was acquainted during Lord’s call of priestly service; and the United States. I can attest that last but not least, to you, our peoour years of study in Rome, and he he is a man who served his misple, for your prayer, for your love congratulated me on my appointsion with selfless dedication, who and concern for the Church, which ment. I replied, “Thank you, but fulfilled well the Petrine mission now moves you to demand change this is a good time to become a entrusted to him by the Holy Father 5 locations in not California that is effective and decisive, and bishop.” I will never forget his reto “strengthen his brothers in the for your support of our priests. me: “But it is a good time Your sponse LocaltoStore: faith,” and who would do so at great May God grant us all the grace to to be a great bishop.” personal sacrifice and with abso369 Grand Ave., S.San Francisco,650-583-5153 be the agents of change and purificaWhat he said to me then can be lutely no considerationNear givenSF to Airport fur- Exit 101 Frwy @ Grand tion that He is calling us to be at this said to every Catholic at this time. thering his “career” – all of which time. The Church is in need of purificaspeaks to his integrity and sincere www.cotters.com cotters@cotters.com love of the Church. Moreover, while tion. Purification is always painful. Sincerely yours in our Lord, My dear victims: you know this having no privileged information more than anyone; please know of about the Archbishop McCarrick our prayers and love for you, and situation, from information I do that we continue to be here for you, have about a very few of the other to support you and help you to heal statements Archbishop Viganò Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone with the resources we have availmakes, I can confirm that they are Archbishop of San Francisco able. true. His statements, therefore, I believe God is beginning this must be taken seriously. To dismiss Note: The official Spanish translation painful process of purification for them lightly would continue a culof this letter, completed a week after us now, but for it to work, we must ture of denial and obfuscation. Of the English letter was released, differs cooperate. God has always raised course, to validate his statements slightly from the English, to amplify up great saints in similar times of in detail a formal investigation will the Archbishop’s message in a more turmoil in the Church. I call on have to be conducted, one that is precise manner. all of us to rededicate ourselves to thorough and objective. I am there-

40 DAYS FOR LIFE CHAIN

Sept. 15-17: St. Anne Parish and school visit Sept. 19: Province meeting and chancery meetings Sept. 20-24: National V Encuentro, Dallas

With the theme “give an hour to save a life,” the 40 Days for Life annual life chain has been announced for Oct. 7, 2 p.m., at Geary Boulevard and Park Presidio Boulevard. Ron Konopaski, coordinator, affirmed the effort as “a prayerful, peaceful, and legal event.” Signs to hold will

The San Francisco Fire Department offers a free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team training at sessions, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Fla-

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

St. Gabe’s ‘place of wonder,’ pastor says Tom Burke catholic San Francisco

As a baby boomer, I am first in line to celebrate Catholic schools that were established during those years to accommodate us many millions of students. Hats off this week to San Francisco’s St. Gabriel School celebrating 70 years in 2018. Father Tom Hamilton has been pastor of St. Gabe’s for more than a decade. “So many times in traveling the Father Tom world I’ve introduced myself as a priest from St. Gabe’s in San Francisco and I have encountered the response ‘I went to school at St Gabe’s,’” Father Tom told me. “St Gabriel’s has been a place of wonder for 70 years now, may God’s grace continue to bless those open to the gift of the Spirit.” “Our anniversary celebration is a one-day event Oct. 13,” coordinaSister Pauline tor, Michelle Harrison, said. It all begins with an open house at 3 p.m. with campus tours and an alumni Mass to which everyone is invited at 5 p.m. A reception includes appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and a no-host bar. “All former principals, pastors, faculty, staff have been invited and we hope they attend,” Michelle said. Current principal of the now 500-student school is Gina Beal. Mercy Sister Pauline Borghello, a Sister of Mercy for 59 years, was principal of St. Gabriel School for 35 years retiring in 2015. She will be attending the anniversary day. “I love St. Gabriel’s School and parish because of the people,” Sister Pauline told me. “They take care of each other and are there for each other. The people are friendly and accepting of differences. “The parishioners support the school both financially and by attending the many activities that the school sponsors. The school community has created a relationship with the seniors in the parish who have volunteered to be prayer partners for each of the classes for years. The seniors share their wisdom with the younger generation and are proud of their many achievements.” The Mercy Sisters have a long history at St. Gabe’s. “The lay staff has replaced the 21 sisters who once served there, and they are marvelous,” Sister Pauline said. “They keep spreading the mercy spirit of giving. All of what they do concerning social justice can be applied to the critical concerns of the Sisters

CARVED IN STONE: Capuchin Father Michael Mahoney in the company of more than a few hundred parishioners and friends blessed the new Our Lady of Angels Parish “Brick Plaza” Aug. 26 after a morning Mass. The plaques installed just outside the parish school gymnasium were made possible by the generosity of 400 donors, including 10 major donors, raising more than $400,000 by campaign’s end. Plaque inscriptions remember family members and friends and the much-missed Capuchin Father Flavian Welstead who died in December 2017 after more than 30 years at the Burlingame parish. Also part of the plaza art is the OLA logo depicting the parish, Scripture, the church, and angels. The plaza started as an idea of the parish Mothers’ Club’s Jennifer Bertetta. Pictured is Father Michael cutting the ribbon on the new addition with parishioner Kirk Heathcoate, project manager. During the boomer years. St. Gabe’s had a peak enrollment of 1.200 with 50 students in each of three classes for each of the eight grades. More than 7,000 students have graduated from the school since its founding. More than 5,000 invites to the 70th celebration have been sent via mail and email according to Michelle. Visit www.stgabrielsf.com or email rsvp70@stgabrielsf.com.

ON THEIR WAY: St. Isabella Parish, San Rafael bid fond farewells among prayer and fellowship July 29 to longtime parishioners and servants to the community Linda and Deacon Jim Myers. Linda has been director of music for some 40 years and Jim was ordained to the diaconate in 1999 leading him to continued service at St. Isabella’s and other parishes in the archdiocese. Jim preached and Linda led the choir at the farewell Mass. “Jim is one of our nicest and funniest deacons,” Deacon Mike Ghiorso, director of diaconal ministry, told Catholic San Francisco. “He and Linda will be sorely missed by the community.” Feelings are very similar at the parish. “The people of St Isabella love this couple and will truly miss them,” said parishioner Susan Egisti in a note to this column. Linda and Jim are moving to Texas to live near their children. of Mercy. St. Gabriel parish has been blessed to have had pastors who have been supportive of school functions and have included parishioners in parish decisions for many years. St. Gabriel’s is the best.”

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

St. Isabella Parish provides safe space for teen talk Lidia Wasowicz Catholic San Francisco

St. Isabella Parish in San Rafael is providing a safe space for teens to open themselves to God without preaching, proscribing or proselytizing. Through its half-century existence, the Parish Youth Council has revised its membership – from churchgoers’ children to Catholic adolescents to all high school students – but retained its mission — to respond to the needs of the young with Christian values. The resulting commingling of compassion, companionship and conversation annually attracts, by word of mouth, a diverse mix of 150 to 200 freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors from Terra Linda, Marin Catholic, St. Vincent de Paul, Branson, San Rafael and other high schools. “I expected it to be more like Sunday school, but it’s completely different – a lot more community oriented and, even with religious undertones, not pushing religion down your throat,” said Joseph Hansen, 17, one of 22 student officers who create, coordinate and carry out the agenda with support from adult faculty, many of them graduates of the group. “If you’re not Catholic or have no faith, you are not going to feel left out.” The youth – believers, doubters, seekers – meet every Monday from October to May in groups of 10 to 20 in private homes to talk truthfully and trustingly about such teen-themed topics as the stress of success, technol-

(Photo by Lidia Wasowicz/Catholic San Francisco)

Members of the St. Isabella Parish Youth Council scrub cars to raise revenue for a retreat to help prepare student leaders for creating, coordinating and carrying out a host of events that annually attract up to 200 high school students from throughout Marin County. ogy’s influence on and interference with daily life and bullying, said PYC director Shane Graham. The entire assembly gathers for special occasions, including monthly Mass, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday extravaganzas, beach trips, scavenger hunts, trivia evenings, speaker nights, living Stations of the Cross during Lent and the much-anticipated three-day yearend retreat, dubbed Challenge Weekend, in Occidental. Criteria for participation include attendance and assistance in at least one Mass and one outreach project.

Taking Care of yourself while helping others ➠ Being empathic with clear boundaries

Those qualified but unable to afford the $190-$210 trip can “earn a scholarship” by helping with community service or fundraising, Graham said. That some find jobs solely to pay for the weekend and the $85-$100 yearly

dues shows the immeasurable value of the program, he said. “It’s definitely worth it,” said Jessie Perlite, 17, who works at a pizza restaurant and splits the cost with her parents. “I was shy, but I’ve come out of my comfort zone, become more outgoing and confident and met a lot of cool people with different perspectives.” Fellow Catholics Carina Valceschini and Marcus Zeidan, both 17, echoed her appreciation of newfound PYCinspired capabilities: To open up about festering personal problems, shed awkwardness, give and receive empathy, enliven fading faith. “You can talk about what you’re feeling and know you’re not alone,” said Sofia Bahreyni, 16, who subscribes to no religion. “A bunch of other people are going through the same things and are there to support you.” In a show of support, two-dozen volunteers forsook sleeping-in on a recent Sunday morning to sell sweets and wash cars. Proceeds will finance a training retreat for student leaders. “PYC provides a safe place for teens to share thoughts and seek support from each other and God,” said Sissy Ratto, faculty member since 2008.

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6 from the front

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Anger, tears, action: Marin pastors gather reeling parishioners FROM PAGE 1

Catholic San Francisco sat in on one of them at the St. Anselm parish hall in Ross Aug. 29. For two hours, about 25 parishioners including the pastor candidly shared feelings and theories about why the church they love is in crisis again and about what, if anything, they might be able to do about it. The participants gave Catholic San Francisco permission to use the remarks of the speakers named in this story. “The fact is, we are faced with a church that has real issues,” said Father Jose Shaji, St. Anselm pastor. “I know that all of you feel the pain because the church is very important to you.”

A ‘call to arms’ for laity

Pastoral staff, parish council members, ministry leaders and other parish stalwarts proved that they were not there to merely grouse. This was a “call to arms” for laity who believe they might be able to help “save the church,” said pastoral council chair Joan Mann Thomas. “The church is facing a crisis that it hasn’t faced perhaps since the Middle Ages,” she said. “The outcome could be very much the same if the laity does not react,” she said. The format for the gathering was unstructured and unmoderated except for an opening prayer and statement by Father Shaji and two readings, including a passage from Psalm 37: “Be not vexed at the successful path of the man who does malicious deeds. Give up your anger and forsake wrath. Be not vexed, it will only harm you. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.” Father Shaji noted he had recently thanked St. Anselm school parents at a dinner hosted by the parish the week before the school year began. “A pastor of a parish thanking parents for trusting us with their children,” he said. “It is no longer easy for them to believe that their children are safe. It has come to that.” Initially, talk centered on identifying the “root cause” of child sex abuse among clergy. “Why this happened, there are a lot of theories on this, but I think we’re afraid to call it by its name,” said Mann Thomas. “There are sexual predators in every institution in the land. We just seem to have an overabundance of them.” One man wondered whether normal sexual development was stunted by those who entered the seminary at a young age and formed by others with the same lack of development. Another believed the problem was “all the homosexuals in the priesthood.” “I don’t have any facts and figures to base this on,” said Joe Burke, “but there are obviously, I mean I think, many gays in the priesthood and that is one of the main underlying causes if not the cause of the problems of abuse.” “I disagree with what Joe said,” said Arleen Hansen, turning to face him. “I have a gay son and he is not a pedophile. There are more straight men who are pedophiles.” She said that one of her sons was abused by a straight relative. “It took him years to open up and tell me and it ruined his eventual marriage,” she said.

Daly Schreck

Joe Burke

Maureen Dear

Joan Mann Thomas

other massgoers react Tim Gallagher

St. Boniface, San Francisco The crisis has been “a long time coming. But forgiveness is the key if we truly follow the Lord. He always knew of people’s sinfulness. But he always turned it around and said, no matter the trouble you are suffering, I forgive you. Now go and sin no more.”

Dennis McLaughlin

St. Boniface “I am saddened that people will look at all of this and paint a broad brush against all of religious and clergy because they are certainly overwhelmingly wonderful people … Every incident

‘Clericalism,’ celibacy questioned

The hazards of priesthood celibacy and clericalism were also considered, and Father Shaji, a priest for 26 years, offered a personal perspective. “When you come out of the seminary, you believe that you are superior to everyone else,” he said. ‘I am a priest, I am consecrated, I am above you.’ This can give you a feeling that nothing and nobody can touch you.” He said he also believes the priesthood can be attractive to people who are “not comfortable in the world” for a number of reasons. “I don’t know how to put it, but some people come to hide in the priesthood,” he said. A visiting priest from Africa who is a student at the nearby San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo said the media was “bombarding” people with news about abuse in the Catholic Church that he felt was out of proportion to reality. “I was shocked to find that it is just 1 percent of priests who have this issue,” he said, calling media saturation of the sex abuse scandal, “the activity of the evil spirit trying to destroy the church.” Daly Schreck, a longtime parishioner from Pennsylvania and a former Catholic school teacher, said that she was “grateful” to the press that in 2002 exposed widespread child sex abuse by clergy that took place in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. “We wouldn’t know about any of these things if it weren’t for our free press,” she said. Father Shaji mentioned the late Richard Sipe, a former Catholic priest whose studies of the sexual behavior of Catholic clergy were referenced in the movie “Spotlight.” Sipe concluded that between 6 percent and 9 percent of clergy have been sexually involved with minors and that only about half of priests are celibate. Other studies dispute this figures. In 2002, the U.S. bishops commissioned a comprehensive study of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and deacons across the country. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice report published two years later covered a 55-year period between

is heartbreaking. If there is any silver lining to take away in all of this it is that the church seems to be on the right track in cleaning things up and having a zero tolerance policy for priests or brothers who abuse those they are supposed to be serving.”

Chris Stockton

Sts. Peter and Paul, San Francisco “Criminals, including the recently disclosed priests, who sexually abuse children, should be lawfully punished and should not be allowed to be priests, bishops or archbishops.” Christina Gray

1950 and 2005. It reported abuse rates among clergy in the range of 3 percent to 6 percent. According to Father Shaji, it was Sipe who linked the failures of celibacy among church leaders to a system of secrecy and hypocrisy in which the abuse of minors could take place.

Reflection on ‘good priests’

To many, it was the protection of predators by church leaders and the clerical self-protection it revealed that was the most disillusioning. “What hurt me and what brought out a lot of anger for me was the cover-up by men of God who we put on a pedestal and whom we trusted,” said Maureen Dear, who leads the parish’s spiritual life committee. Schreck said that in the military, an officer who gets a command he feels is unlawful is bound to disobey it. “But that does not apply in the church where it’s blanket obedience no matter what,” she said. She lost hope, she said, when Marie Collins, one of two survivors of clergy sex abuse appointed by Pope Francis to the Pontifical Commission for Minors in 2013, quit in 2017. In her resignation letter, Collins wrote that, “The most significant problem has been reluctance of some members of the Vatican Curia to implement the recommendations of the commission despite their approval by the pope.” The group felt laity should have a role in the selection or removal of church leaders, including priests. “My father was Lutheran and his church congregation could hire and fire their minister,” said one man. He didn’t see anything similar happening in the Catholic Church – ever. “I don’t see why the church would want to give up the power they have,” he said. “My question is whether I want to continue to participate in an institution that doesn’t seem to really care about what its people think.” Mary Wilkinson teared up as she talked about her brother, a retired pastor. “I want to say something for

priests,” she said. “All of us are here today because of priests. My brother is a priest, a good priest. It pains me to see what this has done to all priests. But we’ve got a lot to work on here.” She referenced Catholic historian Kathleen Sprows Cummings’ Aug. 17 opinion piece in The New York Times, “For Catholics, Gradual Reform Is No Longer an Option.” The author said the grand jury report changed her from a person who sought gradual progress in the church from within an existing framework of norms and organizational structures to one who sees the possibility of “nothing less than radical, wholesale reform.” Father Shaji agreed that women in particular can no longer be “neglected” by the church. “We make them saints after they die but they have no role in the church while they are alive,” he said. “Look around, it is women who fill the pews. Giving them administrative power will change the way it operates and the way the church thinks.” Maureen Bennett recalled the excitement after the publication of “Lumen Gentium,” the dogmatic constitution of the Second Vatican Council more than 50 years ago. The document magnified the “common priesthood” of the laity. “This was the passport for the laity to have a voice,” she said. “What happened?” The group felt strongly about creating an “action plan” of some sort and is forming a committee for that purpose. “We can’t just talk,” said Mann Thomas. “That isn’t going to cut it anymore.”

Overcoming ‘powerlessness’

Catholic San Francisco spoke to Father Pat Michaels after he invited his parishioners to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish hall in Mill Valley on Aug. 27 for the same purpose. More than 35 parishioners took him up on it. “One of the things that really came out of this is how powerless people feel,” he said. Participants spoke about struggling with the idea of leaving the church, or about “sending a message” to bishops by withholding financial support, “all efforts that demonstrate whatever power we think we have.” An Aug. 17 letter from Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone asking the faithful to share in “acts of reparation” for the sins of the church was largely lost on the group, said Father Michaels, even making some angry. “Many Catholic adults don’t understand that Jesus suffered and died for us and that suffering for the sake of each other’s sins is a part of our tradition,” he said. Only one person in the group beside himself knew that and “she is a convert.” “I think what the archbishop was getting at is that this is ultimately a communal problem, and in many ways we participated in its creation,” Father Michaels said. “Every time we put a priest up on a pedestal or were afraid to question a priest or a religious we kept them held above us.” Father Michaels did not moderate the group but did find teaching moments throughout. “I was told once by a youth minister that the worst thing you can do in the midst of a crisis is leave. All you do is rob it of any good you can bring to it,” he said. “I left them with that.”

ARCHDiocesE 7

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Speaker: ‘Negativity interferes with our spiritual growth’ Christina Gray Catholic San Francisco

The granddaughter of one of the first Sicilian seafood merchants on Fisherman’s Wharf told a noontime audience at the Fishermen’s and Seamen’s Memorial Chapel Aug. 15 that “toxic energy,” unresolved trauma and even bad habits can take the wind out of our spiritual sails and cripple our connection to the divine. “Sometimes we hold on to bits and pieces of the past, the parts we aren’t sure what to do with, and though we try to ignore them, they take up precious space in our minds and our bodies and our spirits,” said Marie Lavin, an author and speaker whose family has been rooted in the Sts. Peter and Paul parish community ever since her grandparents Maria and Frank Cresci emigrated from Sicily in the late 1800s. Marie Lavin Her talk, which drew Salesian Father Gael Sullivan, Sts. Peter and Paul’s pastor, several parishioners and North Beach neighbors as well as friends and family, was called “Clearing the clutter on your spiritual path.” Negativity, drama, fear, resentment, gossip, deceit, compulsivity, lying, codependency and even complacency can keep us from serving our true purpose, Lavin said. “We end up carrying around bags of our garbage, wondering why we can’t sense the presence of God,” she said. As a licensed clinical social worker, Lavin spent 20 years working with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence to help reconcile their traumas, foster accountability and restore physical, emotional and spiritual “balance.” She went on to work with business and corporate leaders to help them recognize how domestic violence affects individuals in the workplace. Her life changed dramatically afer a series of personal traumas that led her to discover the ancient modality of “energy healing,” a mysterioussounding concept that she described as simply the clearing of blocks to our God-given “wholeness.” Lavin offered a personal example of the contagion of negative energy. An avid horseback rider who enjoys the contemplative experience of nature, she joined a group of riders who she said filled the rides with constant chatter, habitual complain-

‘Move away from the fear and the negativity and drama and gossip. Take a risk and get back to the positive.’

(Photo by Christina Gray/Catholic San Francisco)

Salesian Father Gael Sullivan, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, talks with friends and family members of North Beach native Marie Lavin, to his left, following her Aug. 15 talk on “spiritual clutter.” Lavin’s Sicilian-American grandfather and uncle opened one of the first businesses on Fisherman’s Wharf, the iconic Cresci Brothers seafood crab stand not far from the Fishermen’s and Seamen’s Chapel where the talk was held. ing and idle gossip. Hypervigilant and anxious, they vocalized their every real or imagined fear or threat. It didn’t take long for the negative energy to transfer to Marie – and her horse. Eventually, “I knew I had to gently excuse myself from the group, politely and with kindness,” she said. She ended her short talk asking her audience to think about the company they keep, the words they speak, the choices they make and whether they match up with their professed values. “Move away from the fear and the negativity and drama and gossip,” she said. “Take a risk and get back to the positive.”

