Blessed Paul VI 12 • Who can give blessings? 14 • Funeral speeches 17 October 23, 2014 Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
thecatholicspirit.com
Child protection staff now complete with hiring of assistant director
From the courtroom to cooperation:
By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit
Together, victims’ attorneys and archdiocese work to help those affected by clergy sexual abuse The Catholic Spirit With a historic courtroom in downtown St. Paul as the backdrop, attorney Jeff Anderson and officials from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced a settlement Oct. 13 of the first case filed under the Minnesota Child Victim Act and a history-making agreement to work together to protect children and help clergy sexual abuse victims/survivors heal. “This is about truth, and this is about a new day; this is about a new way, this is about a safe way,” said Anderson, who has represented plaintiffs in dozens of lawsuits filed against the archdiocese during the past three decades. “It’s not just about pledges and promises. It is an action plan . . . words don’t protect kids. Actions do.” During the press conference, a long line of survivors came forward to shake hands with Bishop Andrew Cozzens and Father Charles Lachowitzer, vicar general for the archdiocese. Anderson and Bishop Cozzens thanked survivors who made the historic agreement possible. Anderson said, “I am grateful to each Please turn to HISTORIC on page 6
Father Charles Lachowitzer, vicar general for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, hugs an abuse survivor after the Oct. 13 press conference. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move.” Doe 1 citing Matthew 17:20 in a letter to Father Charles Lachowitzer, vicar general for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
To read the letter in its entirety, visit SafeCatholicSPM.org.
When Tim O’Malley was hired as the director of ministerial standards and safe environment for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Michael Campion approved. The two men go back more than two decades in their law enforcement careers, both at one time working for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In fact, both served as superintendent of the BCA, with Campion promoting O’Malley to superintendent in 2006. Now, the two are working together again. When O’Malley joined the archdiocese in mid-September, he wasted little time in bringing Campion on board to help oversee the archdiocese’s child protection efforts. Campion started the job as assistant director of ministerial standards and safe environment on Oct. 13. “Throughout his career, Michael Campion has consistently demonstrated that he is a highly skilled, ethical investigator,” O’Malley said. “His actions have always been well reasoned, legally sound and, most important, sensitive to the needs of victims, survivors and their families. Those characteristics, particularly honoring the needs and desires of victims, were key factors in my decision to recruit him.” The new office combines the existing Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, the Promoter of Ministerial Standards program, and the Advocacy and Victim Assistance program. Please turn to CAMPION on page 6
ALSO inside
Back from Africa
Path to priesthood?
How this church was built
Christine Smeby greets workers at a dam near Nuu, Kenya. Smeby was part of the archdiocesan delegation celebrating the partnership with the Diocese of Kitui. — Page 7
Older brothers inspire young men to join college seminary. — Page 9
University of St. Thomas professor releases book detailing construction of Saint John’s Abbey Church under the direction of architect, Marcel Breuer. — Page 20