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8 ARCHDiocesE

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Forming a domestic church: Parish hosts discussion on bringing parents into catechesis Nicholas Wolfram Smith Catholic San Francisco

Menlo Park’s recent history has been one of disruption, as Facebook and other local companies have shaken and rebuilt American society in far-reaching ways. St. Denis Parish in Menlo Park discussed another kind of change that could be significant: incorporating parents into children’s faith formation. Vatican II talked about the family as the “domestic church,” where faith is learned and lived. Two dozen catechists and parents gathered on Aug. 25 to discuss how to help parents become the primary educators of their children in faith. Sabrina Harper, pastoral associate at St. Matthias Parish in Redwood City, talked

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about how her parish over several years moved from a child-centered, classroom model of religious education to one that invited the whole family into faith formation through monthly meetings. Although there was some initial resistance to the changes, she said, the community has fully supported how the faith formation program has adapted to serve the parish better. Harper said the old model of Catholic religious education had proven to be ineffective in her parish. Children and teens moved through religious instruction but seemed to abandon practicing their faith as soon as they could. By promoting faith experienced

as a family, the parish decided, parents become the first example for their children of what it means to be Catholic. A recent study showed that children are perceptive of how important religion is to their parents. People who became atheists reported losing their faith younger when they saw their parents’ actions did not line up with their religion. Encouraging a domestic church does not mean eliminating catechists: Parents need just as much support from catechists as their children do, Harper said. Many parents can have mistaken ideas about what the church teaches or feel that they are not as Catholic as their children need them to be. Children can also be evangelizers of their families, Harper said. Sacramental preparation classes can act as “entry points” for families who feel distanced or removed from church, because their children’s enthusiasm for the sacraments can reawaken their own desire for God. Meeting attendees discussed many of the issues that affect catechesis in the Catholic Church. Parental concerns often center on their children losing their faith or believing in Jesus Christ but not feeling church attendance is important. Kids can often complain that church is boring, and that none of their friends go to church. Catechists observed that many parents don’t seem to bring their kids to Mass, and that sacramental preparation can become a “drive through experience” for some families, where parents show up, see st. denis, page 27

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Marin faith community rallies behind families facing huge rent increase Christina Gray Catholic San Francisco

Thanks in part to public outcry from the Marin County faith community, the children of some 42 low-income families in San Rafael hit with a 40 percent rent increase just as the school year was about to begin are in their classrooms where they should be – for now. “The landlord, for whatever reason, chose to negotiate,” said Meredith Parnell a member of the Marin Organizing Committee, a network of local faith communities and nonprofits working together on issues for the common good. Just days before the rent increase was to go into effect Sept. 1, the landlord agreed to give the tenants more time. The rent increase will be staggered over a period of just over a year, giving tenants a chance to find ways to adjust themselves to the new rent or move elsewhere. In July, the new owner of two apartment buildings in the Canal neighborhood gave his tenants notice that the monthly rent on their two-bedroom units would leap from $1,900 to more than $2,700. Some families moved out as soon as they could. Those that remained approached Legal Aid of Marin, a nonprofit that serves lowincome and vulnerable residents in Marin County, in the hope negotiation with the landlord could be brokered. Sixty-two children in the San Rafael School District were affected, according to a press release issued by the MOC on Aug. 14. On Aug. 17, priests, rabbis and

(Photo by Christina Gray/Catholic San Francisco)

A young boy rests on the steps of St. Raphael Church Aug. 17 during a press conference during which Marin County faith leaders and the San Rafael mayor stood up for local families at risk for displacement or homelessness because of a 40 percent rent increase. deacons from local churches and synagogues including the pastors of St. Anselm and St. Raphael parishes, stood on the steps of St. Raphael Church to call attention to the civic and moral consequences of a rental market that is one of the highest in the nation. “How many of you are renters? Where would you come up with an extra $700 a month?” said Rabbi Susan Leider of Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon, during opening remarks at a noontime press conference. The event, which drew about 75

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

V Encuentro seeks Hispanic leaders to meet the challenge of evangelization Araceli Martínez Catholic San Francisco

Cuauhtémoc and his wife Sonia Alvarado are excited and full of faith for the opportunity to attend the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/ Latino Ministry to be celebrated this month in Texas. “We expect more support for the ministries in order to face the challenges coming,” said Cuauhtémoc Alvarado, who along with Sonia has led the Hispanic Family Ministry in the Archdiocese of San Francisco for the past 15 years. “Without underestimating any ministry, but we need to say that from the family comes vocations, values and moral principles. We hope to have more help,” he said. The V Encuentro will be held Sept. 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas. An attendance of 3,000 leaders from 175 dioceses, thousands of parishes, lay ecclesial movements and other Catholic organiza-

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tions is expected. The goal is that all ministries are represented in what is considered to be a dialogue between bishops and the people. Father Moisés Agudo, archdiocesan vicar for Hispanics, will attend. “What is intended in the V Encuentro is to create a document that helps in the development of the leadership of the Hispanic community in the United States,” he said. Father Agudo said Hispanics are the majority of the church in the United States and should take leadership roles. “A lot more work is coming, but we assume it with a lot of enthusiasm. The Hispanic community must take into their hands the work of evangelization in the church of the United States,” says Father Agudo. Father Agudo said the challenge of the V Encuentro is to develop this work in all the dioceses of the United States so that the Hispanic community finds this place in this task. The V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry is held every four years, and is a process of reflection and ecclesial action in which ministerial practices are identified, to better serve the evangelization of the growing Hispanic population in light of the theme, “Disciples Missionaries: Witnesses of God’s Love.” The purpose is to make Hispanics/Latinos see v encuentro, page 12

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ARCHDiocesE 11

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Holy Angels brings a rose to Our Lady of Guadalupe Nicholas Wolfram Smith Catholic San Francisco

Holy Angels Parish in Colma celebrated Our Lady of Guadalupe a few months early this year. On Aug. 23, more than 100 people gathered to celebrate a half-century devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary called the Running of the Rose. The devotion, started in Mexico in 1960 by the youth division of the Knights of Columbus, recalls the roses that fell from the tilma of St. Juan Diego when he went to convince his bishop that Mary had appeared to him in 1531 outside of Mexico City. The devotion quickly spread throughout North America, and the Knights now sponsor eight roses made from Mexican silver that travel to parishes across the country in anticipation of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. At the start of the 5:45 p.m. Mass, Knight Ted Cordano brought the rose forward and placed it in front of a larger than life statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The bilingual Mass split readings between Spanish and English, and featured several hymns to Mary. At the end of Mass, Father Manuel Estrada led the congregation in reciting an act of consecration to Mary. The closing hymn was one of the most famous songs to honor Mary, “La Guadalupana,” and ended the Mass on a joyful note as everyone clapped and sang along. Cordano, a member of Knights’ Holy Angels Council 10948, told Catholic San Francisco he was grateful the event had brought the whole parish together. “Everyone is drawn to celebrating Our Lady,” he said. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas, he said, but has a special meaning for many of the Latino families in the parish. “Every Latin culture holds her in great regard,” John Jimenez said. The affection for “la Virgen de Guadalupe” appears in the nicknames for her, Jimenez said, like “La Morenita” (“little brown lady,”) and “blanca paloma”

(Photo by Nicholas Wolfram Smith/Catholic San Francisco)

Members of Knights of Columbus Holy Angels Council 10948 are seen Aug. 23 at the Colma church with a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a silver rose symbolizing Our Lady. The Knights sponsor eight roses made from Mexican silver that travel to parishes across the country in anticipation of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. (“white dove”). Jimenez said it was hard to overstate how important her apparition was to the people of North and Central America. “Guadalupe opened up Christianity to Indians,” he said. Jimenez said he had not heard about the “Running of the Rose” before being asked to do the first reading for the Thursday Mass. But, he said, “it’s a beautiful thing. I hope it would come again. I know I’ll come home and tell people about it.” Wallace Moore, another Knight who attended the Mass, told Catholic San Francisco the Virgin of Guadalupe drew people because of her miracles, but also because she cares about and prays for her children. “She’s a mother to all of us, and I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate early,” he said. “Anything for Our Lady,” said Moore. “That’s how it is.” Maria Gonzalez, who sang with the

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

V Encuentro: Hispanic leaders to meet the challenge of evangelization FROM PAGE 10

respond as missionary disciples to the call of the new evangelization to serve the whole church. From the Archdiocese of San Francisco, 23 delegates will attend, including bishops and religious. “It’s the first time I’m going to attend, and the meeting itself is wonderful since its preparation, but what comes next is interesting,” said delegate Jesuit Father Arturo Araujo, an associate professor at the University of San Francisco. “What are we going to do with the experience?” Father Araujo is convinced that from now on the church will see urgent needs regarding integral formation, leadership, attracting young people to faith, education, the defense of immigrants and vocations. Father Araujo is concerned that there is no capacity to attract young people. “Before, we had 700 in the youth movement, and we have been losing them,” he said. Previously, young people went away from the church for a time but returned when they formed a family, he said. “But that happened in a Christianized context,” he said. “Now, I’m not very optimistic about the future. That’s why formation must emphasize youth ministry.” There are many needs that the Catholic Church in the United States must focus on but immigration is especially important, requiring a strong defense of the rights of immigrants in the face of a very aggressive national policy, Father Araujo said. He said education is another urgent concern. “We have lost the influence of educating,” he said. “Twenty-five of our schools have been closed. Therefore, it is a challenge to educate our young people so that they position themselves politically and economically.” Father Araujo predicted that in 15 or 20 years, Hispanics will be the majority of the U.S. church. “How are we going to lead this church if we do not invest in education?” he asked. “If there are no young people, there is no church. What future are we talking about?”

(CNS photo/ Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic)

Participants pray during Mass at the Labor Day Encuentro gathering at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, N.Y., Sept. 3. Sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., the annual event – which also includes a picnic and outdoor activities – offers Latino youth and young adults an opportunity to celebrate their faith and heritage in a communal setting. He said this is a great challenge, since the church is faced with the aggravating circumstance that dioceses have lost funds. “Their coffers are empty,” Father Araujo said. “They do not have money to educate young people and children.” Vocations are another urgent need, he said. “Our priests are getting old,” Father Araujo said. “We do not have how to replace them. We are in the hands of the laity.” Too much work awaits them, Father Araujo said. “The spirit would have to enlighten us to find solutions,” he said. As cited in the V Encuentro brochure, Hispanics/Latinos are the emerging majority, and there is a need for 20,000 new leaders as well as attracting second- and third-generation youth.

Also, the church needs to keep new Catholic immigrants and inspire them and their families become missionaries, Father Araujo said. “There is also talk that there is not enough space for the growth of leadership and the capacity of the ministerial response in parishes, dioceses, schools and Catholic institutions,” he said. Cecilia Arias-Rivas of the archdiocesan Hispanic/ Latino ministry office said that the V Encuentro is another step in the pastoral process of the Hispanic community in the United States. “It is a strong touch for the life of the Catholic Church,” she said. “It is about (how) the church listens and responds to the people of God, and about talking of the needs, challenges and what is expected.” Arias-Rivas has participated in other encuentros. “In the second, I realized that we have to walk together, and that our church is missionary, and an example of justice,” she said. In the third encuentro, she said, laity received the green light for action. Arias-Rivas said the encuentros have illuminated her pastoral vocation in the project of Jesus. “I have learned that we must walk together as a whole,” she said. But better still, she recognizes that she has learned that these encuentros are not simply events but sources of motivation. “Latinos are responsible for implementing the actions defined in this meeting,” she said. “We have to look for channels of service in the church and make a difference in the process of evangelization.” And she believes that the V Encuentro is a very strong movement that comes at a time when the church in the United States needs it. “God gave Latinos a grace, which is to integrate our culture with an experience of faith,” Arias-Rivas said. “This is a very strong element to enrich the church. That is my hope. That’s my dream.” To learn more about V Encuentro, visit www.enahve.org.

Marin: Faith community rallies behind low-income renters HONORARY COMMITTEE FROM PAGEMEMBERS 9 Most Reverend Salvatore

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not, renters have very few rights under current J. Cordileone, Archbishop Supervisor Jane Kim San Rafael law,” said Leider. “They are entirely of San Francisco RafaelBut unprotected, living at the whim ofSupervisor the market. United States Senator Mandelman housing is not just another commodity. It is the Dianne Feinstein very bedrock of our lives.” Supervisor Aaron Peskin States Marin United County hasSenator no rent control ordinances Supervisor Hillary Ronen D. Harris and few Kamala other protections in place for renters of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi House Democratic Leader

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who want to raise the rent 5 percent or more within a 12-month period to enter into mediation with their tenants. However, the mediation is non-binding and does not prevent landlords from ultimately imposing whatever rent increase they want. The MOC is pushing the county to pass a “Just Cause for Eviction” ordinance which would establish a set of criteria for eviction and provide stronger protection for tenants who file legitimate complaints. The Board of Supervisors are scheduled to hear from the community at an open meeting Sept. 11. Honoring Deacon Gene Smith of St. Raphael Parish delivCHIEFconference. JOANNE HAYES-WHITE ered a short prayer at FIRE the press “God is glorified when have a decent for families her extraordinary service to the place to live,” he said. “Godpeople is glorified a of Sanwhen Francisco child is given an opportunity to learn in school without interruption. Within our parish boundaries, some of our own families are facing the possibility of losing their place to live because THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, of 2018 increased rents.” Hilton San Francisco Union Square Overall rental prices in Marin County are grow333 O’Farrell Street ing at an annual rate of 4.8 percent. The median rent on a two-bedroom apartment in San Rafael is 6:00 PM $3,360, well above the national average of $1,180, acHosted Reception cording to ApartmentList.com. Outside of San Rafael, the price for the same size unit is even higher. 7:00 among PM “I start this talk by including myself Dinner andrent Program renters because the face of those who in this prohibitively, grotesquely expensive market is diverse and varied,” said Elana Rosen-Brown, rabbi and cantor at Congregation Rodof Shalom in San Rafael. She said Marin County is “ in danger of losing its very soul” by a rental market that makes it nearly impossible for teachers, nurses, clergy, caretakers, nonprofit workers, restaurant workers and others to live in the county they serve. “What will we become if we are just a playground for the wealthy?” she said. “It affects everybody,” said Father Jose Shaji, pastor St. Anselm Church in Ross, who exchanged a look with Father Andrew Spyrow, pastor of St. Raphael, beside him. “If we had to pay rent, we’d be homeless, it’s that bad here.”

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

NRB: Change in church’s culture, including bishops, needed to end abuse Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON – More committees are not the answer to stop the abuse of children and vulnerable adults by clergy, said an Aug. 28 statement by the National Review Board, which is charged with addressing clerical sexual misconduct in the Catholic Church. “What needs to happen is a genuine change in the church’s culture, specifically among the bishops themselves,” the board said. “This evil has resulted from a loss of moral leadership and an abuse of power that led to a culture of silence that enabled these incidents to occur. “Intimidation, fear, and the misuse of authority created an environment that was taken advantage of by clerics, including bishops, causing harm to minors, seminarians, and those most vulnerable,” the NRB said. “The culture of silence enabled the abuse to go on virtually unchecked. Trust was betrayed for the victims/survivors of the abuse; the entire body of Christ was betrayed in turn by these crimes and the failure to act.” The purpose of the NRB, established in 2002 as part of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, is to work collaboratively with the U.S. bishops’ Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People in preventing the sexual abuse of minors in the United States by persons in the service of the church. But even the charter that created the NRB is wanting, the board’s statement said. “The members of the NRB have on numerous occasions pointed out the weaknesses in the charter given its deliberate ambiguity and its lack of inclusion of bishops. During the most recent revision process of the charter, many of the recommenda-

(CNS photo/Chaz Muth)

Bishop Lawrence T. Persico of Erie, Pa., speaks with Jim VanSickle of Pittsburgh, who told a Pennsylvania grand jury he was molested by a priest when he was a teenager in Bradford, Pa. The two men talked during an Aug. 21 news conference held in front of the Diocese of Erie’s headquarters by members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP.

tions made by the NRB to strengthen the charter were not incorporated for a variety of reasons. These recommendations need to be reconsidered in light of the current situation, as well as the inclusion of bishops in the charter,” the NRB said. “The National Review Board has for several years expressed its concern that bishops not become complacent in their response to sexual abuse by the clergy. The recent revelations make it clear that the problem is much deeper.” The statement said, “The episcopacy needs to be held accountable for these past actions, and in

the future, for being complicit, either directly or indirectly, in the sexual abuse of the vulnerable. Holding bishops accountable will require an independent review into the actions of the bishop when an allegation comes to light.” The statement added, “The NRB also believes that the statement of Episcopal Commitment is ineffective and needs to be revised into a meaningful, actionable commitment. “In particular, the notion of ‘fraternal correction’ must outline concrete steps that will be taken when a bishop is alleged to have committed sexual abuse or has failed to respond immediately and without hesitation when a cleric is accused of sexual abuse,” it said. “To ensure that bishops undertake their obligation to act decisively when they have knowledge of incidences of sexual abuse committed by the clergy or their brother bishops, there must be substantive formation of newly appointed bishops on their responsibility as moral leaders within the church, especially in responding to sexual abuse, something which is currently lacking.” The NRB offered itself as the body with which to entrust an independent review of allegations against bishops, as outlined by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. bishops. “The NRB, composed exclusively of lay members, would be the logical group to be involved in this task,” it said. “An anonymous whistleblower policy, as is found in corporations, higher education and other institutions in both the public and private sector, that would be independent of the hierarchy with participation by the laity, perhaps the NRB, who would report allegations to the local bishop, local law enforcement, the nuncio and Rome, needs to be established immediately.”

Clergy sex abuse not about gay priests, top psychologist says Gina Christian Catholic News Service

PHILADELPHIA – Misconceptions people may have about sexual abuse, sexual harassment and homosexuality as elements of the ongoing crisis in the church can hinder efforts to address it, according to a leading psychologist and expert on the crisis. The complex nature of each of the elements can make it “hard for the average Catholic in the pew” to grasp key differences among them, delaying the formulation of “good, smart solutions,” Santa Clara University psychologist Dr. Thomas Plante told CatholicPhilly.com, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A prolific author who also serves on Stanford University’s faculty, Plante has spent more than 30 years researching and treating psychological issues among Catholic clergy and laypersons. Although many blame the abuse scandals on homosexuality among the clergy, same-sex attraction does not make priests more likely to sexually abuse children, Plante said. “It’s perfectly understandable that people could be confused by this, because we know that 80 percent or more of the clerical sexual abuse victims are boys,” Plante said. “So people conclude that if you get rid of homosexuals in the clergy, then you’ve got the problem solved. And it doesn’t work that way.” Most of the clerical sexual abuse perpetrators have been “situational generalists,” a term used throughout extensive John Jay College of Criminal Justice summary reports, the most recent in 2011, to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Generalists do not have a specific sexual preference for youth, but instead “turn to children as a sort of substitute” due to psychological and emotional difficulties in bonding with peers, Plante observed. Such individuals – who often exhibit issues with substance abuse and impulse control – “can’t develop successful, negotiated, intimate relationships with adults,” said Plante, who recently

served as vice chair of the USCCB’s National Review Board for the Protection of Children and Youth. Since generalist offenders seek readily available victims, boys have historically – though by no means exclusively – been a target for many clerical abusers. “Priests for the most part had access to boys, and trust with boys, much more so than girls,” said Plante, noting that this proximity has led to the erroneous correlation between homosexuality and clerical abuse. Only a small number of abusive priests – and of sexual abusers in the general population – can be formally classified as pedophiles, according to the clinical definition used by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM),” the authoritative guide used by mental health professionals worldwide. “The classic pedophile is attracted to young, prepubescent children,” said Plante. Prepubescence is typically defined as less than age 11. Priestly celibacy can also be discounted as an underlying cause of the clerical scandals. In an article Plante wrote Aug. 23 for “Psychology Today,” he pointed out that “the vast majority of sex offenders are regular men, often married or partnered, with 80 percent or more victimizing their own family members.” Overall, men are far more likely than women to become abusers, which helps to explain the comparatively lower rates of abuse perpetrated by female religious. This striking gap between the genders – with “90 to 95 percent” of perpetrators being male – is generally due to basic differences in the psychological makeup of the sexes. “Men tend to have what we call more ‘externalizing’ problems when it comes to psychiatric issues, while and women tend to have more ‘internalizing’ problems,” Plante said. “Women are more likely to exhibit depression and anxiety, whereas men tend to act out. They’re more prone to commit violence and sexual exploitation.”

Plante also stressed that sexual harassment, perpetrated by a number of clerical superiors against seminarians, should be distinguished from child sexual abuse. “Both involve power and sexual violation, but they are different,” he said. “Sexually harassing people at the workplace is not a sexual psychiatric disorder. It could be a personality disorder; it could be a variety of things, but it’s not a sexual disorder. Every industry, every organization has a problem with this issue, where people abuse power and sexually harass their subordinates.” Historically, child sexual abuse has occurred in the church and in human society “since the dawn of time,” said Plante, noting that St. Basil decried the problem in the fourth century. In the United States, incidents of clerical sexual abuse rose during the 1960s and 1970s, paralleling a society-wide increase in other problematic behaviors such as substance abuse and sexual experimentation. By the early 1980s, the number of cases began to level off, due in part to increased research, mandated reporting, awareness and intervention strategies. Because the traumatic nature of child sexual abuse tends to hinder victims from disclosing their attacks until years later, recent legal investigations do not always reflect current levels of clerical abuse, which have declined significantly, Plante observed. “I think the average person on the street thinks this is rampant today in 2018, when it’s not,” he said, adding that annual data collections, independent audits, safe environment training and zerotolerance policies have proven effective. Although ongoing vigilance is required, Plante is hopeful about the Catholic Church’s ongoing prospects for protecting youth from clerical sexual abuse. “I think we are using best practices now,” he said. “Sadly, we can’t change what happened 30, 40, 50 years ago, and we treat those victims with great compassion and respect. But thankfully for everybody, today’s church is very different from yesterday’s church.”

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Washington priests talk about keeping faith in wake of abuse scandals Mark Zimmermann Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON – Parish priests in the Archdiocese of Washington – on the front lines dealing with the fallout of the church sexual abuse crisis this summer – have stressed the need to listen to and pray with their parishioners. The archdiocese was hit with the resignation of their retired archbishop, Theodore E. McCarrick, in the wake of sexual abuse allegations and then it faced a firestorm of criticism against Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl after the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing past decades of abuse in six dioceses. Although some have credited Cardinal Wuerl’s tenure in Pittsburgh with a decrease in abuse cases while he served as bishop there from 1988 until 2006, the grand jury’s report points to times when he is said to have allowed an accused priest to continue working and prevented an alleged victim from speaking out about being abused after a financial settlement. Msgr. Michael Mellone, whom Cardinal Wuerl installed as pastor of Annunciation Parish in Washington Sept. 2, said his first thought when the abuse scandals unfolded was: “Didn’t we deal with this already? And now I know we haven’t.” The veteran priest, said his main message to parishioners “has been to focus on the victims of the abuse. Pray for them, sacrifice for them, and lift them up.” Msgr. Mellone and Father Andrew Wakefield, Annunciation Parish’s parochial vicar, have made time to listen and speak with parishioners about the scandals. The church’s faithful priests have also suffered, Msgr. Mellone pointed out, saying they are the “ones who

(CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard)

Father Kevin Regan distributes Communion during a 2017 parish anniversary Mass at Holy Family Parish in Hillcrest Heights, Md. Father Regan, the new pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Gaithersburg, noted that he entered the seminary in 2003, the year after the Boston abuse scandal shook the nation’s Catholics. are on the front lines, and they are the face of the institutional church.” St. Andrew Apostle Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, held a listening session Aug. 26 seeking healing as a parish. The gathering drew about 150 people and began and ended with eucharistic adoration. “I didn’t say much,” said Father Dan Leary, St. Andrew’s pastor. “I let them speak, share their pain, their deep love for the church and their great sadness about what’s going on. Many spoke of their love for the church and the priesthood but their lack of understanding of what has happened.” He said he shares his parishioners’ sadness. Like many parish priests, Msgr. Michael Wilson, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Solomons, has

also spoken frankly with his parishioners about this. “I start off by sharing my own feelings,” he said. “I’m really disgusted by the actions of priests that did this terrible stuff, and disappointed and angry with bishops who didn’t address it … There has to be justice for the people who did this.” He has encouraged parishioners to come to adoration on Tuesdays and pray for healing in the church, and to ask the Blessed Mother, their patroness, for her intercession, and to show they are united in their faith, by coming together for activities like their upcoming parish picnic. He has reminded his parishioners that their faith is ultimately in Jesus Christ, and they are called to be his witnesses in how they live. “Now’s not the time to leave the church. We

all have to stand up and bear witness to the truth,” he added. Father William Byrne, the pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Potomac, said he has been telling his parishioners “that I walk with them in sadness, in pain and in anger.” “But I also recognize the Lord is the Lord of the resurrection, and he took the ugly moment of the cross and turned it into the resurrection,” the priest said. “He can take this ugly moment and transform it.” He said he hoped that his parish’s listening sessions would provide “an opportunity to walk with them in their grief,” as they prayed together to their patroness, Our Lady of Mercy. He said she “held the crucified Christ in her arms” and in the same way, “we’re going to ask her to hold us in her arms also.” The pastor said he knows his brother priests to be good holy men and men of prayer, who are grieving and sad but who also can see “the hand of the Lord bringing hope to this tragic time.” Father Kevin Regan, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Gaithersburg, entered the seminary in 2003, the year after headlines about the clergy abuse scandal shook the nation’s Catholics. He has offered listening sessions and times of prayer at the parish. He points out that “many great saints accompanied people at times like these, inviting people to remain true to Christ and his truth.” He said saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine of Siena and St. Ignatius of Loyola helped restore the faith in challenging times. His advice for how people can find hope, healing and keep the faith, is to “continue to speak to each other, share their thoughts with their pastors, pray for greater compassion, be aware of the stages of grief, and cling to the Lord. Cling to Christ.”

Auxiliary: Archbishop Nienstedt inquiry was ‘doomed to fail’ Maria Wiering Catholic News Service

MINNEAPOLIS – Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of St. Paul and Minneapolis said the Catholic Church “desperately needs an independent structure, led by experienced lay personnel, to investigate and review allegations made against bishops, archbishops and cardinals” in an Aug. 31 statement. “I am acutely aware of this, because I was personally involved, along with (now-retired Auxiliary) Bishop Lee Piche, in guiding the investigation of Archbishop John Nienstedt in 2014,” he said. “In retrospect, it was doomed to fail.” In January 2014, Archbishop Nienstedt, then the leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, charged his subordinates with investigating allegations of sexual misconduct that had been made against him. The investigation – and especially, how it ended – has received renewed international interest after retired U.S. nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano denied Aug. 26 that he had instructed Bishop Piche and Bishop Cozzens to end it. Speaking of the investigation’s weakness from its start, Bishop Cozzens said: “We did not have enough objectivity or experience with such investigations. Nor did we have authority to act. Throughout our efforts, we did not know where we could turn for assistance, because there was no meaningful structure to address allegations against bishops.” When the probe yielded “affidavits containing serious allegations of misconduct by Archbishop Nienstedt with adults,” Bishop Cozzens said he and Bishop

Piche “tried our best to bring them to the attention of people who might have the authority to act and guide the investigation.” That included an April 12, 2014, meeting in Washington with Archbishop Vigano, then the Vatican nuncio to the United States, serving as a liaison between the Vatican and U.S. bishops. “When Bishop Piche and I believed that we were being told by the nuncio to close the investigation, we strenuously objected. When the nuncio clarified that we should focus the investigation and complete it, we did so,” he said. “Although there were internal disagreements about how to complete it, Bishop Piche thought it best to hire a second firm to complete the review, because Archbishop Nienstedt contended the first firm had been unfair to him. Father Daniel Griffith (then the archdiocese’s safe environment delegate) strongly disagreed with that decision. During this long period, on more than one occasion, I counseled Archbishop Nienstedt to resign for the good of the archdiocese.” Bishop Cozzens added, “Throughout this process, there was confusion about who was ultimately in charge and what should be done to ensure a fair outcome. I think that Bishop Piche believes that the investigation was completed to the best of his ability. I understand the strong frustrations expressed by Father Griffith, whom I believe acted in good faith and with sincerity and integrity. We all did the best we could in a difficult situation.” Archbishop Vigano’s role in the investigation was recently called into question after he issued an 11-page letter Aug. 25 accusing high-level church of-

ficials, including Pope Francis, of turning a blind eye to former Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick’s sexual misconduct. Critics accused Archbishop Vigano of raising questions about certain Vatican officials, but overlooking his own role in ending the Archbishop Nienstedt investigation. In a separate statement Aug. 26, Archbishop Vigano called allegations he had ended the Archbishop Nienstedt investigation “false” and denied asking Bishop Piche to destroy a letter that indicated he had. Both allegations originated from a memo Father Griffith, a law professor and pastor, wrote to Bishop Piche in July 2014. It was made public in July 2016 as part of a separate investigation by law enforcement. At the time he wrote the memo, Father Griffith was the archdiocese’s delegate for safe environment and had served as the liaison between the archdiocese and the lawyers hired to conduct the investigation. Father Griffith told The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, in an Aug. 28 statement that he stands by his 2014 memo. “I welcome a thorough accounting of the matter,” he said. The entire situation illustrates the need for a new structure in the church for investigating bishops, Bishop Cozzens said in his Aug. 31 statement. “As a practical matter, bishop-led investigations have mixed credibility in the public domain: Some inevitably believe the accused bishop is being treated unfairly, others believe he is receiving preferential treatment. A fair resolution becomes unachievable. The accuser deserves better. We all deserve better,” he said.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Dallas bishop asks pope for synod to discuss abuse David Sedeno Catholic News Service

DALLAS – Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns has asked Pope Francis for an extraordinary synod to address issues in the latest Catholic clergy sex abuse crisis, including “abuse of power, clericalism, accountability and the understanding of transparency in the church.” The letter, posted to the Diocese of Dallas’ website Aug. 30, was signed by the bishop and priests who serve in leadership roles in various consultative bodies in the diocese. It had been sent earlier in the day to Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the U.S. papal nuncio, so that it could be forwarded to the pope as soon as possible. “The current crisis of sexual abuse by clergy, the cover-up by leaders in the church and the lack of fidelity of some have caused great harm,” the letter said. It suggests that this synod should include topics such as “the care and the safeguard of children and the vulnerable, outreach to victims, the identity and lifestyle of the clergy, the importance of healthy

(CNS photo/Jorge Salgado)

Bishop Edward J. Burns of Dallas joins an immigration march July 20 in El Paso, Texas. human formation within the presbyterate/religious community, etc.” “We are working diligently at the local level to deal with these issues but increasing accountability at all levels

of the church is of utmost importance,” Bishop Burns said in a statement. He also noted that the priests who signed the letter “believe a real solution must be found to the heinous

issue of clergy abuse of minors.” In a news conference Aug. 30, Bishop Burns told reporters that he did not know whether the letter would move the pope to call a synod, but he said that numerous priests encouraged him to send it anyway. The bishop’s call for the special synod follows a similar one from the bishop of Portsmouth, England, on Aug. 22 and comes after weeks of news of clergy abuse, not only across the United States and abroad, but also within the Diocese of Dallas. “If we are ever going to restore trust or credibility in the church, it’s only going to come after we consistently do what is right,” Bishop Burns said Aug. 26 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Plano. “My friends, let me say to you that if this church of ours has to go through a purification, so be it,” he said to applause. “And let us pray for the fire of the Holy Spirit, so as to purify us, in what we need to do, in being the church that we say we are. I’m not going to cover my ears or cover my eyes or cover my mouth and we are going to look at this head-on.”

Church in crisis: National news roundup Here is a digest of news from Catholic San Francisco, Catholic News Service and Catholic News Agency on the recent sex abuse scandals that have rocked the U.S. Catholic Church. A pair of open letters to Pope Francis asking him for answers to charges of cover-ups by him and others over abuse allegations against retired Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington were sponsored by the Catholic Women’s Forum, a project of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a Washington-based think tank. The prologue to one of the letters declares, “This letter reflects the personal initiative of the individual Catholic women signing this letter, and is not sponsored by any group or organization.” The letter and invitations to sign it, though, are posted on the Catholic Women’s Forum’s website. The first letter, titled “Letter to Pope Francis from Catholic Women,” is dated Aug. 30, four days after publication of an 11-page letter by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the former Vatican nuncio to the United States, making charges against Pope Francis and other church leaders. The second letter, from a group called Catholic Men United for Christ, is dated Sept. 5. “Specifically,” the second letter said, “we request that you answer the questions posed by our sisters in their letter to you.” The questions posed in the women’s letter include, “What did Archbishop Vigano convey to you in June 2013 about thenCardinal McCarrick? When did you learn of any allegations of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct with adults by then-Cardinal McCarrick? When did you learn of Pope Benedict’s restrictions on thenCardinal McCarrick? And did you release thenCardinal McCarrick from any of Pope Benedict’s restrictions?” Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput is asking Pope Francis to call off the Synod of Bishops on young people this October to focus instead on the life of the bishops. “I have written the Holy Father and called on him to cancel the upcoming synod on young people. Right now, the bishops would have absolutely no credibility in addressing this topic,” the archbishop said at an Aug. 30 conference at Philadelphia’s St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, according to a report by the website LifeSiteNews. In its place, the archbishop suggested that the pope “begin making plans for a synod on the life of bishops,” the archbishop said. “The church has been turned upside down,” Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J., told Notre Dame University students Aug. 30 in a lecture on “awakening the American heart.” He said he welcomed laypeople demanding a leadership role in their church, something he said reflects the vision of the Second Vatican Council. In the

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl

Carl Anderson

question-and-answer period, the cardinal said he agreed with Pope Francis’ Aug. 20 letter that clericalism is the root cause of the abuse crisis. He said setting clergy apart as an elevated caste was particularly enabling not just to abuse but to the cultures of secrecy and avoiding scandal that lead to cover-up. Addressing the clergy abuse crisis in the church will require “wider lay engagement, more realized accountability and evident transparency,” said Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl at the end of a Sept. 2 Mass in Washington. In remarks after Communion, at the installation Mass for a new pastor at Annunciation Parish in Washington, Cardinal Wuerl said the church must follow a pathway to holiness and bring “Christ’s renewing light” to the darkness of the abuse crisis and the pain it has caused. Cardinal Wuerl later encouraged archdiocesan parishes to participate in a six-week “Season of Healing” to counter what he called “confusion, disappointment and disunity” and to help bring about healing in the wake of the scandals. The proposed observance will begin Sept. 14, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and was described by the cardinal as “a first step in the necessary healing process for our church” in a Sept. 6 letter to priests of the archdiocese. Other prayer services for healing have been planned in the archdioceses of Newark and Chicago. Bishops from Argentina, Spain and Peru issued letters supporting Pope Francis in late August following fallout from allegations made by a former apostolic nuncio to the U.S., claiming that the pope and others knew about abuse allegations involving Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick. In an introduction to the letter posted Aug. 30 on the Argentine bishops’ news site, AICA, the episcopal conference said it was a response to “ruthless” attacks against the pontiff. Jim Towey, president of Ave Maria University in Venice, Florida, said he unhesitatingly supports Pope Francis, in the wake of Archbishop

Carlo Maria Vigano’s call for the pope’s resignation. Towey’s Aug. 29 statement “regarding the rift within the church” characterized Archbishop Vigano’s testimony as part of a “rift between Pope Francis and some conservative members of the church hierarchy”, the “battle lines” of which were drawn “five years ago shortly after the pope ascended to the chair of Saint Peter.” Archbishop John C. Nienstedt has “stepped aside from his responsibilities” at the Napa Institute, the Irvine-based organization announced Aug. 15. According to the institute, since 2016 Archbishop Nienstedt had been an independent contractor with the Napa Institute, where he edited its conference proceedings for publication, celebrated Masses and participated in its annual conference. The institute said it had been advised that there are no restrictions on Archbishop Nienstedt’s ministry. Archbishop Nienstedt’s connections to the Napa Institute drew criticism from The American Conservative magazine’s senior editor, Rod Dreher, who on his blog Aug. 6 accused the institute of being inconsistent in its stance against bishops accused of mishandling sexual abuse. After years of Catholics having to confess their sins to the clergy, it is now time for priests and bishops “to come clean about what they have done and what they have failed to do,” the CEO of the Knights of Columbus, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, said in a letter to his brother Knights and the organization’s chaplains. The letter, dated Aug. 21, came in response to the recent release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report on abuse claims in six dioceses and reports of a cover-up by some church leaders and the allegations of past abuse and other sexual misconduct made against Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick. In an Aug. 23 statement, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious said “the recent news detailing the extensive and sometimes brutal sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests in the United States has left us … sickened and ashamed of the church we love, trusted, and have committed our lives to serve. We weep and grieve with all who over the decades have been victimized by sexual predators within the faith community and feel their pain as our own. We recognize that the damage done to many is irreparable.” The Council of Religious of the Archdiocese of San Francisco later issued the following statement: “The Council of Religious of the Archdiocese join with religious congregations throughout the United States in supporting this statement by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. We are disheartened and deeply saddened by this news and stand by, with loving support and profound prayer, those who have been abused.”

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Letter confirms Vatican officials knew of McCarrick allegations in 2000 Robert Duncan and Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY – A top official from the Vatican Secretariat of State acknowledged allegations made by a New York priest in 2000 concerning Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, according to a letter obtained by Catholic News Service. Father Boniface Ramsey, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church Yorkville in New York City, told CNS Sept. 7 that he received the letter dated Oct. 11, 2006, from then-Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, the former Vatican substitute for general affairs, asking for information regarding a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark who studied at Immaculate Conception Seminary and was being vetted for a post at a Vatican office. He made the letter available to CNS. Then-Archbishop Sandri wrote to Father Ramsey, “I ask with particular reference to the serious matters involving some of the students of the Immaculate Conception Seminary, which in November 2000 you were good enough to bring confidentially to the attention of the then Apostolic Nuncio in the United States, the late Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo.” Father Ramsey had been on the faculty of the seminary from 1986 to 1996 and had sent a letter in 2000 to Archbishop Montalvo informing him of complaints he heard from seminarians studying at the seminary, located in South Orange, New Jersey. In the letter, Father Ramsey told CNS, “I complained about McCarrick’s relationships with seminarians and the whole business with sleeping with seminarians and all of that; the whole business that everyone knows about,” Father Ramsey said. Father Ramsey said he assumed the reason the letter from then-Archbishop Sandri, who is now a cardinal and prefect of the Congregation for

(CNS photo/courtesy of Father Boniface Ramsey)

A letter dated Oct. 11, 2006 from Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, then substitute for the Vatican Secretariat of State, to Father Boniface Ramsey references a Nov. 2000 letter Father Ramsey had written to Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Vatican nuncio to the United States, warning about sexual abuse committed by Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick. Eastern Churches, only mentioned “serious matters involving “ seminarians and not Archbishop

McCarrick’s behavior was because accusations against the former cardinal were “too sensitive.” “My letter November 22, 2000, was about McCarrick and it wasn’t accusing seminarians of anything; it was accusing McCarrick.” While Father Ramsey has said he never received a formal response to the letter he sent in 2000, he told CNS he was certain the letter had been received because of the note he got from then-Archbishop Sandri in 2006 acknowledging the allegations he had raised in 2000. The 2006 letter not only confirms past remarks made by Father Ramsey, but also elements of a document written by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who served as nuncio to the United States from 2011 to 2016. In an 11-page statement, published Aug. 26, Archbishop Vigano accused church officials, including Pope Francis, of failing to act on accusations of sexual abuse, as well as abuse of conscience and power by now-Archbishop McCarrick. Archbishop Vigano stated that the Vatican was informed as early as 2000 – when he was an official at the Secretariat of State – of allegations that Archbishop McCarrick “shared his bed with seminarians.” Archbishop Vigano said the Vatican heard the allegation from the U.S. nuncios at the time: Archbishop Montalvo, who served from 1998 to 2005 and Archbishop Pietro Sambi, who served from 2005 to 2011. In late June, then-Cardinal McCarrick, the 88-year-old retired archbishop of Washington, said he would no longer exercise any public ministry “in obedience” to the Vatican after an allegation he abused a teenager 47 years ago in the Archdiocese of New York was found credible. The then-cardinal has said he is innocent. Since then, several former seminarians have claimed that the then-cardinal would invite groups of them to a beach house and insist individual members of the group share a bed with him.

Irish parishes hear about New Zealand model for Catholic Church renewal Sarah Mac Donald Catholic News Service

THURLES, Ireland – A New Zealand cardinal told a conference on the future of parishes in Ireland that his diocese benefited from the appointment of church workers known as lay pastoral leaders who exercise many functions that normally would be the responsibility of a parish priest. Cardinal John Dew of Wellington, New Zealand, later told Catholic News Service that the lay pastoral leaders, separate from lay ecclesial ministers, “are leaders with the priests and we are giving them leadRetired ership responsibility rather than Bishop Michael just being a worker who is treated Wustenberg as a worker.” He acknowledged that the priest shortage in his diocese was “severe,” but said the introduction of lay pastoral leaders was more about providing an opportunity for laypeople to work together with priests rather than a solution to the clergy shortfall. “I believe it works no matter how many priests you have because people are willing to work together collaboratively and co-responsibly,” Cardinal Dew said. “They understand the church doesn’t belong to the priest – it belongs to everyone.” The two-day conference, titled “The Future of the Irish Parish: Lessons from Abroad,” was organized by the Irish Institute for Pastoral Studies at Mary Immaculate College’s campus in Thurles. The conference followed by days the visit of Pope Francis, who addressed the triennial World Meeting of Families in Dublin. Lay pastoral leaders were introduced in the Archdiocese of Wellington in 2006. The archdiocese has a Catholic population of 78,198, about 12 percent of the

overall population, and 114 diocesan and religious priests. Priests continue to administer the sacraments. In Wellington, the formation program for lay pastoral leaders can take four to seven years to complete. Cardinal Dew paid tribute to those who undertake the course while juggling family and work commitments. As a model, it has not been adopted by all New Zealand’s diocese. The archdiocese, Cardinal Dew explained, has a specific fund to cover the cost of paying lay pastoral leaders. “It is a challenge to the diocese; the parishes pay into a lay pastoral leader fund as part of their levies. Some people have also made moderate bequests that have gone toward this fund,” he said. Father Eamonn Fitzgibbon, institute director, told CNS that traditional parish life in Ireland has “tended to be very priest dependent.” But as the decline in priest numbers makes itself felt, the Irish church is trying to move away from such a model because “it is not sustainable,” he said. “We are trying to make sure that something new can emerge and can be facilitated,” Father Fitzgibbon explained. “The future reality is something we must go out and meet and one of the ways of doing that is to study what has happened abroad and to hear from other dioceses how they developed their method of pastoral renewal.” Retired Bishop Michael Wustenberg of Aliwal, South Africa, addressed 150 delegates on the theme, “Lessons from South Africa: The Parish as a Community of Communities.” He described the priest dependent model as the one “provided for church,” and said that in this passive model, the priest does everything. The model of a community of communities in South Africa had fostered small communities that gathered weekly around the Bible and then come to-

gether on Sunday to celebrate a Liturgy of the Word. The gatherings often are led by lay leaders because priests visit for Mass once a month, he said. When Bishop Wustenberg arrived in 1992 in the rural diocese, there were 16 priests for 42,300 Catholics and large distances separated parishes. By the time he retired in 2017, the number of priests had dropped to nine. But one major change found that all of the priests were African while all of the European missionaries had retired. The promotion of lay leaders was necessary because of “the lack of priests,” Bishop Wustenberg told CNS. The move was prompted by the Second Vatican Council and its call to more broadly involve laypeople in the life of the church and an internal discussion about the role of the people of God as well as the church’s role in South Africa under apartheid. Unlike the Wellington Archdiocese, lay pastoral leaders are paid positions, the leadership roles in the Aliwal Diocese are voluntary. Ongoing training happens “on the job” with priests helping with training when possible, the bishop said. “Enthusiasm is essential. A tired guy won’t move anything with anybody. But a spirit of holy daring is also essential,” he said. Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly of Cashel and Emly, Ireland, who opened the conference, told CNS that his archdiocese has no pastoral workers or pastoral lay leaders. “We have one man recently appointed to the role of pastoral director for the diocese and he is working at the moment on a listening process for Cashel and Emly,” he said. The archbishop said he hopes the listening process will chart a path into the future showing how the laity can get more involved. “The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the statistics and the facts,” he said, “so we must be open to seeing what must be put in place for the diocese for 30 years down the road.”

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Clear response to abuse crisis is urgently needed, cardinal says Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY – Responding quickly and appropriately to the problem of abuse must be a priority for the Catholic Church, said Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission Cardinal Sean P. for the Protection of O’Malley Minors. “Recent events in the church have us all focused on the urgent need for a clear response on the part of the church for the sexual abuse of minors” and vulnerable adults, he told Vatican News Sept. 9. “Bringing the voice of survivors to leadership of the church is crucial if people are going to have an understanding of how important it is for the church to respond quickly and correctly anytime a situation of abuse may arise,” he said. The cardinal, who is the archbishop of Boston, spoke at the end of the papal commission’s plenary assembly in Rome Sept. 7-9. Afterward, Cardinal O’Malley remained in Rome for the meeting Sept. 10-12 of Pope

Francis’ international Council of Cardinals. Cardinal O’Malley told Vatican News that in cases of abuse “if the church is unable to respond wholeheartedly and make this a priority, all of our other activities of evangelization, works of mercy, education are all going to suffer. This must be the priority that we concentrate on right now.” The pontifical commission, he explained, is an advisory body set up to make recommendations to the pope and to develop and offer guidelines, best practices and formation to church leaders throughout the world, including bishops’ conferences, religious orders and offices in the Roman Curia. The commission is not an investigative body and does not deal with past abuses or current allegations, but its expert-members try, through education, leadership training and advocacy, to “change the future so that it will not be a repeat of the sad history” the church has experienced, he said. “There are other dicasteries of the Holy See that have the responsibility for dealing with the cases and dealing with individual circumstances of abuse or negligence on the part of authority, and our commission cannot

be held accountable for their activities,” he said. Most allegations of clerical sexual abuse are handled through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Commission members, however, have spoken with officials at various Vatican offices, including the doctrinal congregation. For those meetings, Cardinal O’Malley said he always brings a survivor with him “to talk to them about the church’s mission of safeguarding, and I think those (moments) have been very successful.” Safeguarding training for bishops, priests and religious around the world is meant to help them become “aware of the seriousness” of abuse and negligence, “to be equipped to be able to respond” and to be able “to put the safeguarding of children and the pastoral care of victims as their priority,” said the cardinal. A critical part of building awareness, he said, has been making the voice of survivors be heard directly by leadership. Every year when new bishops attend a course in Rome, the commission also addresses the group. Cardinal O’Malley said he usually invites former commission member, Marie Collins – a survivor of Irish clerical sex abuse – to speak to the new

Indian church displeased with ruling legalizing same-sex relationships

NEW DELHI – India’s Supreme Court ruled in a landmark judgment that homosexual acts between consenting adults are no longer a crime, but church officials said that legal validity does not make such practices morally acceptable. The court on Sept. 6 struck down a section of the Indian Penal Code that said homosexual acts in public or private were a crime punishable with a jail term of up to 10 years, ucanews. com reported. The colonial-era law criminalizing consensual unnatural sex was irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary, the court said. But sexual activity with animals and non-adults remains a punishable offense under the ruling. In a statement, a Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India representative said that although homosexual acts are now legalized, they are not morally acceptable or justified. “What is legal is not equal to moral acceptability,” said the statement issued by Father Stephen Fernandes, secretary to the bishops’ justice, peace and development office.

Slovakia’s newest martyr is example for young people, says cardinal

VATICAN CITY – Like St. Maria Goretti, Slovakia’s newest martyr is a model for young people, said Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. With her beatification, Blessed Anna Kolesarova, who was shot at the age of 16 in front of her family for resisting rape by a drunken Soviet soldier, is upheld as an example for all Catholics, especially the young, so that they may “rediscover the beauty of authentic love as well as the virtue of purity,” he said. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, released excerpts of the cardinal’s homily at the beatification Mass in Kosice, Slovakia, Sept. 1. People who become heroes and saints do not “improvise,” he said. Blessed Kolesarova was prepared thanks to her upbringing and solid spiritual life, “nourished by

bishops “so that they can hear directly from someone who has experienced this horror in their own life, to explain to the them the consequences and repercussions for the individual, their family and the whole community.” Even though Collins was unable to attend this year, she made “a wonderful video” that the cardinal shared with the approximately 200 bishops appointed in the past year, he said. Year after year, the cardinal said, “so many bishops have come up to me and told me that Marie Collins’ testimony was the most important conference that they had heard during their entire week of conferences for the new bishops.” That is why, he said, it is so crucial for the voices of survivors to be heard by leaders if they are ever to understand the importance of responding quickly and appropriately. The cardinal also mentioned a number of new initiatives and resources the commission has been working on, such as special auditing instruments for bishops’ conferences to measure the implementation and compliance of safeguarding policies as well as the idea of setting up “survivor advisory panels” in different countries to advise local bishops and the papal commission.

to the heart” of things, he said in his morning homily Sept. 6. At morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading of the call of Simon Peter, the fisherman (Lk 5:1-11). Peter was astonished to see the huge number of fish that was caught after Jesus told him to lower the nets into deep water even though they spent a whole night catching nothing. The amazing bounty led Peter to throw himself before Jesus and say, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man. This is Peter’s first decisive step” on the path of being a disciple of Christ – being able to accuse himself of being a sinner, Pope Francis said.

Laity must have role in fighting clericalism, Vatican official says

(CNS photo/Cody Weddle)

Colombia conference anniversary

Rigoberto Gomez attends Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Medellin, Colombia, Aug. 23. Latin American church leaders met there Aug. 23-26 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a landmark regional bishops’ meeting that took place in the same city in 1968.

daily prayer and taking part in the sacraments.”

Pope advises teachers that they need parents’ trust, appreciation

VATICAN CITY – Without respectfully collaborating with teachers and schools, parents will risk being on their own when it comes to educating their children and be at a greater disadvantage for facing the challenges emerging from today’s culture, mass media and technology, Pope Francis said. Speaking to hundreds of parents, the pope told them that “teachers are like you – dedicated each day in the educational service of your children.” His comments came to some 1,400 members and guests of the Italian Parents’ Association during an audience at the Vatican’s Paul VI hall Sept. 7. Praising the group’s efforts promoting the family and education as guided by Christian principles, the

pope invited them to always foster and build trust with teachers and schools. If it is all right to “complain about limitations” or defects when it comes to schools and teachers, it is also “imperative to treasure them as the most invaluable allies in the task of education, which you together carry forward,” said the pope, who taught high school students as a young Jesuit in Argentina.

Salvation demands accusing oneself, not others, pope says

VATICAN CITY – Christian conversion does not entail accusing others, but is shamefully recognizing and sincerely repenting one’s own sins, Pope Francis said. “A sign that a person, that a Christian does not know how to blame oneself is when they are used to accusing others, to badmouth others, to stick their noses in other people’s lives. It’s a bad sign. Do I do this? It is a good question for getting

VATICAN CITY buse and the abuse of power and conscience affecting the Catholic Church, said the head of the Vatican’s clergy office. Cardinal Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, said the crisis facing the church would not have been so grave if laity were more involved in the formation of current and future priests. “Even the work of the dicastery attests that many situations in the lives of priests – generated by loneliness, tiredness and misunderstandings – would not have degenerated or would have been addressed in time if there had been listening, accompaniment and sharing by bishops and the entire Christian community,” Cardinal Stella said Sept. 3 in Fatima, Portugal. The cardinal’s office gave the text to Catholic News Service Sept. 5. Dedicating his talk to priestly ministry according to Pope Francis’ teachings, the cardinal said priests must be “permanent disciples of the Lord” who always are on guard against the temptation of “feeling accomplished. To be and feel like a disciple means avoiding the risk of habit, of being lukewarm, of routine and the ‘corporate executive syndrome,’ thus avoiding falling into what Pope Francis has defined as ‘spiritual Alzheimer’s,’” the cardinal said. Catholic News Service

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Pope: Build church unity, shun clericalism Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church needs bishops who promote unity, “not soloists singing their own tune or captains fighting personal battles,” Pope Francis told new bishops from the church’s mission territories. “And, dear brothers, flee from clericalism, an anomalous way of understanding the church’s authority, one common in many communities where sexual abuse and the abuse of power and conscience have occurred,” the pope told the bishops Sept. 8. While some bishops, “poor things,” think they have “all the talents, all the charisms” necessary to run the

church, the pope said that is never true. But what a good bishop does have, he said, is passion for communion with the church and with each and every member of his flock. On the other hand, clericalism “generates a division in the church body that supports and helps perpetuate many of the evils that we are condemning today,” he said, quoting from his letter Aug. 20 to the church about the clerical abuse scandal. The pope was meeting with 74 bishops from 34 countries in Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America. The prelates had been in Rome for a course for new bishops sponsored by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

A bishop, Pope Francis told them, must be “a man of prayer, a man of proclamation and a man of communion,” and he must show special care and concern for families, for the defense of life from the moment of conception, for seminarians, for young people and for the poor. “Don’t think you are lords of the flock – you are not the masters of the flock, even if some people would like you to be or certain local customs promote that,” the pope told them. “Be men who are poor in things and rich in relationships, never harsh or surly, but friendly, patient, simple and open.” Prayer is not just one of a bishop’s daily tasks, but rather must be the

foundation of everything a bishop does, he said. And the chief concern in a bishop’s prayer must be his people and their needs. They must come first. “It is easy to wear a cross on your chest,” the pope said, “but the Lord is asking you to carry a much heavier one on your shoulders and in your heart: he asks you to share his cross.” The task of a bishop also involves proclaiming to the world the good news of salvation in Jesus and that cannot be done from one’s desk, he said. “A bishop doesn’t live in his office like a company administrator but among the people on the roads of the world.”

Jesuit: Sexual abuse victims want to be heard by hierarchy Catherine Sheehan Catholic News Service

SYDNEY – The president of the Pontifical Gregorian University’s Center for Child Protection said most of the victims of clergy sexual abuse whom he has met primarily want the church hierarchy to listen to them and understand the depth of their suffering. “All concur in this, that the most important single element in a possible healing process, is being really listened to ... all say this is the starting point, Jesuit Father Hans Zollner told The Catholic Weekly, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Sydney, during an interview in late August. The priest was in Australia to at-

tend a conference on clergy sexual abuse. Father Zollner, who also is a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, also said the Catholic Church “can’t ever do enough” to address the problem of clergy sexual abuse. He credited the church in Australia for its effort to respond to allegations of abuse and its steps to prevent abuse, pointing to the development of resources, training materials and the development of staff. In addition, he said the Australian Catholic Church’s acceptance of nearly all of the recommendations of the Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was a positive development.

Church leaders Aug. 31 accepted 98 percent of the commission’s suggestions, but said they could not agree with recommendations that would violate the seal of confession. In recent years, the Australian church has had to contend with the fallout from criminal charges against two high-ranking church leaders regarding cases of clerical sexual abuse. Cardinal George Pell, head of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy, is the most senior church official to face criminal charges in connection with child sexual abuse. He took a leave of absence from his position in summer 2017 to face charges of sexual abuse of minors from the 1970s, when he was a priest, and the 1990s, when he was archbishop of Melbourne.

Although Cardinal Pell consistently has denied the charges, in early May, an Australian magistrate ordered him to stand trial, saying she believed there was enough evidence presented in connection with about half the original charges to warrant a full trial. In the second case, retired Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide is serving one year of home detention after being found guilty in May of failing to report child sexual abuse allegations in the 1970s. Father Zollner said few studies have been done to identify the prevalence of sexual abuse among Catholic clergy and those that exist have been undertaken in a handful of countries, including Australia and the United States.

Cardinal: Forgive bishops who brought ‘face of evil’ into church FROM PAGE 1

“As bishops, we are bound to each other,” he continued. “I come as a beggar, seeking forgiveness, laying the load of the hurt, damage and mistrust we have caused at the foot of the cross.” Cardinal Nichols prayed that God would renew the church “so that we may bring joy, not grief, trust not betrayal, love not anger in the hearts of all people, especially your poor and little ones.” Speaking of the Sept. 9 procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Liverpool, Cardinal Nichols said there would be “not one iota of triumphalism or pride in our steps.” “Ours is a penitential procession, for we are focused on Jesus, whom we have crucified. Yet we walk with a humble joy for he takes our failure, cruelty and deceit and overcomes it all with his love and mercy,” Cardinal Nichols said. The cardinal’s comments came amid a scandal in the U.S. concerning allegations of abuse of seminarians by Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick and the alleged failure of church officials to remove him. In August, the hierarchy in England also faced criticism from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse for the church’s failure to ensure that its safeguarding rules were observed in two Benedictine-run schools, where students as young as 7 endured “appalling sexual abuse” at the hands of predatory monks and teachers. High-profile clerical sex abuse scandals have also discredited the

(CNS photo/Marcin Mazur, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales)

Men carry a statue of Mary and the Christ Child during the Sept. 7-9 National Eucharistic Congress and Pilgrimage in Liverpool, England. church in Ireland, Australia, Chile and Canada. Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron of Los Angeles, the keynote speaker at the three-day congress, also alluded to clerical abuse crises in his addresses. Thanking the delegates for their “exuberance,” he said: “It means a lot for the church which, as you know, is going through a painful time and, during these periods, I think it is so important that we return to the fundamentals. That means, above all, Christ in the Eucharist.” Bishop Barron also said the missionary work of the church must continue because the “rising tide of secularism” was driving increasing numbers of people away from religion. “I see it every day, especially among

the young,” he said in a speech Sept. 8. “People are losing the sense of God, the sense of the transcendent. They need us.” “We don’t have to fly over oceans to go to mission territory today,” Bishop Barron added. “You walk outside the door of any church in the Western world and you are in mission country.” Closing the national congress at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool Archbishop Malcolm McMahon said Catholics must continue to preach the Gospel in spite of such scandals. “Maybe our words and our actions won’t carry the same authority as before, and it is going to be hard to proclaim the Gospel, but the Gospel still has to be proclaimed, and there is no one else to do it except us poor

sinners,” he said. “So, let us continue to do that by our actions as well as our words so that others may see Jesus in us – the suffering Jesus, the dying Jesus, the risen Jesus.” The national eucharistic congress was the first in England since 1908, when Catholics were forbidden to carry the Blessed Sacrament publicly through London in case their actions inflamed hostile Protestant sentiments. In Liverpool, however, Anglican, Methodist and other religious leaders joined the Catholic bishops in their procession. Pope Francis sent a message to the congress, read Sept. 8 by U.S. Archbishop Edward J. Adams, papal nuncio to Great Britain, in which he encouraged the Catholics of England and Wales to be as steadfast as their martyrs. “The history of the church in your lands is marked in no small part by the central place that countless numbers of saints have given to the sacrifice of the Mass,” said the pope in a letter read out at Echo Arena. “These holy men and women, sometimes even to the shedding of their blood, have given eloquent and steadfast witness to Christ in devotion to the blessed Eucharist,” he said. “They are rightly to be venerated, and the Church in England and Wales must never lose sight of their precious memory.” “We must continue to bear witness to the same Lord and the same precious gift of the Eucharist today for past glories are always a beginning and not an end. The Lord is calling you still to go out and bear witness,” he said.

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Sunday readings

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time ISAIAH 50:5-9A The Lord God opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let that man confront me. See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong? PSALM 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. I love the Lord because he has heard my voice in supplication, because he has inclined his ear to me the day I called. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. The cords of death encompassed me; the snares of the netherworld seized upon me; I fell into distress and sorrow, and I called upon the name of the Lord, “O Lord, save my life!”

I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. Gracious is the Lord and just; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord keeps the little ones; I was brought low, and he saved me. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. For he has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. JAMES 2:14-18 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me

without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. MARK 8:27-35 Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it.”

‘Who do you say that I am?’

n the first reading we hear the confident words of a faithful servant. He knows God is always there to help. In the second reading, we learn that true faith requires us to perform good deeds. In the Gospel, Jesus predicts his suffering, death and resurrection, causing a serious conflict between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asked his apostles, “Who do you say that I am?” In reality, however, this question is also directed to each one of us. Who is the Messiah in our lives? We may discover that we are like Peter, who recognized Jesus as the Christ, but then sought to change him. In this Gospel, the disciDeacon ples had their first glimpse faiva Po’oi of the cross. Jesus began to tell them that he must suffer and die and rise after three days. This shook their faith in him to its very foundation. Peter even took Jesus aside and began to argue with him. What a strange turn of events! To say in one breath, “You are the Christ,” and then in the next breath to tell the Christ that he is making a mistake is, to say the least, a strange kind of faith.

scripture reflection

It is serious business indeed for us to attempt to make Jesus in our image rather than allow him to make us in his. Peter may have been the first disciple who tried to reform Christ, but he was certainly not the last. In the 12th century, the crusaders tried to make Jesus into a warrior who delighted in the slaughter of Muslims. In more recent years, members of the Ku Klux Klan have tried to make him into a middle class, white American. Today, many are trying to make Jesus the force behind political policies. The tendency is not malicious in itself. Quite the contrary! In many cases, it grows out of our admiration for Christ. He is our ideal. His name is held in such high esteem that we want him on our side. If we have a stake in the status quo, then we make him a defender of the status quo. This is a compliment of sorts, but it can also be very demonic. Keep in mind how Jesus reacted when Peter tried to divert him from the way of the cross. He confronted his friend with the fury of a thunderstorm, and said “Get out of my sight, you Satan.” It is serious business indeed for us to attempt to make Jesus in our image rather than allow him to make us in his. The center of this whole confrontation was the cross. It was the cross that troubled Peter, and

it is the cross that troubles us today. We want to follow Christ, but we want to follow him without having to deal with the cross. This is understandable. To follow a crucified Christ is a demanding and sometimes dangerous way to live. For Peter and most of those first disciples, to follow Christ meant martyrdom. They died for their faith. Martyrdom will not be a probable fate for most of us. The reality is, however, that the cross is more than a way of dying. It is also a way of living — a lifestyle to which each and every one of us is called. According to Father Richard Rohr, a very popular Franciscan speaker, to live the cross means praying the words: “Your kingdom come, my kingdom go!” It is something to keep in mind each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer. To live the cross means sacrificing our wants and our wishes for the sake of others, especially the poor, the hungry, the forgotten, the marginalized, the sick, the elderly and those in jail. We are called to do that in ministries as well as in many little, undramatic ways. It may be something as simple as caring for a child or feeding the poor. Or it may be something as moving as holding the hand of a dying patient so that he or she will not die alone. This is how Jesus lived. This is the way he calls us to live. Only one question remains: Will we try to make Christ in our image, or will we allow him to make us in his? Deacon Faiva Po’oi serves at St. Timothy Parish.

Liturgical calendar, daily Mass readings Monday, September 17: Monday of the Twentyfourth Week in Ordinary Time. Optional Memorial of St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor. 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33. Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17. Jn 3:16. Lk 7:1-10. Tuesday, September 18: Tuesday of the Twentyfourth Week in Ordinary Time. 1 Cor 12:12-14, 2731a. Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5. Lk 7:16. Wednesday, September 19: Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Optional Memorial of St. Januarius, bishop & martyr. 1 Cor 12:31-13:13. pS 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22. See Jn 6:63c, 68c. Lk 7:31-35. Thursday, September 20: Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions, Martyrs. 1 Cor 15:1-11. Ps 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28. Mt 11:28. Lk 7:36-50.

Friday, September 21: Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. Eph 4:1-7, 11-13. Ps 19:2-3, 4-5. Mt 9:9-13. Saturday, September 22: Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time. 1 Cor 15:3537, 42-49. Ps 56:10c-12, 13-14. See Lk 8:15. Lk 8:4-15. Sunday, September 23: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Wis 2:12, 17-20. Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8. Jas 3:16—4:3. Cf. 2 Thes 2:14. Mk 9:30-37. Monday, September 24: Monday of the Twentyfifth Week in Ordinary Time. Prv 3:27-34. ps 15:23a, 3bc-4ab, 5. Mt 5:16. Lk 8:16-18. Tuesday, September 25: Tuesday of the Twentyfifth Week in Ordinary Time. Prv 21:1-6, 10-13. Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44. Lk 11:28. Lk 8:19-21.

Wednesday, September 26: Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. Optional Memorial of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs. Prv 30:5-9. Ps 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163. Mk 1:15. Lk 9:1-6. Thursday, September 27: Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, priest. Eccl 1:2-11. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17bc. Jn 14:6. Lk 9:7-9. Friday, September 28: Friday of the Twentyfifth Week in Ordinary Time. Optional Memorial of St. Wenceslaus, martyr; St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, martyrs; St. Simón de Rojas O.SS. Eccl 3:1-11. Ps 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4. Mk 10:45. Lk 9:18-22. Saturday, September 29: Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels. Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rv 12:7-12ab. Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5. Ps 103:21. Jn 1:47-51.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Letters The beauty, and the burden, of faith’s ‘hard truths’

Thank you for Archbishop Cordileone’s article on the “hard truths” of our faith and their power to move people (“’Greatest power to move people’ in ‘hard truths of our faith,’” Page HV6, July 26). The article is often beautiful; unfortunately, for all its beauty the article proceeds on a basic misunderstanding of human sexuality. Like many clergy, the archbishop is fixated on human plumbing. There is male and female and under certain circumstances their union begets children. The clergy reason that since procreation is one result, that must be the reason why God created male and female. And since procreation is one result it must be the only result and hence the clergy conclude that all marital acts must be “open” to procreation. There is some symmetry to the argument but seems to me to be much too narrow and restricted a view of God’s plan. God put a sexual urge in men and women and, unlike many in the animal kingdom who have mating seasons, the human urge is not limited to times when procreation is feasible. In fact most women reach menopause between ages 40 and 50, but the sexual urge continues for decades thereafter. We can say therefore that fulfillment of sexual urge after that age can only be for unitive purposes. God knew that marriage brings its strains and so designed a plan that encourages marital relations in the non-conceiving time to build bonds between the marriage partners. Similarly, even in the period before menopause women are only fertile three or four days each month leaving 26 or 27 days of each month when she cannot conceive. Still, the sexual urge continues during those 26 or 27 days. Holy Mother the Church, aware of these truths of human sexuality, has in her wisdom created a huge hole in the “hard” truths of “Humanae Vitae.” That hole is natural family planning, which is based on the facts of a woman’s cycle of fertility. In NFP a woman determines the days of the month when she is fertile. The couple is then encouraged to abstain from sexual relations on those days to avoid procreation and instead to enjoy sexual relations during the balance of the month when procreation will not occur. It seems to me to be church’s propagation of NFP is an acceptance of the proposition that marital relations are unitive in purpose. Procreation can hardly be the only purpose for marital relations if the church supports a methodology intended to avoid procreation, while allowing a couple the mutual joy of the marital embrace. The invocation of “hard” truths reminds one of Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees for laying heavy burdens on the backs of their flocks while doling nothing to help ease the burden. “Humanae Vitae” proposes a heavy burden, but the church has done much to reduce that burden by its encouragement of NFP. John Weiser Kentfield

The death penalty and Catholic teaching

Kudos to reader Joe Hallisy’s letter in Catholic San Francisco (“Justice and the death penalty,” Aug. 23). It seems to me that over the years, the church has varied its position regarding capital punishment. As a Catholic, I become torn by alternating stances of the church on this subject. Father Gerald Coleman’s thoughtful article (“The pope, capital punishment and Catholics,” Aug. 23) is as confusing as it is enlightening, though I tend to agree with Mr. Hallisy’s position that capital punishment has its place in society. Father Coleman wrote in his article: “Historically, one of the rationales for the death penalty in Catholic teaching was to protect society. The state still has this obligation. The change in Catholic teaching (presently) does not take this away.” It seems to me that if the state permits capital punishment and the church “does not take this away” then we, as Catholics, do not have a moral problem if we endorse the state’s policy of capital punishment. When people say to me that to be consistent with my faith neither abortion nor capital punishment is acceptable with the Catholic faith, I can only respond with this reasoning: An unborn baby is innocent of any taking of life as opposed to a convicted first-degree murderer.

Father Coleman’s article also notes that St. Thomas Aquinas, among other saints, theologians, and moralists, “justified the death penalty.” I don’t think reader Joe Hallisy and I mind being in the same thought community as St. Thomas Aquinas when it comes to capital punishment. Peter J. Fatooh San Francisco

A church of mercy, not of vengeance

The fine column, “The pope, capital punishment and Catholics” by Father Gerald Coleman (Aug. 23) is timely and very beneficial for us Catholics in the pews. He clearly explained the recent development of the change affecting No. 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the death penalty. (Let us not gloss over the fact that capital punishment kills people.) Recent popes saw capital punishment as problematic, affronting human dignity. Pope Francis now clearly says the death penalty is inadmissible in all cases. This change is based on the absolute value, the human dignity of each human life from its beginning to its natural end. In the Gospel of John, Jesus dissuaded some scribes and Pharisees from stoning to death a woman caught in adultery, a punishment acceptable in Mosaic law (John 8:3-11). Jesus teaches the absolute value of each human life, whether of a sinner or not. He teaches mercy. Jesus’ church is a church of mercy, not vengeance. Jesus’ church is a church of life, not death. Father Coleman noted that 53 percent of Catholics support the use of the death penalty. Changing our minds will require much pondering of the refined Catholic teaching and of the Beatitudes, and much prayer. Father Coleman also mentioned some vicious personal attacks on Pope Francis by some who disagree with him. Such attacks are disturbing, counterproductive, and un-Christian. Peace, kindness, mercy, truth. Stuart MacKenzie San Bruno

Disgust and disbelief

It is with disgust and disbelief that I have read the articles on clerical sex abuse by predator priests in the latest issues of Catholic San Francisco. This church is broken beyond repair until there are fundamental changes in the priesthood and church hierarchy. The Catholic Church has no moral authority in my life and I am ashamed that I raised my children in the Catholic faith. The thought of the horror and pain inflicted on these innocent children by the very people who should have been protecting and guiding them in the ways of God is difficult to comprehend. The bishops and cardinals knew about it and did not care about the lives destroyed. They covered it up like cowards, only concerned about the reputation of the church. Currently I attend a wonderful spirit-filled evangelical Protestant church where I can worship God without fear of some predator priest lurking in the shadows. I will never set foot again into a Catholic church and never give a dime to that corrupt and criminal institution. Rosemary Ryan San Francisco

Embrace laity in church renewal

Thanks for Ferrone, Zollner, Shaw and DiNardo. A recent PBS documentary on the “Wonders of Mexico” shows the tiniest of God’s creatures fearlessly protecting their young from predators – a prairie dog facing a snake, a mother fish refusing to feed herself so that she might ward off an attacker. Yet, we read of Catholic priests accepting the hospitality of their parishioners

and then abusing children in the very households that have made them welcome and treated them as Christ’s representatives, and of the church protecting the predators rather than the vulnerable. Many of us want to know – what is the will of God for Catholic laity in the current crisis? A group from Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish met to listen to one another, pray, and come to a greater understanding of God’s will. I write today to urge bishops to “take clear action,” and to encourage people of faith to find a way to express sorrowful solidarity with and support for victims of abuse. Rita Ferrone, Father Hans Zollner, Russell Shaw, and Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo [articles on pages 16, 17, 18 and 1 respectively, Aug. 23]. all name ways for Catholic clergy to take specific action jointly with the laity to reject a culture of “clericalism” and power, and to heed the call to conversion and humility in Christ. Let the work begin and not stop until the church no longer harbors predators in its midst. Katherine Moore Mill Valley

Getting to the root of the problem

With the release of the grand jury report on child abuse by the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania, it seems to me that the church cannot police itself or take the responsibility for ridding itself of child abuse by priests and the covering up of such abuse by its bishops and cardinals. What is now needed if the church is to be saved in the U.S. is 49 other grand juries to examine the Catholic Church in the other 49 states. We now have to rely on the state to gather information and investigate incidences and the conspiracy to hide child abuse within the church. If child abuse was so widespread in Pennsylvania, I can imagine that this is true for the rest of the country. If guilty priests, bishops, and cardinals are not prosecuted and removed from office, the hierarchy remains corrupt. Pope Francis must not take the same actions that previous popes have taken, which don’t get to the root of the problem within the church. If this isn’t done, the reputation of the great majority of innocent clergy will forever be tarnished by the unpunished actions of the guilty parties. How else can the church re-establish trust with the Catholics of this country? Richard Morasci San Francisco

Anonymous indictment

This accusation by Archbishop Cordileone (“Letter to the faithful,” Aug. 23) is extremely troubling: “This has been further fueled by a spirit of raw ambition on the part of some, who will stop at nothing to advance their careers and climb the ecclesial corporate ladder over investing themselves in serving the people of God. Such behavior on the part of church leaders is despicable, reprehensible, and absolutely unbecoming of a man of God.” About whom is he writing? Is he saying that some priests and/ or bishops are lying, and that their reports of sodomy and other crimes against children are false? Leaving such an indictment in a state of anonymity means that almost any priest or bishop is suspect, surely a disservice to most who serve God and the church. If the archbishop is unsure of his accusation and could not name names, then it would have been better to say nothing at all along those lines. If he is sure of whom he wrote, then by all means expose them in public. We all should know and be able to assess for ourselves the actions of backhanded, disloyal priests and bishops, but having just the accusation without any facts and without any names, we have nothing to go on but the word of the archbishop. And, nowadays, what is that worth? John J. Murray Redwood City

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

An ode to the church

arlo Carretto was an Italian monk who died in 1988. For many years he lived as a hermit in the Sahara Desert, translated the Scrptures into the Tuareg language, and from the solitude of the desert wrote some extraordinary spiritual books. His writings and his faith were special in that they had a rare capacity to combine an almost childlike piety with (when needed) a blistering iconoclasm. He loved the church deeply, but he wasn’t blind to its faults and failures, and he wasn’t afraid to point out those FATHER ron shortcomings. rolheiser Late in life, when his health forced him to leave the desert he retired to a religious community in his native Italy. While there, late in life, he read a book by an atheist who took Jesus to task for a phrase in the Sermon on the Mount where he says: “Seek and you shall find,” meaning, of course, that if you seek God with an honest heart you will find God. The atheist had entitled his book, “I Sought and I Didn’t Find,” arguing from his own experience that an honest heart can seek God and come up empty. Carretto wrote a book in reply called: “I Sought and I Found.” For him, Jesus’ counsel rang true. In his own search, despite encountering many things that could indicate the absence of God, he found God. But he admits the difficulties, and one of those difficulties is, at times, the church. The church can, and sometimes does, through its sin, make it difficult for some to believe in God. Car-

retto admits this with a disarming honesty but argues that it’s not the whole picture. Hence his book combines his deep love for his faith and his church with his refusal to not turn a blind eye to the very real faults of Christians and the churches. At one point in the book he gives voice to something which might be described as an “Ode to the Church.” It reads this way: How much I must criticize you, my church and yet how much I love you! How you have made me suffer much and yet owe much to you. I should like to see you destroyed and yet I need your presence. You have given me much scandal and yet you alone have made me understand holiness. Never in this world have I seen anything more obscurantist, more compromised, more false, and yet never in this world have I touched anything more pure, more generous, and more beautiful. Many times I have felt like slamming the door of my soul in your face – and yet how often I have prayed that I might die in your sure arms! No, I cannot be free of you, for I am one with you, even though not completely you. Then, too – where would I go? To build another church? But I cannot build another without the same defects, for they are my own defeats I bear within me. And again, if I build one, it will be my Church, and no longer Christ’s. No, I am old enough to know that I am no better than others. I shall not leave this Church, founded on so frail a rock, because I should be founding another one on an even frailer rock: myself. And then, what do rocks matter? What matters is Christ’ promise, what matters is

the cement that binds the rocks into one: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit alone can build the Church with stones as ill-hewn as we. This is an expression of a mature faith; one which isn’t so romantic and idealistic that it needs to be shielded from the darker side of things and one which is real enough so as not to be so cynical that it blinds itself to the evident goodness that also emanates from the church. In truth, the church is both horribly compromised and wonderfully grace-filled. Honest eyes can see both. A mature heart can accept both. Children and novices need to be shielded from the dark underbelly of things; scandalized adults need to have their eyes opened to the evident goodness that’s also there. Many people have left the church because it has scandalized them through its habitual sins, blind spots, defensiveness, self-serving nature, and arrogance. The recent revelations (again) of sexual abuse by priests and the cover-up by church authorities have left many people wondering whether they can ever again trust the church’s structure, ministers, and authorities. For many, this scandal seems too huge to digest. Carlo Carretto’s “Ode,” I believe, can help us all, whether scandalized or pious. To the pious, it can show how one can accept the church despite its sin and how denial of that sin is not what’s called for by love and loyalty. To the scandalized, it can be a challenge to not miss the forest for the trees, to not miss seeing that, in the church, frailty and sin, while real, tragic, and scandalous, never eclipse the superabundant, life-giving grace of God. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is president of the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas.

Letters Laity oversight as reparation Regarding the archbishop’s “Letter to the faithful” on the subject of sexual abuse, I do not understand why the laity has to make reparation for the sins of the priests and bishops. The archbishop says nothing about what the bishops themselves should do to remedy the damage they have done. Since the near-autonomous power of bishops in this country made possible the cover-ups, will the archbishop now urge a modification of that power, in sexual abuse cases, so that some panel of bishops and qualified laymen and laywomen might exercise oversight? A modification would be a directly responsive reparation for the evil done. Cardinal Burke thinks the national bishops conference has no power to make such a modification. If true, will the archbishop urge a change in canon law in the name of reparations? Perhaps the archbishop would like to say more. Donald C. Carroll Menlo Park

A wounded church

There is no crime more egregious than sexual assault against children especially when it’s committed by supposedly paragons of virtue, the Catholic priests. These are predatory monsters that should be put away for life. I grew up in an Irish Catholic family where the local priests and bishops were treated like gods, and the hierarchy of the church were like a second government. No longer! The Catholic Church in Ireland is on its deathbed and the churches are practically empty except for a few diehard senior citizens. The church needs to make some major changes before it’s too late. Priests need to be allowed to marry and their families be supported by the Vatican, their true employer. Monies collected at Masses should go to supporting and improving their schools. Women have been discriminated against for years by the church and it’s time that they be allowed to be ordained as priests. They practically run a lot of the parishes anyway. What other institution would get away with this discrimination?

These problems are not going away anytime soon. We’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg! Chuck McDevitt Corte Madera

Effect of the celibate lifestyle

We are well aware that any attempt to discuss optional celibacy is rebuffed by Rome. Even though safeguards, like more comprehensive screening of priesthood applicants, have been put in place, does something happen after ordination causing priests to abuse? In view of this crisis, the effect of the celibate lifestyle is an important question I would think. Our church demands much of Catholics who take their religion seriously. Yet what do our priests and bishops demand of themselves? Will the next generation of priests cause the next generation of victims? Bev Rowden San Rafael

Hope and prayer

Because I am not a (canon or civil) lawyer I can only pray and hope that every living perpetrator or enabler of sex abuse, whether parish priest, member of the hierarchy or a layperson, be held accountable to the fullest extent of church and civil law. Anything less is an obscenity. Paul Elie in a recent interview in Slate acknowledged that he had heard rumors about Archbishop McCarrick and did not follow up. This admission should have included a pledge to always use his skills to investigate, to protect and support victims whenever such rumors surface, and to encourage others to do the same. Barbara Berman San Francisco Editor’s note: The referenced interview may be accessed at https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/08/catholic-church-sex-abuse-crisis-howpope-francis-and-his-flock-should-respond.html.

People need a reason to hope

Once again, we hear news of a clergy sex scandal. This angers and saddens me for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is the well-being of the victims of these animals. But it

goes much deeper than that. There is the humiliation of good priests who are unjustly associated with the guilty ones. Then there is the embarrassment felt by lay Catholics as they watch the church established by Christ dragged through the mud by a media that delights in its misfortunes. This spectacle keeps some from entering the church and sends others out. Catholic charities are also hurt by this. And that has a negative impact on some of society’s neediest members. In short it hurts the cause of Christ. We have a serious problem and we need to end it now. Also people need a reason to hope and I am just trying to address that need. Sebastian R. Fama Waterbury, Connecticut

Crime and punishment

These clerics should all be in prison as would happen to lay people. Will that happen? Maria Brann San Francisco

No time for ‘talking points’

Just when I think that we’re finally getting some honesty, transparency and “how do we go forward to healing?” this happens. We have the USCCB ignore everything else and go on to make abortion the issue as the Catholic Church faces an historic confrontation with an evil called pedophilia and the cover-up. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is promoting a special season of prayer for a “change in the Supreme Court.” Without mentioning Brett Kavanaugh (who is one scary guy, based on his legal documents) by name, the bishops have launched a nine-week “Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life” which is all about abortion, with no mention of any of the other life issues the pope has been raising of capital punishment, abuse of immigrants and refugees, war or poverty, not to mention pedophilia and immoral cover-ups. Catholics across America are yearning for honesty and transparency about the church’s past and future. Instead they’re being given yet more bulletin inserts with religious-right talking points about Roe v. Wade. Sue Hayes San Francisco

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Why we stay, and the Vigano testimony

he Sunday Mass Scripture during this summer of horrors have often been eerily appropriate, beginning with Jeremiah’s polemic against malfeasant shepherds who mislead the Lord’s flock (July 25) and continuing through the story of many disciples’ defection after the “hard words” of the bread of life discourse (Aug. 26). And it’s entirely understandable that more than a few Catholics have choked on the word “holy” these past few months, when asked to affirm it of the church during the Creed and the Offertory. george weigel But while understandable, that still bespeaks a misunderstanding. The reason why is given immediately after the defection story in John 6: 60-66, when the Lord asks the Twelve if they, too, are going to bail on him and Peter answers, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Everlasting life is offered to us sacramentally at every Mass. That is what we believe; that is why we remain in the church; and that is why we must all bend every effort, from our distinct states of life in the mystical body of Christ, to reform what must be reformed so that others may know and love the Lord Jesus and experience the life-giving fruits of friendship with him. The church’s current crisis is a crisis of fidelity and a crisis of holiness, a crisis of infidelity and a crisis of sin. It is also a crisis of

evangelization, for shepherds without credibility impede the proclamation of the Gospel – which, as the other headlines of the day suggest, the world badly needs. In the immediate aftermath of Archbishop CarloMaria Vigano’s “testimony,” and its statement that Pope Francis knew of the dereliction of Theodore McCarrick, former archbishop of Washington and lifted the sanctions against McCarrick that had been imposed (but never seriously enforced) by Pope Benedict XVI, the polemics within the church immediately intensified and ricocheted through the media. In this febrile atmosphere, it is virtually impossible for anyone to say anything without arousing suspicions and accusations. But as I knew Archbishop Vigano well during his service as papal representative in Washington, I feel obliged to speak about him, which I hope will help others consider his very, very serious claims thoughtfully. First, Archbishop Vigano is a courageous reformer, who was moved out of the Vatican by his immediate superiors because he was determined to confront financial corruption in the Governatorato, the administration of Vatican City State. Second, Archbishop Vigano is, in my experience, an honest man. We spoke often about many things, large and small, and I never had the impression that I was being given anything other than what he believed in his conscience to be the truth. That does not mean that he got everything right; a man of humility and prayer, he would be the first to concede that. But it does suggest that attempts to portray him as someone deliberately making

false accusations, someone other than an honest witness to what he believes to be the truth, are unpersuasive. When he writes in his testimony that he is “…ready to affirm [these allegations] on oath calling on God as my witness,” he means it. And he means it absolutely. Archbishop Vigano knows that, in swearing such an oath, he would be taking his soul into his hands; which means he knows that if he were to speak falsely, he would be unlikely to find his soul again. Third, Archbishop Vigano is a loyal churchman of a certain generation and formation, bred to a genuine piety about the papacy. His training in the papal diplomatic service would instinctively lead him to make the defense of the pope his first, second, third, and hundredth priority. If he believes that what he has now said is true, and that the church needs to learn that truth in order to cleanse itself of what is impeding its evangelical mission, then he is overriding his engrained instincts for the gravest of reasons. What Archbishop Vigano testifies to knowing on the basis of direct, personal, and in many cases documentable experiences in Rome and Washington deserves to be taken seriously, not peremptorily dismissed or ignored. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the U.S. bishops’ conference president, evidently agrees, as his Aug. 27 statement makes clear. That is another step toward the purification and reform we need. George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Washington, D.C.

Amid scandal, why remain Catholic? The text below has been transcribed from a video talk by Bishop Barron. View the video at www.youtube. com/watch?v=-ani_hnN8Fs&feature=youtu.be.

wanted to speak to you again about this terrible crisis we’re passing through in the church, this crisis of sexual abuse and the countenancing of it by some bishops. I know I spoke to you a couple of days ago. But what’s been striking me recently is the number of people who seem to be calling for the abandonment of the church: “Because of this crisis, it’s time for us to leave the church. We’ve simply had enough.” Now, can I just say this? I totally understand people’s feelings. I share them—the feelings of anger and frusBISHOP Robert tration. I get it. I get it. But Barron can I also suggest, I think this is precisely the wrong strategy at this moment in the church’s life. Leaving is not what we ought to be doing. What we ought to be doing is fighting. Let me explain that with a little historical reference. One of my great heroes is Abraham Lincoln. And Lincoln of course operated politically at one of the most convulsive times in our national history, when slavery was threatening the very foundations of American democracy. Lincoln knew from the beginning of his career that the nation, as he put it, couldn’t survive half-slave and half-free. But he saw more profoundly too that slavery as an institution was repugnant to the very principles of American democracy. Now, we can hear that in the Gettysburg Address. And in a way it’s sad that that’s become so cliché, that we all memorize it in high school. But let’s go back to those words: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” Notice he’s articulating the principles that define American democracy: freedom and equality. Then he says, “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” He knew what was at stake in the war was American democracy itself. He knew that slav-

ery was a kind of cancer that would undermine American ideals. Now, I suppose at the time an option would have been simply to give up on the American experiment. “I’m leaving the country. I’ve had it. This thing is a disaster. I’m giving up.” But Lincoln wouldn’t take that option. In fact, he led the country down the other path toward fighting – fighting for the ideals of American democracy. Now, can I suggest everybody, I think something similar is at stake right now. The Catholic Church, its great principles and ideals; the Catholic Church, grounded in Jesus Christ, the love of God made manifest in him in his dying and his rising; the Catholic Church, in all of its power and beauty and perfection, is indeed threatened by this terrible scourge of sexual abuse. It is indeed a blight upon the church. It is appropriate that people feel anger, frustration. I suppose the option is on the table: Leave. “I’ve had it. The thing is just too corrupt. I’m out of here.” But see, I want to suggest everybody, that is not what is called for. Rather, what’s called for is the Lincoln option: fighting for the church that we believe in so powerfully; seeing this blight, naming it clearly, unambiguously, but then fighting to set things right. It’s not the moment for cutting and running. It’s the moment for getting into the fight. And you say, “Well okay, bishop, I get it. But how do I fight?” Look: You fight through your own righteous anger. You fight by writing a letter to your bishop, a letter to the pope. You fight by your very presence at Mass. You fight by keeping people’s feet to the fire. You fight by organizing your fellow Catholics. Fight any way you can. But you fight because you believe in the church; you love the church; and you realize that despite this terrible blight, it’s worth fighting for. You know, keep in mind everybody, we are not Catholics because of the moral excellence of our leaders. I mean, God help us if we were. We want our leaders – indeed, we expect our leaders – to be morally excellent. But we are not Catholics because of that moral excellence. We’re Catholics because of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead. We’re Catholics because of the Trinitarian love of God. We’re Catholics because of the Mystical Body of Christ. We’re Catholics because of the sacraments. We’re Catholics especially because of the Eucharist. We’re Catholics because of the Blessed Mother. We’re Catholics because

of the saints. Even as leaders in the church fail morally, the Catholic Church remains the Mystical Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ. And she’s worth fighting for. Keep this in mind too everybody: Every baptized person is priest, prophet, and king. A couple of days ago I talked about the kingly office. Can I talk now about the prophetic office? When Israel got off the rails – read the Old Testament, it happened on a regular basis: This community was meant to reflect the will of God into the world, Israel the chosen people of God, but frequently its leaders failed, frequently its people fell into sin, frequently it fell away from the Torah and the Temple – what did God do? He called forth prophets: people like Jeremiah, people like Isaiah, people like Amos and Ezekiel, people like Zechariah. And they raised their voices – sometimes, yes, in very angry protest – about these corruptions within Israel. You’re a prophet. Every one of you listening to me right now who is baptized into Jesus Christ is a prophet. Raise your voice! Prophets didn’t cut and run when Israel was in trouble; the prophets spoke out. That’s all of our responsibility, all of us who bear the prophetic charism. You know, perhaps a last thought here. I said it a couple of days ago, I’ll say it again. Whom are we fighting for? We’re not fighting primarily to save our institutions. See, I’m with my old mentor Cardinal George of happy memory. In the last talk he ever gave to all the priests of Chicago, he said, “Remember, at the beginning of the church, there were no parishes. There were no schools, hospitals, institutions. There were evangelists,” he reminded us. “There were proclaimers of the word.” But the point was the church does not depend ultimately on institutions. We’re not fighting primarily for that aspect of the church’s life. We are fighting for the victims of these terrible crimes. We’re fighting for people who were sexually assaulted, sexually abused. If we cut and run precisely at this challenging time, who will be the prophetic voice on behalf of these victims? So that’s my little “cri de coeur,” everybody – my cry from the heart. I get it. I get the frustration people feel. I share it. But this is not the moment to abandon the church. This is the moment to fight for the church. Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and founder of Word on Fire media ministry.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

The battle against pedophiles

Homily for a church that has sinned Catholic News Service

Responding to editors’ requests for a regular sampling of current commentary from around the Catholic press, here is an op-ed titled “Homily for a church that has sinned” from the Aug. 23 issue of The Record, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky. It was written by Father Lou Meiman, pastor of St. Frances of Rome Church and St. Leonard Church in Louisville.

n the third century, under the Roman emperor Diocletian, Christianity suffered the worst persecution in history throughout the empire for years. But the governor of the Roman province of Africa allowed the large number of Christians in North Africa some leniency. If the leaders would just make the token gesture of handing over the sacred Scriptures to the authorities, they would not be prosecuted. Many did and saved their own lives. Many others would not and were executed. Those who did became known as “traditores,” literally those who had handed over. The word comes down to us as “traitors.” Not too long after, the emperor Constantine proclaimed freedom of religion throughout the empire. But Christians still had to deal with the traitors in their midst. The ones who had handed over that which was most sacred, and yet still held positions of power and authority. To echo the words of the people in today’s Gospel, how could these men give us the flesh of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist? And the question was not simply how dare they, but literally, could they? Could those who had committed such a deep betrayal still enact the sacraments at all? The church had to deal with the anger and the betrayal and the abandonment of those who held the highest positions of trust. Thanks to this week’s grand jury report from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, many of us know what it is to come together as a church that is angry and betrayed by those in power. Again we hear the tales of horrible abuse, of predators and those who shielded them. Over 1,000 victims, more than 300 priests over the last seven decades. And while most of the perpetrators are dead, and the report acknowledges that there has been change, the reality is still the reality. Those in power have once again handed over that which is most holy, this time the lives of our children and young people. For this is not the first time we have come together like this. Many of us remember when it was our own archdiocese that was in the headlines across the country, when the news was the abuse in our own churches and our own schools. And I remember at the time that authorities in the Vatican made no secret that they thought it was an American problem – the result of Americans’ lax morality. That it was perpetrated by a few individuals whose guilt was horrible, but limited. The intervening years have proven how wrong they were. And so we come to this summer. And the story out of Pennsylvania is not the only one. Every bishop in the country of Chile submitted their resignations last month over the widespread abuse in their country. The country of Australia, after a long nationwide investigation, has convicted and jailed the former president of the bishops’ conference, and Cardinal George Pell is on trial there now. Decades of abuse of religious women in India at the hands of priests and bishops has come to light. The archbishop of Boston just this week canceled his appearance at the World Meeting of Families in Ireland, to begin an investigation into Boston’s two seminaries, where there are charges of ongoing abuse of adult seminarians by the faculties. And Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, once the senior prelate in the United States, was stripped of his title and ordered by the pope to spend the rest of his life in penance for abusing both children and adult seminarians and priests. This is not an American problem. It is not the problem of a few individuals. It is the problem of a system. It is the problem of a culture where abuse can thrive and be hidden. And so we, as an entire church, must beg the forgiveness of those victims. All of those victims. We must do whatever we can and whatever it takes to bring them what healing is possible. But we owe them much more than that. We must face the reality that this is a result of the culture and system that we as a church have built. Only then can we begin the change that must come. And so I find some irony and some blessing in the Scriptures the church places before us this day (Aug. 19). Back in the days when the church struggled with the betrayal of those who were God’s ministers, a great cathedral was built in the capital of the Roman Empire. For 1,500 years it would stand as the largest church in

(CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit)

Brett and Bridget Hutchinson of St. Thomas More in St. Paul, Minnesota, pray with other young adults gathered on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Paul Aug. 20 during a vigil called “Evening Prayer for the Survivors of Clerical Abuse and the Healing of the Church.” It is part of an effort to pray, educate, dialogue and gather together in response to recent revelations of clergy sexual abuse and the ongoing crisis in the church.

the world. Until a chapel on the Vatican Hill was rebuilt by Michelangelo and the pope and became the largest church. That original cathedral still stands in Istanbul, which was Constantinople. And it still bears the name under which it was dedicated: Hagia Sophia – The Holy Wisdom. It is a name which is a direct reference to the passage from Proverbs we read today. Wisdom has built HER house, she has set up HER seven columns; SHE has spread HER table. SHE calls Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed! It is the image of the banquet of the reign of God presided over by a woman. For three-quarters of Christianity’s history, its largest church bore the title of God as female. And yet, ironically, it was the ancient Roman concept of the place of women that prevailed in Christianity. Greek women could hold property, own and operate businesses. Roman women could only act through male relatives, only be seen in public with hair and limbs covered. I have known enough mothers and women religious in my day that I am convinced that if the church had taken seriously that title of God as Holy Wisdom, if the experience and the wisdom and the voice of women had as much power in the church as the voice of men, we would not have the culture that we have. We would not have the structures that we have and would not have handed over the precious and the holy to shield predators. Recent popes have said that there is nothing in church law or custom to prevent women from holding positions of power in the church. Good. For it is far beyond time. Not just for the church to listen to the voice of women, but for women to sit in judgement. For women to help shape the future. So that is for tomorrow. But what of today? Now? What of our anger and betrayal? We need to hear what those earlier Christians heard through their anger and betrayal – those whose leaders had handed over the sacred Scriptures to save their own lives. The voice of God saying: Your bishops and priests may have betrayed you. They may have abandoned you. They may have betrayed and abandoned me. But I will not abandon you. Not ever. For my flesh is real food. And my blood is real drink. I will feed you with life and love. For no human. And no human sin – none – can ever stop my love for you. And so we come once again to this table. For in the end it is the Holy Wisdom of God that has built this house. And She has set up her columns. And She has spread her banquet. And She will feed us with the bread of life. Feed us to strengthen us for hope. To strengthen us for righteous anger. To strengthen us for change and for healing. She will feed us, for the way is long ahead of us. And it is hard. But we know where it leads. For Wisdom has promised to go ahead of us. To meet us in her house, at the Great Banquet in the reign of God.

or centuries, the clergy of all faiths have attracted deviants and con artists who need to cloak a of respectability to win the trust of their victims. We must do a better job of weeding them out. The outrage over the pedophile sexual abuse scandal in Pennsylvania is not strong enough, these crimes are beyond horrific. Support for the betrayed victims is our priority. Everyone is ashamed and FATHER JOHN devastated by this CATOIR scandal especially the good priests who detest these crimes and are often painted with the same brush. This terrible evil, which has stained the face of Christ must be eliminated. In the past, the bishops dealt with sex abuse cases the way they dealt with alcohol abuse: repentance, forgiveness, re-habilitation, and recovery. Then, after a period of rehab, a psychiatrist would write a letter to the effect that the priest was ready to return to active duty. Bishops thought this policy of mercy would work, as it did with alcoholic priests. They were wrong. It failed miserably with pedophiles and is no longer considered valid. Today, many bishops are immediately turning sex-abuse accusations over to the police and letting law enforcement authorities determine if the charges are credible. If the priest is found guilty, he is sent to jail. Some of them have committed suicide, many have resigned from the priesthood knowing their career is over anyway. The Pennsylvania grand jury deliberated over cases going back 70 years and found 300 guilty priests. During that period there were about 30,000 priests who lived and died in six dioceses of Pennsylvania during that period. The 300 priests represent one percent of the total. Bishop Donald Trautman, the Bishop of Erie, Pennsylvania, from 1990 until his 2012 retirement at age 76, wondered if the grand juty told the whole story. He said, “I neither condoned nor enabled clergy abuse. Rather I did just the opposite. My time spent as bishop of the diocese addressing sexual abuse has been the most demoralizing, trying and pain-filled experiences of my life. I have seen first hand how the terrible acts of the clergy abusers devastate the lives of innocent victims.” He commended the grand jury saying, “They rightfully chastised clergy who committed horrible crimes against children, but unfortunately did not emphasize the concrete steps church leaders took to correct and curtail abuse and help victims.” The bishop said that his record includes disciplining, defrocking and ultimately laicizing pedophile priests. “It ‘also includes efforts to provide care and support for victims,” which statement he supported by appending many letters from victims expressing gratitude for his pastoral care. I know Bishop Trautman to be a straight shooter, and a champion of the laity. He’s one of many bishops who is reversing the failed policies of the past. The battle must go on. Let’s also pray for everyone concerned: the victims and their parents, the priests – both innocent and guilty, and all those who have left the church because of this scandal. May the Lord continue to be their strength and their joy. Father John Catoir is a canon lawyer and a priest of the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Why I want to be a Catholic priest This commentary titled “Why I want to be a Catholic priest” was written by Deacon Andrew J. De Silva, a seminarian who is slated to be ordained a priest in May 2019 for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. As a transitional deacon, he is assigned to St. Aloysius Parish in Jersey City and is a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves Chaplain Corps.

hen I was in college and then as a young adult, I wanted to be married and have a family, but in my mid-20s I heard God’s call to something else. A call to something radical, sacrificial, and even “noble sounding,” and it was accompanied with a promise of his divine help live it out. This divine call joined an innate desire I always had to combine fulfillment and joy with a life of service. I was called to be a Catholic priest. This summer, (with less than a year until ordination), like so many Catholics I was horrified at the evil revealed deacon inside the very heart of the andrew j. de church. I am angry and silva scandalized by the unspeakable abuses by priests and the titanic cover up by the bishops. While the report does appear to show that the national church reforms enacted since 2002 have been successful in radically reducing the amount of abuse, another scandal of this summer prevents me from relegating this evil to the past. The face of the Catholic response to the 2002 clergy child abuse scandal, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, allegedly abused children and seminarians and continued to rise through the ranks of the church hierarchy despite attempts of priests and lay people to blow the whistle. In spite of all this, I still feel called by God. Am I naive?

Can we pay others to donate a kidney?

ften we envision donating our organs after we are dead, but we can also choose to become an organ donor while we are alive if we share part of our liver or donate one of our kidneys. The proposal to give one of our two kidneys away, though, does raise some ethical and safety concerns. There can be long-term risks for the donor. Donating a kidney, moreover, would not be therapeutic for us — only for someone else — and in fact might slightly increase our own risk for experiencing renal failure in the future. Clearly we have a general duty to respect the integrity of our body. This means we shouldn’t cause injury to it, or damage it, for example, through surgeries or treatments that are not necessary to preserve our health or father tadeusz save our life. In light of these pacholczyk considerations, donating one of our kidneys would seem to run counter to our responsibility to maintain bodily integrity. Yet the notion of integrity can also be understood in a broader sense, namely, as functional integrity, so that if one of our kidneys were removed without imposing undue risk, and without a significant loss of blood filtering function, then we could say that the functional integrity of our renal system was preserved. In that case, the removal of one of our kidneys, as a sacrificial act and for a proportionate reason, such as saving or improving another person’s life, could be justified. This is what the church affirms. A further ethical concern, however, centers on the fact that the decision to donate must be made freely by the donor, and consent should be given

making sense out of bioethics

see pacholczyk, page 25

Every time that I have been involved in an organization that does not strive actively for transparency and accountability by its leader or leaders, I have encountered abuse of power. The church can change its culture. I have been an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves for five years and have seen the Army grow through a serious attempt to change its old boy culture to one where sexual harassment and abuse are no longer tolerated. Outside groups have assisted the Army to change its culture and currently every unit has someone to whom soldiers are encouraged to report transgressions outside the chain of command. While it would be naïve and wrong to say the problem is fixed, I have been heartened that there has been a marked change in the Army’s institutional culture. Despite any organizational similarities between the Army and the church, we know the church has a divine founder and when those in the church forget this, they fall. So, when I reflect on these priests and bishops who have so failed the people they were supposed to lead I am angry at them, not God. God calls priests to join in his son’s mission to all people. A call which is only possible through intense unity with him, a unity of prayer; a unity of life. God has always chosen human intermediaries to act between himself and humankind. In the Old Testament these include prophets, kings, judges. Since the Incarnation, there have been countless good and holy men and women acting as mediators but a particular part of God’s plan is his priests. As Catholic Christians, we believe that God speaks to us through his word. So I understand my own call through Jesus calling Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). I hear Jesus speak to me when he offers those “whom he desires” (Mark 3:13) a share in his own priesthood. I listen with incredulity when, in John 13, Jesus offers Peter a “share” in himself, washing the feet of his soon-to-be priests. Jesus was priest and victim at the cross when he offered himself for my salvation (and everyone else) and has been calling men for 2,000 years to ‘share’ in this work.

This is how I hear God’s call: To live a life sharing in the mission of Jesus. Jesus’ mission is to “reestablish all things together in him, both on earth and in heaven” (Eph. 1:10). This “bringing together” of all in Jesus is the call of a priest: To be with people at every important moment of their lives, pray with and for them, support them, love them, serve them. To feed them for the journey and then walk with them and like Jesus, to offer himself as a sacrifice for them. To be a priest separate from Jesus is to be a dried up stream; a bag of hot air in the best circumstance and diabolical in the worst. Yes, I want to be a Catholic priest; because of all the incredible men who are good and holy priests and have helped and supported me in my own life. Because of the much-needed ministry I have been privileged to provide already as a religious brother; doing Army chaplain ministry and as a seminarian. Because God has chosen to make himself present in the Eucharist in the hands of a priest. Because we as Catholics believe that the priest, despite his own frailty, has the awesome power to forgive sins. But mostly, because God has called me in this incredible way and I wish to answer that call. There are institutional problems that can and must be fixed. We must do everything in our power to ensure that those human leaders of the chuch live their call. We must pray, fast and sacrifice for victims and our church. But let us also remember and appreciate that Jesus is actively calling certain of us to be his priests – and thank him for it. I know that when I am ordained a priest in May, much of the institutional good will for the Catholic priest will not exist as it used to. I cannot change this. I can, however, take up the challenge to have greater faith in the God who calls me. With his immeasurable help overcoming my own weakness, I can resolve to be ever more united to his son the priest, and yes, the victim. Catholic News Service

Sail on the Sea of Galilee: No passport required

or some time I have thought about the Holy Land. Why would I go? What would it cost? How would I get there? I have looked at short courses, at Catholic tours, at The Jesus Trail, at spending time at a convent in Jerusalem like Ecce Homo, the pilgrim house of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion. I have looked at websites and tour itineraries, at all that I could see along the Via Dolorosa and all that I might learn from being in Jerusalem, the center of three great religious Sister jean traditions: Judaism, Isevans, rsm lam and Christianity. As I spent time looking at the websites, I found myself more interested in visiting the Sea of Galilee than anywhere else. I felt drawn by the scenery, the grasses blown by the afternoon winds. Although there are many fine hotels in Tiberius, I just wanted to be near the shore of that lake, maybe in a bed-and-breakfast or a guesthouse for pilgrims. I knew I would not be satisfied with the typical tourist offerings of a half or full-day bus tour of Nazareth, Cana, Tiberius, the Mount of the Beatitudes, and the River Jordan. No, I wanted to go to the Sea of Galilee, to feel the freshness of the wind coming off the waves, and to walk along with Jesus and the disciples. One day, with some help from Chapter 4 of St. Mark’s Gospel, I “heard” Jesus’ words, “Let us cross over to the other side.” In my imagination, I entered the scene: I got into the boat as quickly as I could. I wanted to be there, near him. As the boat began moving through the water, I looked to the bow and saw him already asleep, exhausted from the day’s preaching and healing. We took turns rowing and before I realized it, evening had turned into night. I could hardly

believe it. Then waves began slapping the sides of our boat with increasing fierceness. Within minutes, rain was coursing down from the heavens. There was water everywhere. We were drenched, struggling to hold on to the side of the boat with one hand as we tried to bail out water with the other. “I’m sure we’re going to sink!” I bawled to the disciple next to me. Everyone, except Jesus, was screaming. Then with one shocking gesture, a disciple took Jesus by his sleeve, pulled him close, and spoke words of fear laced with anger, “Jesus, Master, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” All of a sudden, Jesus sat up and shouted to the elements, “Quiet!” and then raising his right hand over the waves, as if to give a blessing, he called out to the sea, “Be calm!” Then he looked at us, “Why are you so frightened? Where is your faith?” We were stunned. No one had an answer for him. The rowing was easier now and as we came nearer to the shore, I heard some of the others say, “Who is he? How can he make the wind and sea obey his commands?” As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a mentally deranged man came up to him, fell to his knees and shouted, “Jesus, you are the son of the Most High God!” I went away repeating those same words: “You are the son of the Most High God!” and thanked God for this unforgettable moment with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-5:6). You know, looking back on it now, I think he may have been more amused than angry at us, his fearful disciples. Whether we use our imagination to break open the scriptures or sit quietly reading and re-reading a text, the Holy Spirit ensures our connection. We must know that our compassionate friend Jesus, son of the Most High God, is waiting to give each of us an opportunity to travel with him where no passport is required. Mercy Sister Jean Evans ministers in the Capuchin Development Office in Burlingame.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

French bishop: ‘Christ is the head, priests are not’ La Croix International

Archbishop-elect Eric de Moulins-Beaufort of Rheims, president of the Doctrinal Commission of the Bishops’ Conference of France, believes that the battle against clericalism necessarily depends on fostering communion between the baptized regardless of differences of view. Gauthier Vaillant for La Croix interviewed Archbishopelect de Moulins-Beaufort.

La Croix: What did you think of Pope Francis’ “Letter to the People of God” on the issue of abuse in the church?

Eric de Moulins-Beaufort: It is painful to admit that it was necessary for the pope to address this issue once again. However, I also appreciate the rising awareness of the faults in the church that the pope has identified. I am also impressed by his perseverance in working to assist the people of the church to learn how to recognize what cannot be accepted and to see the need to make the necessary ‘software’ changes.

How do you view his use of the term “clericalism?” And do you agree with his diagnosis that it provides fertile ground for abuse of all kinds?

We can now see that power of whatever kind can corrupt and that such corruption may lead to sexual abuse in particular. The recent (#MeToo) revelations regarding the American movie scene are a good example. Spiritual power, although it may seem “weak” because it only affects those who choose to obey it, can also be corrupted. Clericalism is the desire by a group of people – mostly clerics – to regulate social behavior in a childish way. I deeply believe that Christianity is a religion based on freedom. However, we also have to recognize that the spiritual power within may sometimes become distorted for social reasons. And we need to put an end to this.

Is the French church also concerned by this issue or is it something that mostly applies in other parts of the world?

In an article that I wrote several months ago [“Nouvelle revue théologique,” January-March 2018], I observed that the places where the greatest sexual abuses

scandals have broken out, including the United States, Ireland or Australia, shared the fact that historically they faced pressure from Protestantism. As a result, there was a withdrawal into a clerical structure, which then had the opportunity to wield excessive power over the faithful. I think that France has escaped that to some extent. Nevertheless, it needs to be recognized that priests in France also have sometimes succeeded in building up around themselves genuine micro-societies made up of faithful obsessed with their charism. And these are situations that quite often end in abuse.

Concretely, what can we do to combat this culture or to protect ourselves from it?

When the pope calls for the commitment of all, it means that we all need to accept that we are members of the same church, beyond any particular allegiances. Bishops have a special role in working to ensure that the baptized are united on the essential points although obviously people are able to express their faith in different ways. This is the spirit that St. Paul called for in his Letter to the Philippians. “Are you humble enough to recognize others as superior to yourselves?” (Philippians 2:3) These words need to be applied to us instead of considering ourselves as the only real Christians. It is very good that small groups exist. However, it is also necessary to accept to belong to a larger church. This spiritual task concerns everyone. Provided this is done, I think that the church’s structure of communion will enable it to overcome clericalism. The risk of clerical abuse will always exist and we have to admit that some members of the faithful are looking for leaders. However, a good priest is not someone who thinks on behalf of others but rather someone who allows each person to discover his or her own spiritual freedom. Our head is Christ, not a priest, no matter how formidable. This article appeared Aug. 31 on La Croix International, the English-language website of the European Independent Catholic daily La Croix. It may be accessed at https://international.la-croix.com/news/the-battle-against-clericalismchrist-is-the-head-priests-are-not/8318.

pacholczyk: Paying others to donate a kidney? FROM PAGE 24

without any undue pressure. This means that offering payments for organs is fundamentally coercive and unethical. We face a serious shortage of available kidneys for transplant in the U.S. Average wait times for a kidney are approaching five years, and about 15-20 people die each day while waiting for an organ — the majority for a kidney. In August of 2018, I participated in a conversation with some of the health policy team at the White House as they considered possible strategies for increasing the supply of live donor kidneys. We discussed the ethical, legal, economic and health implications of some proposed solutions, including the proposal to reward organ donation by providing various non-cash benefits. During the White House meeting, some parties to the discussion offered recommendations that the government provide lifetime guaranteed coverage of all future medical expenses, or lifetime health insurance, to every person who becomes a living kidney donor. I emphasized that we should not be “encouraging” donation by offering “incentives” to donors as a direct benefit at all. Offering lifetime health insurance or similar proposals would, in my view, constitute a form of payment or “valuable consideration” offered to the donor, and would again raise the problem of improperly incentivizing the donation of organs, pressuring someone to consider donating as a way to secure lifetime health insurance coverage. When Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act in 1984, this concern about incentivizing donations was directly addressed. This law prohibits the purchase of organs or any exchange of “valuable con-

sideration.” This same law, however, clearly permits reimbursement of various expenses associated with the transplant, such as travel costs to get to the hospital in order to have the kidney removed, temporary housing at the time of surgery, lost wages incurred in connection with the donation of the organ, etc. Providing reimbursement of expenses should not be viewed as encouraging or incentivizing the donation itself, but rather as “eliminating disincentives,” or “removing hindrances or roadblocks.” An organ donor should not have to assume extra personal expense or take on other heavy burdens to be able freely to help out another patient who would benefit from receiving his or her kidney. From the ethical point of view, our ultimate goal should be not so much to “incentivize donation,” as to “support or encourage personal generosity” on the part of those individuals who may desire to donate freely one of their kidneys. The distinction is an important one. At the end of the day, we want people to become organ donors, not organ vendors. Human organs and tissues, because of their close proximity and connection to our human identity, cannot be reduced to commodities to be acquired or sold on an open market. We must do what we can, legally and otherwise, to safeguard the generosity of the organ donor’s freely chosen act and prevent others, especially the poor and disadvantaged, from being exploited because they need money, health care, or other “incentives.” Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and serves as the director of education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

Breaking up with your phone

’ve been emailing my friend Becky, a newspaper editor in South Dakota, about our growing desire to unplug. We used to compare notes on “Dancing with the Stars,” but lately we’re both watching less TV. “My eyes have started to reject going from screen to screen,” she emailed me. Instead, she said, she’s been reading, cooking and walking her dog, which led to the discovery of downtown trails and encounters with bison, deer and bigChristina horn sheep. Capecchi “I notice a difference,” she wrote. “It has gotten to the point where my phone is strictly for texting and calling people on Sundays. I can’t keep up with it all, and I’m not sure it’s worth trying.” I told her about my weeklong hiatus from social media, which retrained my thumb from tapping on Instagram feeds. I used that free time online to enjoy personality profiles and read substantive articles on mental illness, gender identity and child development. I found myself looking up the definition of words like ersatz, which means artificial or synthetic, an inferior substitute used to replace something natural or genuine. Just as soon as I had landed on this snazzy new word – a word that says so much in six letters and has that novel z ending– I uncovered an application for it, one that got to the root of my iPhone addiction. Our screen time provides stimulation that is ersatz to real human connection. Social-media apps purport to connect us with others but actually impair and isolate us, turning us into the kind of people who don’t answer a phone call but text the caller shortly later, only to enter into a rapid-fire exchange that feels urgent but not fulfilling. It was time to turn to Catherine Price’s 2018 bestseller “How to Break Up with your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back your Life.” Reading this book was like eating broccoli: I knew I was doing something good for myself. It offers an eye-opening assessment of the mental, social and physical effects of extended phone use – the way it fractures our attention spans, hinders our ability to form new memories and undercuts our sleep. The biggest takeaway, for me, was the fact that we do not think critically about the impact of our phones. How do certain apps make us feel? Why is it hard to put down our phones? What are they doing to our brains? Who benefits from our addiction? I was disappointed in myself for being lulled, like an unblinking toddler, into all the scrolling and swiping. Heeding Price’s advice and cutting back on phone time has made me feel more in control, more engaged with my life. It empowers me to tackle other off-balance areas as I head into fall, which will be a season of change. I’m setting better sleep habits and healthier snacking, replacing Dove milk chocolates with peanuts and pecans. One positive change begets another. I recently read about a priest who hits the gym several times a week and weight lifts 350 pounds. “It gets you used to doing hard things,” he said. “And when you’re doing hard things in this controlled environment, it’s way easier to do hard things elsewhere in your life.” When praying is hard, I focus on the simple prayers that ground me, beginning and ending my day. But I’m also realizing that being disciplined can turn the day into one continuous prayer: an act of appreciation for life, for God’s gifts, a love for something greater than self. And that’s a good reason to set aside the phone. Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Voices, spirits raised with San Quentin choir

Pictured at San Quentin Prison Aug. 5 are, from left, three Benedict XVI Institute singers; Rebekah Wu, director of the institute schola and teaching choir; Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone; and Contemplative of St. Joseph Father Cassian, principal celebrant of Mass in the extraordinary form Aug. 25 at San Quentin. Also on the trip was Benedict XVI Institute executive director Maggie Gallagher.

hymn “Hail Holy Queen” followed by the inmates chanting with the choir. “Now it’s your turn to sing,” Wu said to the men. Gallagher said: “Not only do we have 25 enthusiastic volunteers, as importantly, all the men I spoke with, whether they joined the schola or not, are anxious to come and attend the Latin Mass on Aug. 25. For some it will be a trip down memory lane to the music of their Catholic boyhoods. But for many of the young men present, it is a fresh chance to participate in the ancient rituals of the church, to share the noble sacred beauty that is their heritage too.” Gallagher said Archbishop Cordileone told her after the visit: “I saw these men, who humanly speaking are in a dire situation that may seem hopeless, be lifted up to God by sacred beauty and given new hope. They love to sing and they worship well. So the response of the men to the invitation to form a schola and participate in bringing back the traditional Latin Mass to San Quentin was overwhelming but not surprising. The Benedict XVI Institute teaching choir is clearly fulfilling an important need in ordinary parishes but also for those at the margins of society.”

The teaching choir sang first with a program director Rebekah Wu prepared that included the

For information about the Benedict XVI Institute, email wongr@sfarch.org.

Tom Burke Catholic San Francisco

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone and the teaching choir of The Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship visited San Quentin Prison Aug. 5. Maggie Gallagher, institute director, said the trip’s purpose was “to give men forgotten by many in society the uplift of pure sacred beauty and to teach these men they can chant too” and “to invite the men at San Quentin to form a schola that will help bring back the traditional Latin Mass on Aug. 25.” Gallagher said 25 men have applied to be part of the ensemble. “Prison is a kind of community and like any community there are those who actively work to make it better. We met a lot of men like that.” Gallagher said prison chaplain, Jesuit Father George Williams, introduced the archbishop and the Benedict XVI Institute personnel: “This is our brand-new teaching choir and you are our first gig,” the archbishop told the men. “I love telling people our first teaching gig is the San Quentin schola.” Gallagher said generous applause greeted the archbishop’s remarks.

(Courtesy photo)

Young Catholic Professionals seeks members for local chapter Tom Burke Catholic San Francisco

Young Catholic Professionals is a national program founded in 2010 that “seeks to challenge, train, and inspire young adults in their 20s and 30s to work in witness for Christ,” Kellie Hering, a YCP management associate, told Catholic San Francisco via email. She and other full time YCP staff are based in Dallas, Texas. YCP now has 18 active chapters in cities across the country. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone said in an April letter to YCP founder Jennifer Baugh that the group is most welcome in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. “It is with hope and enthusiasm that I endorse Young Catholic Professionals to carry out their ministry here in our archdiocese,” Archbishop Cordileone said. “I am confident that these efforts will help draw many young adults into a deeper practice of the faith. You may count on my prayers and support for this endeavor.” YCP’s work partner on growing here is Amanda George, coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the archdiocese. A party May 10 with Hering and George as hosts and Archbishop Cordileone in attendance welcomed

Kellie Hering

Amanda George

Jennifer Baugh

some 20 young adults. To begin a chapter of YCP, a membership of 10 people is necessary. Six have come forward so far, George told me. Each chapter also has an advisory board of at least six members. The combination on the board of six should include two young adult professionals as well as four “seasoned professionals” aged 40 and above, George said. She especially appealed to readers of Catholic San Francisco in that rank to think about signing on. Hering elaborated on Jennifer Baugh’s inspiration to start YCP: “Through prayer and renewed faith, Jennifer Baugh began to see God and herself with new eyes. Struggling to find like-minded pilgrims through existing Catholic-based organizations, Jennifer longed for an association marked by a vibrancy in faith, deep

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connections, and a solid foundation in Christ’s church. From this search, she sensed a growing conviction that God was calling her to start something new.” The ministry is in sync with studies saying one’s faith is most challenged as a young adult, Hering said, calling it “a period filled with significant crossroads and life changes” and “pronounced for young Catholics living in an increasingly secular society that incessantly undermines religious belief and moral conviction.” Everyone is welcome at YCP, Hering said as it “creates purposeful communities in dioceses across the country for all young professionals – from devout Catholics to disengaged believers, to those without any connection to the church.” YCP’s purpose is to “foster Catholic identity, so that young professionals understand their Catholic faith.”

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obituaries Father Jim Morris

Father Jim Morris died Sept. 1 after an extended period of declining health. Father Morris was 78 years of age. His sister, Judy, a retired longtime staff member of Catholic San Francisco newspaper and devoted to Father Jim her brother’s comMorris fort to the end, was at his side. Their brother Jerry, his wife Theodora, and their son, Sean also survive Father Morris. Father Morris was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of San Francisco at Holy Name of Jesus Church on June 4, 1966 by Archbishop Joseph T. McGucken, and served at parishes including St. Gregory, San Mateo; St. Mary, Gilroy; and San Francisco’s St. Anne of the Sunset and St. Elizabeth. Father Morris also served as administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish in San Mateo later serving at St. Sebastian Parish in Kentfield. Father Morris underwent surgery on his spinal cord in 1994 to relieve pressure being caused by a growing tumor and, in time, began as parochial vicar at St. Robert Parish, San Bruno, and later St. Raymond Parish, Menlo Park. Father Morris retired from active ministry on Nov. 1, 2010. “Over the years that followed he kept his spirits up while coping with increasing physical limitations. His brother

priests would often mention his deep faith, humble commitment to service in the archdiocese, and his sense of humor and kindness to all he met,” the Office of Vicar for Clergy said. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Sept. 13, 11 a.m., St. Cecilia Church, 17th Avenue at Vicente, San Francisco with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. Remembrances may be made to the Priests’ Retirement Fund, One Peter Yorke way, San Francisco 94109.

Sister Dorothy Clare Klinger, SNJM

Holy Names Sister Dorothy Clare (Mary Ann Klinger) died July 26. She was 84 years old and had celebrated 65 years of profession as a Sister of the Holy Sister Dorothy Names of Jesus and Clare Klinger, Mary. SNJM Sister Dorothy was in elementary education for 45 years during which time she taught at St. Cecilia and St. Joseph schools in San Francisco. Her other assignments took her to the East Bay, Sacramento and Southern California. “She often said that she loved teaching first grade best because it gave her an opportunity to give the students a good foundation,” the sisters said. “After teaching she ministered at Villa Holy Names in Los Gatos where care and thoughtfulness were characteristic of her hospitality.” A funeral Mass was celebrated Aug.

5 with interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. Remembrances may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 907, Los Gatos 95031.

Sister Jeannette Croteau, CSJ

st. denis: Catechesis FROM PAGE 8

Sister Jeannette Croteau died June 22. Sister Jeannette was 100 years old and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange in 1937. For 29 years she ministered as a teacher and particularly enjoyed Sister Jeannette teaching French. Croteau, CSJ From 1940-1961, she taught in San Francisco, time shared between Notre Dame des Victoires School and the Chinese Mission. Later, she worked in health care with St. Joseph Health System in the tumor registry, patient support and pastoral care. In more recent years, she volunteered as a eucharistic minister and a visitor to elderly, homebound parishioners in Holy Family Cathedral. Her funeral Mass was celebrated at the motherhouse chapel on July 3 with interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. Remembrances may be made for the support of the sisters’ ongoing ministries to the Development Office, 440 S. Batavia St., Orange 92868.

have a ceremony, and then leave. Social Service Sister Celeste Arbuckle, the director of faith formation in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, said catechists in their work with parents can focus on two objectives: how parents can share their faith, and how parents can lead their families to grow deeper in faith. “It’s very simple but it has to be taught,” she said. Lisa Bamford, a parent who has participated in the family faith formation meetings at St. Matthias, said the family discussions about faith could be challenging, but were important because they allowed her to rediscover her own faith, and let her children to see her as a faithfilled person. Learning the faith alongside other families, she said, was also helpful because it showed her what other parents are doing to grow closer to God and how she can incorporate what they do into her own family. Her children also have another reason to look forward to faith formation. “Because there’s pizza,” she said with a laugh.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Catechists: Church spotlights faith formation teachers’ labor of love FROM PAGE 1

Francisco she started as a catechist in her 20s. After an invitation to join catechetical ministry, Gee said she found herself “inspired” by the children, growing closer to God through her work with them. But her work also acts as a ministry to parents, Gee said. “I know they’re looking for something more.” Felisa Cepeda, the director of religious education at Mater Dolorosa Parish in South San Francisco, agreed and told Catholic San Francisco that parent meetings are an opportunity for parents to ask questions they have about the church, or correct assumptions about what the church teaches. Cepeda said it was important to meet any person curious about the faith “where they are,” not where someone thinks they ought to be. And most important, she said, “it takes an invitation.” “People become Catholic because someone invited them to join,” Cepeda said. Just as someone invited her to become a catechist at 17, Cepeda said her work is to invite families to grow closer to God through deepening their faith. Alejandra Brito, a youth catechist at Holy Name of Jesus in San Francisco, told Catholic San Francisco that part of her mission is to form a parish community youth want to belong to. Many have grown away from the church because of concerns about

(Photos by Nicholas Wolfram Smith/Catholic San Francisco).

Parish catechetical leaders are pictured Aug. 27 at an archdiocese-wide faith formation gathering at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Right, Kathy Folan of St. Dominic Parish and Mark Diamond of St. Ignatius talk during the meeting. the relevance of faith today, and what they think Catholicism teaches about people who identify as LGBT, she said. But in her work, Brito said she tries to show that “even though times have changed, what happened in the Bible is relevant now.” Dorothy Vigna, director of religious education at St. Paul Parish in San Francisco, started teaching at 18 years old. Now with decades of experience as a catechist, she said the enthusiasm of younger catechists, along with the joy of watching children grow up in the faith, “keeps me going.” Vigna said catechesis was not an easy ministry. “It really is a sacrifice,” she said. The time spent away from family, preparing for class, and teaching “shows it’s really a sign of how they love God.”

Alongside children’s catechesis, parishes and the archdiocese also sponsor faith formation opportunities for other groups of Catholics. In addition to RCIA for adult converts to the church, the archdiocese also collaborates with parishes on preparing adult candidates for confirmation. Other events focus on high school youth and young adults, ranging from archdiocesan retreats to large, multi-diocesan gatherings like OnFire NorCal Jam. The archdiocese also focuses on faith formation for adults with special needs. The U.S. bishops have emphasized that not only are individuals with special needs recipients of catechesis, they “are also its agents. Their involvement enriches every aspect of church life.” Franciscan Sister Graciela Martinez, associate director for Hispanic

catechesis for the archdiocese, spoke about the importance of inculturation in the church’s evangelization and catechesis at an Aug. 28 event for parish catechetical leaders. “We need to teach the faith, and we need to touch the culture. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it,” she said. In addition to its Hispanic ministry, the archdiocese also has a certification program for Chineselanguage catechists. At the heart of the widespread and complicated ministry of faith formation is a clear mission. Sister Celeste said “our goal is to get people to teach the importance of Jesus Christ in their life and of faith in their life. Catechists model the Christian sharing of joy.” Sister Celeste added, “And our secret is simple: sharing the very best of ourselves.”

Archbishop’s letter recognizing Catechetical Sunday Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, The Catholic Church in the United States traditionally observes Catechetical Sunday each year on the third Sunday of September. This year, on September 16, as the Church calls forth and commissions catechists, the theme for reflection and action will be “Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ.” It will be a joyful occasion Archbishop to celebrate our participaSalvatore J. tion in the mission of Jesus Cordileone Christ to teach and call everyone to fullness of life in him. Looking at our Archdiocese, as we together anticipate this year’s Catechetical Sunday, I am truly heartened by the hundreds of catechists

in our Faith Formation programs and Catholic Schools who labor with great dedication in teaching and sharing the faith with children, youth, young adults, and adults. As I meet and get to know them in my visits to the parishes, I am filled with joy and gratitude for their generous and faith-filled service. They are indeed enlisted witnesses for Jesus Christ, who in turn are eager to enlist others as witnesses for him. I commend those at the Office of Faith Formation of the Archdiocese, the Parish Catechetical Leaders, and all catechists and teachers for bringing God’s abundant blessings to thousands of people being touched by their outstanding ministry. I would also like to thank parents and guardians of children, the first teachers of faith and primary catechists, as they share their faith and love with their children in the beautiful setting of the domestic Church–the family–modelled on the Holy Family itself. I would like to encourage all parents and guardians to be closely connected with their parishes through various catecheti-

cal programs as they ensure that the faith is handed on from one generation to the next. By accompanying their children weekly to Sunday Mass, participating in the parish Faith Formation programs, reflecting on the Word of God at home, praying the daily Rosary, and inculcating the teachings of the Church to their children, they will truly be the catechists and witnesses that Jesus Christ is seeking in the world today. I wish all parishes a blessed and joyful Catechetical Sunday on September 16, a day designated to celebrate catechists and rededicate all our parishes and the whole Archdiocese to renewed catechetical ministry. Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone Archbishop of San Francisco

Speaker: ‘Negativity interferes with our spiritual growth’ FROM PAGE 7

was born. Every year since she was a child, Lavin and her family have also been central to San Francisco’s La Madonna del Lume (Mother of Light) Festa, a three-day annual devotion to the patron saint of Sicilian fishermen taking place this year Sept. 28-30. Allesandro Baccari, the 90-year-old custodian of the Fishermen’s Chapel known in the neighborhood as the unofficial “Mayor of North Beach,” invited Lavin to share her talk on the feast of the Assumption. It is part of a series that will continue in the same location, he said. “I have such faith in her and I love

Marie Lavin and Allesandro Baccari

what she’s trying to do,” said Baccari, a writer, photographer and historian who raised the money for and built the Fishermen’s Chapel in 1981 as a memorial to the men and women who sailed out of the Golden Gate and never returned. “She makes you think,” he said. The Fishermen’s Chapel is Catholic and also home to St. John’s Oratory of the Society of St. John the Apostle, which offers a full, traditional Latin Mass on Sundays and holidays. But Baccari said he wanted everyone to feel welcome at what he sees as a “spiritual landmark” in the midst of the tourist hubbub of Fisherman’s Wharf. The Fishermen’s Chapel serves as

the traditional end point to La Madonna del Lume. It begins with three days of Mass and devotions at Sts. Peter and Paul and concludes with La Madonna del Lume Parade from the church to the wharf for a “Blessing of the Fleet.” Baccari told Catholic San Francisco that he wanted to offer Lavin, who he has known for decades, a welcoming platform for her message in her own community. “I think it is important for people who have such deep feelings about these things to get an opportunity to express them,” he said. “I think it is even more important that women in particular have more opportunities to be heard.”

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

(Photo by Debra Greenblatt/Catholic San Francisco)

3 (Courtesy photo)

Around the archdiocese 1

ST. RITA PARISH, FAIRFAX: On Aug. 19, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone made his official judicial visit to St. Rita Parish in Fairfax. “He celebrated Mass, and met with the Parish Council, the Finance Council, the Religious Education teachers, and many of the parishioners old and young alike,” pastor, Father Ken Weare, told Catholic San Francisco. Pictured is Archbishop Cordileone with parishioners during his visit to St. Rita’s.

ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN HIGH SCHOOL, SAN FRANCISCO: The school’s 700 students gathered Aug. 31 for a Mass of the Holy Spirit, the first Mass of the 2018-19 school year. Pictured from left with Father John Jimenez, school chaplain and principal celebrant, and Deacon Joseph LeBlanc, a Riordan 1978 alumnus and current religious studies instructor, who assisted, are Alexander Douglas, Alejandro Fillon, and Julian Molina-Lopez.

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RETROUVAILLE FORMATION WEEKEND June 7-9, 2013

perspectives, the world” are sharing their gifts in the Archdiocese of San Francisco during the next year. Emily Janda, Maggie Brennan, Julia VanConas and Emily Smith, from left in photo, will live in community and serve in ministries connected to the Sisters of Mercy. Maggie, from Kirkwood, Missouri, and Emily from Omaha, Nebraska, serve at Faithful Fools in the Tenderloin. Julia, from Southern California, works at St. Peter School in the Mission District. Emily, from Rochester, New York, will serve at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland. Each of the women has previous experience “in social justice efforts and reaching out to the underserved,” the Mercy Sisters said.

FILIPINO MINISTRY: Members tripped the light fantastic July 28 for a ministry barn dance fundraiser at Church of the Epiphany, San Francisco. Also on hand were archdiocesan Pastoral Center employees, pictured here with Jesuit Father John Piderit, who “danced the night away and were declared champs at the evening’s dance off,” the group said.

… a lifelong for Marriages A LIFELINE FOR TROUBLED MARRIAGES

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Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail. Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need. Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X). Say prayers 3 days. M.L.

Volunteer Gabriel Project Coordinator Needed

Call Retrouvaille … (415) 893-1005 or SF@RetroCA.com Retrouvaille (pronounced ‘retro – vie,’ rhymes with ‘why’) is a Catholic Ministry designed to help heal and renew marriages. The goal of Retrouvaille is solely to help save and strengthen marriages. Retrouvaille - is not a retreat or marriage counseling. - has neither group dynamics nor group discussions on the weekend. - is not a time for hurting; it is a time for healing. Retrouvaille is not just for hurting couples – we welcome all couples wanting to bring new life to their marriage. Couples of all faiths and those with no faith tradition are welcome and encouraged to attend. There are several Retrouvaille weekends each year being held throughout California, along with English or Spanish speaking sessions. Go to www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800-470-2230 for a complete list

Upcoming San Francisco weekend: October 26-28, 2018 ♥

Want to help pregnant women? Have organizational ability and a big heart? The Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Human Dignity is seeking a volunteer coordinator of the Gabriel Project.

Please contact Valerie Schmalz, director, at schmalzv@sfarch.org or 415-614-5571.

30 community

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

(Courtesy photo)

(Photo by Debra Greenblatt/Catholic San Francisco)

Around the archdiocese 1

ST. PAUL OF THE SHIPWRECK PARISH, SAN FRANCISCO: Father Daniel E. Carter, pastor, commissioned a new Restorative Justice Group Aug. 12. “This support group is for family members of those incarcerated,” the parish said. Sessions on the ministry work commenced Aug. 16 and follow each third Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m., Francis Center, 3350 Jennings St., San Francisco, parking available. For more information contact Loretta Chatmon at (415) 468-3434.

BENEDICT XVI INSTITUTE CHANT CAMP: Chant includes more than a few steps including those shown here at a chant camp at Vallombrosa Center Aug. 9-12. The weekend featured Mary Ann CarrWilson, known for her chant teaching credentials, who set out to prepare those in attendance for teaching the revered music mode to children. Participants were from the clergy, religious and laity. The weekend was sponsored by the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship founded by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone in 2014. “We at the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship deeply understand: The point of teaching children chant is not to teach a musical skill, but to give children, tweens and teens a deeply rooted sense of their Catholic identity,” Maggie Gallagher, institute director, told Catholic San Francisco.

MOST HOLY REDEEMER PARISH, SAN FRANCISCO: Parishioners came together Aug. 12 for the benefit of the Kateri Tekakwitha Mission Fund which helps young Guatemalan women attend school. Kay Sweeney, a Sisters of the Presentation associate who works in Guatemala with the Tekakwitha group, coordinated the event with Guatemalan handicrafts for sale and information on further helping the fund.

SISTERS OF MERCY, BURLINGAME: Friends, former students, and past choir members filled Mercy Center Chapel July 28 for an evening with the music of Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan. “Singers in the 35-member chorus came from Sister Suzanne’s ministries throughout her lifetime,” the Mercy Sisters said. Sister Suzanne’s “I am the Bread of Life” took its place in the middle of the no-intermission evening with Sister Suzanne on piano and the large assembly joining in. “There is probably not one single parish in the USA and many elsewhere that has not sung this hymn,” said Robert Batastini, of GIA music publishers, the group that first made the song part of its collections more than 50 years ago. Mercy Sister Jean Evans and Rey Friel assisted in the coordination of the concert. Mercy High School, San Francisco alumna Janice Clark also served on piano with Mercy Sister Marguerite Buchanan on violin.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

THURSDAY, SEPT. 13 NEW SPANISH MISSAL WORKSHOPS: Misal Romano Tercera Edicion, the new Spanish language missal for the United States will be previewed and discussed Sept. 13, Corpus Christi Church, San Francisco. All sessions are 10:30 a.m.-noon and admission is free. The Office of Worship invites all priests, deacons, parish musicians and diocesan leaders who lead or participate in Masses in Spanish to attend. Areas of discussion will include what is new in the missal and what has stayed the same, the book’s layout, the Proper of Saints and new Masses as well as music notation and chant. Registration is requested by emailing your name and session you will attend to director of worship. Laura Bertone, bertonel@sfarch.org; (415) 614-5586.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 14 EXTRAORDINARY FORM MASS: St. Sebastian Church, Greenbrae, 5:30 p.m. Father Joseph Previtali, a priest of the archdiocese now studying in Rome, principal celebrant, with music from parish choir and Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Liturgy singers. Reception follows. (415) 461-0704.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 15

HANDICAPABLES MASS: Mass at noon then lunch, both in lower halls, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, Gough U Street B entrance. L I AllCdisabled A T people, caregivers invited. Please RSVP by contacting Diane Prell, activities coordinator, (415) 452-3500; www.Handicapables.com. Dates are subject to change.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 16 ‘FREE TO FLY’: Annual Gala Luncheon to benefit Good Shepherd Gracenter helping women without resources break free from drug and alcohol addiction and create a healthy and hopeful future for

themselves and others, Patio Espanol, 2580 Alemany Blvd. Activities include a DJ, photo booth, silent auction, raffle, and live auction. Gracenter will honor Martha Ryan, from the Homeless Prenatal Program as well as an outstanding graduate, Pali Boucher, the founder of Rocket Dog Rescue. For ticketing, sponsorship info, please go to http://GSG18. givesmart.com. You may also contact Good Shepherd Sister Marguerite, sr.marguerite@gsgracenter.org; (628) 224-2050. REUNION: Mercy High School, San Francisco, Class of 1958 at Mercy High School, 11:30 am, $75, Fran Shanley Ferry, JimFranFerry@msn. com. ST. VINCENT SCHOOL: Celebrate Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys. Mass at 9:45 a.m., 10:4512:30 p.m. reception and program. Tour newly-renovated Riordan House, one of five residences for boys ages 7-18. Founded in 1855, St. Vincent’s is one of the oldest institutions west of the Mississippi dedicated exclusively to the care of abused, neglected, and traumatized boys. For more information or to RSVP, contact events@ CatholicCharitiesSF.org or (415) 972.1369.

MONDAY, SEPT. 17 GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: St. Pius Grief Ministry, 8-session “First Step” Grief Support Group. If you are in the early stages of your loss, or have not previously attended a grief support group, this program may benefit you.All meetings will be held atI the O St. Pius N Parish S Center, 7 p.m. To register, or for more information, please call our hotline @650-3610655 or email griefministry@pius. org. Walk-ins are welcome. Group takes new entrants through Sept. 24. Program takes entrants until Sept. 24. ‘LAUDATO SI’’ FILM: “Before the Flood,” presented by National Geographic, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, 6:30 p.m., limited seating, RSVP CommunityRelations@sanrafaelop. org; (415) 453 8303. Dominican Sisters Center, 1520 Grand Ave., San Rafael.

SUPPLE SENIOR CARE

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21

MONDAY, SEPT. 24

GRIEF SUPPORT: Monthly Grief Support Program, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Msgr. Bowe room. Sessions provide information on the grief process, and tips on coping with the loss of a loved one. No charge. Facilitator: Deacon Christoph Sandoval. For further details, please call Sister Elaine at (415) 567-2020, ext. 218.

‘LAUDATO SI’’ FILM: “Racing Extinction,” Academy Award winning documentary by Louie Psihoyos, 6:30 p.m., limited seating, RSVP CommunityRelations@sanrafaelop.org; (415) 453 8303. Dominican Sisters Center, 1520 Grand Ave., San Rafael.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 UNITED FOR LIFE LUNCH: Wynette Sills of Californians for Life is guest speaker at this annual pro-life event, 11;30 a.m., United Irish Cultural Center, 45th Avenue at Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Special presentation by the Culture Project. Tickets $26, cjc3436@ yahoo.com; (415) 567-2293. Reply by Sept. 19. CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL CONFERENCE: Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal 21st Holy Spirit Conference, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco. Registration $20, Dynamic speakers. English track: Father Mike Barry, Father Levi Hartle; Spanish track: Padre Rafael Chavez, Padre Jorge Arias. Conference includes Healing Service and an evening Mass, 7 p.m. Mass is open to the public. Online and mail in registration is found at www.SFSpirit.com or register onsite. ST. MATTHEW REUNION: St. Matthew School, San Mateo, grand reunion, 5 p.m. alumni Mass, followed by tours, cocktails, dinner at 6 p.m. RSVP and tickets, Stmatthewcath.org/alumni; msharrison@stmatthewcath.org. (650) 343-1373, main office. All St. Matt’s more than 5,000 former students, principals, pastors, faculty, staff are invited to attend. ‘WELLNESS FAIR’: Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, front lawn, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn Bocce, sample a chair exercise class, pick up some health tips, live music and light lunch served. Free of charge, no reservations required, street or lot parking available. (415) 479-8282, ext. 12, lynettam@nazarethhousesr.com.

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 27 RED MASS: Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 666 Filbert St. at Washington Square, San Francisco, 5:30 p.m. The liturgy asks “blessing and guidance for judges, attorneys, law school professors, law students, government officials, and others involved in the legal and justice systems, and indeed for all who seek justice,” St. Thomas More Society, sponsors, said. The St. Thomas More Society of San Francisco was founded in 1937 and is the oldest fellowship of Catholic lawyers and judges in the West. Information about the Mass and purchasing tickets for the dinner that follows is available at www.stthomasmore-sf.org/the-redmass/.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29 ST.PATRICK’S SEMINARY GALA: St. Patrick’s Seminary will honor Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and the Archdiocese for the Military Services at the school, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. The evening includes vespers, 4:30 p.m.; tours and cocktails, 5 p.m.; dinner 6 p.m. with a program and silent auction until 8:30 p.m. For ticket information, contact John Callan, (650) 325-5621; advancement@stpsu.edu. REUNION: Mercy High School, San Francisco, Class of 1968, Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Ave., South San Francisco, 11:30 a.m. $50. Judy McElearney Norbriga, judyaileen@ yahoo.com. REUNION: Mercy High School, San Francisco, Class of 2003, 7 p.m. with additional events Sept. 30, noon, Mercy High School. Ashley Barth Forbes, ashley.dbf@gmail. com.

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Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

NOTRE DAME BELMONT Educating young women since 1851

Come see how rewarding high school can be as a Notre Dame Tiger! Schedule a SHADOW visit online September 18 - November 28

Open House October 21 - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

E DA

Information Night November 15 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

LM O N

www.ndhsb.org Notre Dame Belmont 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, CA 94002 650-595-1913

junipero serra high school

1 8 -2 0 1 9 0 2

ica cristo rey academy

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Catholic High Schools Information Booklet es e of San F

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sacred heart schools

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archbishop riordan high school

notre dame mercy high school burlingame

marin catholic

woodside priory school

CHS2 catholic high schools

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Witnessing to the Splendor of the Church

n his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi, promulgated on the feast of the Immaculate Conception in 1975, Pope Paul VI boldly stated: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” Witness is a crucial hallmark of Catholic education, and without the authentic witness of Catholic school teachers and administrators, Catholic education cannot survive, let alone thrive. Nor should it. When he was Secretary of the Congregation for Education, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B., identified “sustained Gospel witness” as one of the five essential marks of Catholic education. In The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools, Miller points out that the primary responsibility for creating a Catholic culture and climate rests with Catholic school teachers and administrators. “Indeed,” he says, “it depends chiefly on them whether the Catholic school achieves its purpose…. What educators do and how they act are more significant than what they say – inside and outside the classroom. This is how the Church evangelizes.” Without the experience of living witnesses to the faith, students are far less likely to experience what Miller references as “the splendor of the Church.”

In speaking of “the splendor of the Church,” Archbishop Miller alludes to a book of that same name by the influential theologian, Henri Cardinal de Lubac. This particular volume has been called de Lubac’s hymn to the beauty of the Church. In these troubling times the Church may seem to some more sullied than splendid, more broken than beautiful, given the ongoing revelations of corruption and cover up at even the highest levels of Church authority. And so this might seem an odd volume to be referencing. But it may be just what we need in these difficult days. In de Lubac’s view the Church is both the “Bride of the Spotless Lamb and the harlot.” “I am told,” de Lubac says, “that she is holy, yet I see her full of sinners. Yes, a paradox is this Church of ours!” But not just a paradox. For de Lubac assures us that the Church is also more deeply and more profoundly a mystery, or sacrament,

that draws us to God, that reveals God to us. For those who live the Church’s mystery, they can both experience and participate in the mystery but never capture it because it is ultimately beyond them. Catholic school educators who returned to their classrooms in August face a challenge. Just as they protect their students from so many awful and gruesome things in contemporary society highlighted daily in the media, they are challenged to give beautiful witness by word and action to the splendor of the Church. Being a witness to the faith and helping students to experience the Church’s splendor is critically important to the success of Catholic schools, and even in the best of circumstances is a daunting responsibility for faculty and staff. These current revelations certainly complicate things all the more for our Catholic school educators, who must strive to be authentic witnesses of the faith but are themselves confused and devastated by these tragic failures. However, while the current historical moment we are living through in the Church in our country makes bearing such witness all the more challenging, we must take this moment as a call to purification and renewal for each one of us and for the Church corporately, especially at the level of her leadership, for the Church is both graced and sinful, beautiful and off-putting, gentle and harsh, resilient and battered, paradox and mystery. It’s the beauty and splendor that need emphasis, and, despite the sins and flaws and failures of us all, the Catholic Church’s ultimate destiny is Trinitarian splendor and glory.

Most Reverend Salvatore Cordileone Archbishop of San Francisco

Table of contents

Archbishop Riordan High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS10

Letter from Pam Lyons, Superintendent of Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS3 St. Ignatius College Preparatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS4 Junipero Serra High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS5

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS11 Mercy High School, Burlingame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS12

Mercy High School, San Francisco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS6

Woodside Priory School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS13 Graduation Outcomes

Marin Catholic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS7

Why Choose A Catholic High School?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS14

Convent & Stuart Hall and Schools of the Sacred Heart, Atherton. . . CHS8

Steps for Applying to Catholic High Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS15

ICA Cristo Rey Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS9

Open House and Application Dates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHS16

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

catholic high schools CHS3

letter from the Superintendent of Schools W

elcome to the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Catholic High School Information Booklet. I am so proud of the strong Catholic communities, innovative educational programs, and dedicated people we find at each of these schools. As you navigate this booklet, you may be wondering what is it that separates the Catholic high schools of the Archdiocese of San Francisco from the many other schools in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo. You may be asking yourself, why Catholic school? When a student enters one of our Catholic high schools, they are treated as one of God’s beloved children, created in His image and likeness, and as such, inherently good. In other words, all of our students are beloved because they are created by God. Catholic high schools create educational opportunities that not only address the intellect, but of equal importance, the spiritual, moral, and social aspects of every student. We recognize the importance of academic excellence, and are diligent about ensuring that our students are receiving an education on par with, and in most cases, an education that greatly surpasses other local public and private institutions. The difference lies in our pursuit of academic excellence as a pathway to a greater good. Our curriculum is rooted in the Gospels that inspire a love of learning and the intellectual pursuit of the truth. I always tell our teachers that we are educating our students to change the world, by contributing to

the Kingdom on earth, with their ultimate goal being entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. This school year, more than 8,200 students attend Catholic School high schools in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. We welcome those members of our community who are not currently attending a school in the Archdiocese to visit a Catholic school and experience for yourself all they have to offer. I also invite you to visit our new website at schools. sfarch.org. Our goal in creating this site was to provide you with important information about our 22 preschools, 55 elementary schools, and 13 high schools in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. Join us in our mission to grow our students’ understanding that they are God’s beloved so they may fully realize God’s plan for them. Many Blessings,

Pamela Lyons Superintendent of Schools

CHS4 catholic high schools

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREPARATORY MEN AND WOMEN WITH AND FOR OTHERS

QUICK FACTS

San Francisco’s Jesuit School Since 1855 SI has a student body rich in diversity (ethnic, socioeconomic & geographic), drawing from 7 counties. SI encourages academic excellence and creativity in the classroom, making best use of the latest technology. We inspire our students to dedicate themselves to community service through our retreats and volunteer experience. SI’s Performing & Visual Arts Programs are ranked among the best in the Bay Area and include 20 percent of the student body. Also, 70 percent of our student body participates in our top-flight athletic program making use of stateof-the-art facilities.

VISITATION DAYS September 12, 19, 26; October 3, 24, 31

• • • • •

1,465 students AP pass rate is higher than the national average Tuition and fees total $24,375 (no additional fees required) 51% of the student body are students of color 66 teams & 75 clubs and activities

More than $4.2 million is distributed to over 22% of the student body, with average grants of more than $13,000.

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 4, 2018

WWW.SIPREP.ORG

For more information and to reserve your spot for a shadow visit!

2 0 0 1 3 7 T H AV E N U E , S A N F R A N C I S C O , C A 9 4 1 1 6 | W W W. S I P R E P. O R G

415.731.7500

catholic high schools CHS5

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Visit Serra Located in San Mateo, in the heart of the Peninsula between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Serra enters the 2018-19 school year in celebration of its 75th anniversary—a storied legacy of excellence in Catholic education. A college preparatory for boys, Serra’s rigorous academic and expansive extracurricular programs are designed to engage and support the ways boys think, learn and grow— heart, mind, body and soul. Serra knows boys. Deliberate in our efforts to build a diverse student body with a complementary mix of interests, abilities, gifts and talents, Serra looks for candidates with a strong academic foundation, a genuine desire to be an active Padre, and a good heart. Once they are Padres, our students thrive in a community of committed, caring educators and an inclusive brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.

The Serra Brotherhood At Serra, the tenet of brotherhood is taught, modeled and lived. It is a bond shared among Padres, past and present, based on the values of respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion Padre brothers hold themselves and each other accountable to these values every day, as Jesus modeled in his own life. The significant achievements of our graduates— more than 12,000 strong—are proof positive of our educational approach and empowering culture. A great source of pride for everyone in the Serra community, Padres go on to live lives with purpose and a spirit of justice—leaders who make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Affordability Information Night Wednesday, October 10 7 p.m.

Open House

Sunday, December 2, 2018 1 p.m.

Padre for a Day

8th Grade Visits September – January

Walk Around Wednesday Tours Parent/Guardian Campus Visits September - December

To register, please visit www.serrahs.com

QUICK FACTS Enrollment: 835 Average Class Size: 23 Student-Teacher Ratio: 14/1 Honors and AP Courses: 30 Faculty with Advanced Degrees: 75% Clubs and Activities: 40+ Sports Teams: 14 team sports, 34 teams

For more information, visit us online at serrahs.com 451 West 20th Avenue

Tri-School Program: A formal consortium with sister schools Mercy Burlingame and Notre Dame Belmont. Program includes 22 classes on the three campuses, clubs, music and theatre productions and social events.

San Mateo, CA 94403

Tuition and Fees: $22,500

650.345.8207

Financial Aid: 32% of students

CHS6 catholic high schools

DISCOVER MERCY

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Mercy High School, San Francisco, educates women to pursue lives of spiritual and intellectual depth, determination, and daring action to improve our world as an inclusive, Catholic college preparatory community enlivened by the gospel of Jesus and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy.

DETERMINED SKIPPER FOR A DAY begins September 11

SPIRITUAL OPEN HOUSE

October 14, 2018 11:00 a.m.

Mercy High School 3250 Nineteen Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132

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catholic high schools CHS7

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

MARIN CATHOLIC 675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Kentfield, CA 94904

ENROLLMENT

750

100%

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE PRESIDENT Mr. Tim Navone PRINCIPAL Mr. Chris Valdez

TUITION AND FEES 2018-2019 Tuition: $20,450 Registration $800 OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 21, 11:00am

30 HONORS

& AP COURSES

(415) 464-3800

www.marincatholic.org

48 TEAMS IN 29 SPORTS

OVER 30 CLUBS

TUITION ASSISTANCE For the 2018-19 school year, Marin Catholic has committed to over $2 million in financial aid to our students. We have approximately 31% of students on some form of financial aid, with the number increasing each year. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION admissions@marincatholic.org 415.464.3810 Janie Rockett, Director of Admissions Marianne Hill, Admissions Associate

CHS8 catholic high schools

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Convent & Stuart Hall Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco Founded in 1887, Convent & Stuart Hall is an independent K-12 preparatory school rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition of Catholic education within a uniquely single-sex and coeducational environment. 2222 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94115 sacredsf.org

Open Houses Convent High School: October 14, 1p.m. - 3p.m. November 1, 6p.m. - 8p.m. Stuart Hall High School: October 10, 6p.m. - 8 p.m. November 11, 1p.m. - 3p.m. For more information contact: Jen Butler Director of Enrollment Management hs_admissions@sacredsf.org

On behalf of the 24 Sacred Heart Network Schools in the U.S. and Canada,

Convent & Stuart Hall and

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton are proud to celebrate more than 200 years of Sacred Heart education in North America. hh v

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1898, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is an independent, co-ed Catholic day school for students in preschool through grade 12, located on the San Francisco Peninsula. 150 Valparaiso Ave Atherton, CA 94027 shschools.org

Open Houses Sacred Heart Preparatory: October 28, 1p.m. - 4p.m. November 11, 1p.m. - 4p.m. For more information contact: Wendy Quattlebaum Director of Admissions & Financial Aid admissions@shschools.org 650-454-8450

catholic high schools CHS9

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Realizing Potential MISSION ICA Cristo Rey Academy is a Dominican Catholic college preparatory that empowers girls from underserved communities to become confident young women able to realize their full potential. By providing an excellent academic curriculum, a unique corporate work study experience and the support of our spiritual community, we prepare students for a life of faith, purpose, and service.

ICA CRISTO REY IS REALIZING POTENTIAL … 100% of the Class of 2018 were accepted to college. 85% of graduates were first in their family to attend college. 95% of students meet or exceed their supervisors’ expectations at corporate internships. ICA Cristo Rey graduates attend top colleges and Universities including: UC Berkeley, UCLA, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Georgetown, Howard University, Xavier, St. Mary’s College, and USF. ICA Cristo Rey Academy and the University of San Francisco School of Nursing jointly provide a program for ICA Cristo Rey students to become state-licensed CNA’s following a rigorous application process. ICA Cristo Rey Academy holds the distinction of being the only all-girls school in the nation’s 35-school Cristo Rey Network.

CORPORATE INTERNSHIPS

ICA Cristo Rey Academy is proudly entering its tenth year of integration with its Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). Through this innovative program, ICA Cristo Rey students gain experience in professional settings such as law firms, insurance companies, tech companies, and hospitals throughout the Bay Area. Each student goes to her workstudy job five days a month. Through this program our students gain job experience, grow in self-confidence, and graduate with a resume containing four years of professional-level work.

Every student accepted receives a scholarship.

ACADEMICS

ICA Cristo Rey Academy offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and an innovative Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) for each of our young women. We provide a focused, in-depth learning experience for students, all of whom graduate with the coursework necessary to qualify for admission to UC and CSU campuses and an impressive resume of four years of corporate-work experience. We integrate a robust health and wellness program, with offerings such as yoga, Zumba, rock climbing, wilderness backpacking, Filipino martial arts, and food education classes. Other enrichments include drama, art, and choir.

ICA Cristo Rey is the most affordable, all-girls, Catholic, college-prep option in the Bay Area.

FEEL AT HOME ON CAMPUS

In addition to the Corporate Work Study Program, ICA Cristo Rey offers a wide range of opportunities for enrichment and student leadership. These include Student Council, Academic Honors Societies, Block Society, Student Ambassadors Club, Campus Ministry, and CLIP (Corporate Leadership Intern Program). We have many cultural student groups including Black Students’ Union (BSU), Las Latinas Unidas, Fil-Am Club, Omega-Pi, and Mana of Polynesia. Athletic opportunities include volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football, cross country, track, swimming, and golf. All students also participate in Service Learning projects throughout their four years. We focus on the Dominican Catholic tradition to guide our values. We welcome all faiths and backgrounds into our community.

PRESIDENT: Sister Diane Aruda, O.P.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Angelica Granera ‘95 PRINCIPAL: Dr. George V. Fornero Director of Admissions FACULTY: A 55-member faculty and staff is agranera@icacademy.org composed of religious and lay colleagues.

ENROLLMENT: 385 TUITION (including books): $2,900 TECH FEE: $90

Paulina Maravilla Admissions Assistant & Recruiter pmaravilla@icacademy.org

ICA CRISTO REY ACADEMY 3625 24th Street San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 824-2052 www.icacademy.org

CHS10 catholic high schools

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

1949

Archbishop Riordan High School OUR SCHOOL

We are a Catholic high school in the Marianist Tradition where every boy can be successful. MISSION: Riordan educates students to develop ALL BOYS: The school focuses on how boys their faith, intellect, and view of the world. learn best, but offers many co-ed activities after school such as band and theatre. OPPORTUNITIES: Students lead in every classroom, club, sport, and activity. BROTHERHOOD: The Brotherhood at Riordan produces life-long friendships.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS: House System, RSP, Engineering Track, Auto Shop and more are led by a dedicated faculty.

“The culture at Riordan is conducive to success. I know I am ready for wherever the future may take me.” -Roman Peregrino ’18 Attending Georgetown University LEARN MORE!

QUICK FACTS

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, October 28 Recommended for grades 5-8

CRUSADER FOR A DAY

A day-long visit for prospective 8th Graders

PARENT TOURS REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.RIORDANHS.ORG

700 19 30+

Students

Sports

AP/Honors Classes

On Campus Coaches

Clubs & Activities

Houses

Mr. Andrew Currier, Ph.D., President Mr. Tim Reardon, Principal Mr. Danny Curtin ‘08, Director of Admissions

175 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 586-1256

WWW.RIORDANHS.ORG

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

catholic high schools CHS11

CHS12 catholic high schools

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

catholic high schools CHS13

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Woodside Priory School California’s Benedictine College Preparatory School

302 Portola Rd | Portola Valley, CA 94028 | 650-851-8223 | www.prioryca.org

elping our students create meaningful and balanced lives is a key part of our mission statement. As one of only 22 Benedictine high schools across the country, it’s something we strive for every day here at the Priory.

But what does a meaningful and balanced life mean? For the Benedictines 1500 years ago, it meant a perfect balance of work, prayer, and rest. Today, it means creating an environment where students work hard but in a healthy manner. It means challenging students with meaningful work that leads to mastery and understanding, not overloading them with busy work. It means teaching kids life lessons outside the classroom – on the stage, in the gym, in the robotics lab, and more. It means exposing students to diverse perspectives and developing empathy for others, and it means starting our students on a journey to find the things that will give them a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives.

Come see what Priory is all about.

Q uick Fact s Enrollment: 375 Students in 6th-12th grade Average Class Size: 13

We welcome students into a community where they feel uniquely known and loved. Amidst our 50 acres of redwood trees and rolling hills, Priory students find a place where they can be themselves, take intellectual and creative risks, and live and learn our five core Benedictine values of Individuality, Community, Integrity, Hospitality, and Spirituality.

Student:Faculty Ratio: 7:1

For more information, visit us at www.prioryca.org

Athletics: 12 sports offered

Students of Color: 47% AP and College-Level Classes: 23 Faculty with Advanced Degrees: 80% Elective Courses: 40+

GRADUATION OUTCOMES FOR ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS Guided by the Mission of the Department of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, which is focused on providing quality leadership, offering programs of educational excellence, and preparing students for a truly Christian life, Catholic High Schools are an integral expression of the teaching mission of the Church, and are therefore committed to developing persons who are the beneficiaries of the rich heritage and legacy of the Church. In all of our educational endeavors, we believe our High School Graduates have been given the skills and tools to adapt to a multicultural society and be productive members of the world community by exercising power and influence for the good of others as Christ-centered leaders of the 21st Century.

Our Graduates are persons of Faith and Spirituality who • Live the Gospel values • Respect and appreciate the diversity of religious expression • Commit to integrating spirituality with their life work Our Graduates are persons of Intellectual Strength and Courage who • Communicate effectively in speaking and writing • Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in problem solving • Understand and appreciate the value of lifelong learning Our Graduates form Christian Community and • Understand the world’s diverse interconnectedness • Collaborate with others to work for the common good • Respect and demonstrate care for the environment as stewards of God’s creation Our Graduates express Confident Leadership to • Empower others for positive transformation of society • Lead by the authority of example to embrace change and confront challenge • Take risks and learn from successes and failures Our Graduates promote in word and action Social Justice and Integrity to • Address injustices and work toward change • Demonstrate a reverence for life and a respect for all traditions, cultures, and peoples • Confront the moral ambiguities promoted by contemporary culture Rooted in the Archdiocesan Graduation Outcomes, these standards reflect the ideas of the individual institutions as well as the collaborative vision of what students must be able to know, do, and understand.

CHS14 catholic high schools

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

why choose a catholic school?

Ten Reasons Why Catholic Education Still Matters 1. An Incarnational View of the World Catholic School students learn that God is present and active in their lives and in the world. They learn to recognize the “footprints of God” in their daily experiences, especially in the midst of life’s challenges. They develop a sense of “sacramental awareness.” They see the signs of God’s love around them, and become instruments of God’s grace in their own neighborhoods, communities and the world. In an incarnational view of the world, there is no such thing as a secular subject as all learning helps to develop and bring to full bloom that image of God that is in each person. 2. Immersion in the Paschal Mystery Our lives are a series of small and not so small dyings and risings. In union with the Paschal Mystery, we realize that there is redemptive power in suffering, and in the power of the cross. In it lies the answer to the mystery of all of life’s successes and failures. In the experience of the Paschal Mystery, we also realize the need for community. Like Jesus, we encounter our own Simon of Cyrenes to help us along the way. Wins and losses on the athletic field, As and Fs in class, and laughter and tears in our lives are the way we participate in Jesus’ dying and rising. 3. The Value of Relationships as a Reflection of the Divine Catholic school students learn to experience God’s grace and presence in their lives through their relationships with family,friends and teachers. The loving and supportive relationships they experience are reflections of the love and life-giving dynamic of the Trinity. As a community we celebrate our successes and achievements. We share grief and downfalls. We unite together in solidarity, and even challenge each other to become better reflections of the divine. We are made for community. 4. A Nuanced View of Scripture Catholic school students are given the opportunity to explore the beauty and richness of Sacred Scripture seen through the lens of faith and lived out in daily practice. They experience the ongoing revelation of God in Scripture as the One who leads the Israelites through the promised land, and who redeems them through His cross and resurrection. They also come to view the human person as created in God’s image and likeness, and destined for eternal life. They learn to apply Scripture to their own lives as a tool for prayer and the true guide for virtuous living. 5. Civic Engagement In recent research, it has been reported that private school graduates are significantly more likely to actively participate in civic activities than their public school counterparts. Catholic Schools were ranked #1 in the percentage of graduates who actively participate in civic and community activities such as voting, volunteering, letter-writing to legislators, Catholic Concerns Day, and donations to charity, not just for a tax write-off, but out of a sense of the requirements of justice.

6. Service for the Common Good Catholic schools promote service as an essential component of their curriculum. Many Catholic schools have service programs from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Higher education programs such as the Jesuit or Dominican Volunteer Corps promote service at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Diocesan organizations such as Catholic Family Services provide resources and help to people from all walks of life. Catholic school students learn that since community is at the heart of who we are, there are no strangers, only brothers and sisters in the Lord. We have a responsibility to respond to the needs of others because we are all part of God’s family. 7. Discipline as a Faith Expectation Catholic schools promote self-discipline through clarity of moral vision that is based on the Gospel. Students are challenged to be Christ-like in word and action. They are asked to examine their choices and action in light of the Ten Commandments and the Gospel law of love. They are given a theological foundation for ethical behavior. Students are not good because they act in accord with rules and expectations. Rather, because students are good, i.e. sons and daughters of God, they are expected to act and make choices that are in keeping with this dignity. 8. The Centrality of Arts, Ritual, Drama, Music to the Life of Faith Through Catholic education, students are exposed to the richness of the religious tradition. Music, Art, Literature, Drama and Ritual are rooted in the rich history of the Church, and find their truest glory as an expression of divine praise. 9. The Fullness of the Catholic Identity at the Heart of the Church Catholic education has always been at the heart of the Catholic mission. Catholic education, and the students who are the product of it, have been called the “greatest work of the Church.” They have been entrusted with the fullness of faith and have been charged with the mission of evangelization. They are to go out into the world and share the gifts they have received, as doctors, lawyers, policemen, firemen, businessmen and women, teachers, priests and religious, all as Catholic school graduates. Catholic school graduates are a leaven in society, helping the broader community to be the best that it can be. 10. Personal Excellence as a Spiritual Goal Catholic school students learn that excellence is a response to God’s blessings. Academic excellence is not a Gospel value in and of itself. The Sermon on the Mount doesn’t say “Blessed are you who get all A’s.” Education must have an altruistic orientation. Students learn so as to help others, and make a difference in the world around them. Written by Reverend Ronald J. Nuzzi, Ph.D., Alliance For Catholic Education , The University of Notre Dame, South Bends Indiana

catholic high schools CHS15

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

Steps for applying to Catholic High Schools Consult with your eighth grade teacher/adviser on the high school admissions process. Obtain information and fillable PDF documents from your school.

2. 3.

Obtain the application packets from all of the Catholic Secondary Schools to which you plan to apply.

Attend OPEN HOUSES and visit at least two schools which interest you and meet your needs. Look in this booklet to view specifc schools admissions offices. Seek information about other opporunities for school visitiations, Considering your personal strengths and aptitudes, discuss with your eighth teacher(s), principal, counselor, pastor, parents, guardians, the high school program that best meets your needs.

Complete and submit your application on time.

Take the High School Placement Test at one of the schools to which you have applied. The HSPT may be taken only once, but on the form, list all the Catholic Schools to which you have applied, so that your test scorces can be sent there.

On March 21, 2019 letters will be sent regarding admissions status. Decisions can be viewed on the admissions website, on Friday March 22, 2019 after 4 p.m. Registration deadline will be March 29, 2019. Prospective students should contact the school for their registration deadlines.

7. 8.

Pay registration fees to the school you plan to attend. For further information check the website, https://schools.sfarch.org.

CHS16 catholic high schools

Catholic san francisco | September 13, 2018

archdiocese of san francisco high schools

Open House & Application Dates October

Heart Cathedral Preparatory, San Francisco 23 Sacred www.shcp.edu

Stuart Hall High School, San Francisco www.sacredsf.org Open House, 6-8 p.m.

Convent High School, San Francisco www.sacredsf.org Open House, 1-3 p.m.

Mercy High School, San Francisco www.mercyhs.org Open House, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, San Francisco www.shcp.edu Open House, 9-11 a.m. Woodside Priory School, Portola Valley www.prioryca.org Open House - Middle School, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Open House - Upper School, 2-5 p.m.

Catholic, Kentfield 21 Marin www.marincatholic.org

Open House, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Notre Dame High School, Belmont www.ndhsb.org Open House, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Riordan High School, San Francisco 28 Archbishop www.riordanhs.org

Application Priority Filing

ICA Cristo Rey Academy, San Francisco www.icacademy.org Application Priority Filing

December

Junipero Serra High School, San Mateo www.serrahs.com Open House, 1pm

Archbishop Riordan High School, San Francisco www.riordanhs.org Application Deadline

Junipero Serra High School, San Mateo www.serrahs.com Application Courtesy Filing

Mercy High School, San Francisco www.mercyhs.org Application Deadline

Mercy High School, Burlingame www.mercyhsb.com Application Courtesy Filing

Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton www.shschools.org Open House, 1 p.m.

Notre Dame High School, Belmont www.ndhsb.org Application Courtesy Filing

Convent High School, San Francisco www.sacredsf.org Open House, 6-8 p.m.

St. Ignatius College Preparatory, San Francisco www.siprep.org Open House, 1-3 p.m.

ICA Cristo Rey Academy, San Francisco www.icacademy.org Open House, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Catholic, Kentfield 30 Marin www.marincatholic.org

Application Priority Deadline

November

Open House, 1-3:30 p.m.

Mercy High School, Burlingame www.mercyhsb.com Open House, 1-4 p.m.

Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton www.shschools.org Open House, 1 p.m. Stuart Hall High School, San Francisco www.sacredsf.org Open House, 1-3 p.m.

Notre Dame High School, Belmont www.ndhsb.org Open House, 7-9 p.m. St. Ignatius College Preparatory, San Francisco www.siprep.org Application Priority Deadline Woodside Priory School, Portola Valley www.prioryca.org Open House - Upper School, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Open House - Middle School, 2-5 p.m.

January 2019

Convent High School, San Francisco www.sacredsf.org Application Deadline

Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton www.shschools.org Application Deadline

Stuart Hall High School, San Francisco www.sacredsf.org Application Deadline

Woodside Priory School, Portola Valley www.prioryca.org Application Deadline

Junipero Serra High School, San Mateo www.serrahs.com Application Deadline Mercy High School, Burlingame www.mercyhsb.com Application Deadline

Notre Dame High School, Belmont www.ndhsb.org Application Deadline

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road, Colma | 650-756-2060 Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Santa Cruz Ave. @ Avy Ave., Menlo Park | 650-323-6375 Tomales Catholic Cemetery 1400 Dillon Beach Road, Tomales | 415-479-9021 St. Anthony Cemetery Stage Road, Pescadero | 650-752-1679 Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 270 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael | 415-479-9020 Our Lady of the Pillar Cemetery Miramontes St., Half Moon Bay | 650-712-1679 St Mary Magdalene Cemetery 16 Horseshoe Hill Road, Bolinas | 415-479-9021