Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

    Last week it was announced that Cardinal McCarrick, the former Archbishop of Washington, was stripped of all titles and privileges by the Holy See after a canonical trial.  This punishment came about because he sexually abused a minor and he committed other crimes of sexual nature.  More importantly he abused the power that he possessed as a bishop.

    This event disturbs us all.  One thing for certain is that Mr. McCarrick was not the only one who has committed such crimes.  He should not be the scapegoat that was sacrificed and then we forget the reform that is needed in the Catholic Church.

     This week there is a world-wide meeting of bishops that is taking place in Rome.  The presidents of the bishops’ conferences throughout the world are gathering.  They will be asking what comes next as the leadership of the church tries to make amends for what has happened and hopefully, they will initiate changes that need to take place.

     Some church leaders have labeled the sin that must be addressed as something that revolves around the homosexuals who are ordained clergy.  Many of us have homosexual friends and relatives.  We know they are no more likely than anyone else to abuse children or authority.

     Other church leaders have said that the problem is clericalism.  Having been a priest and seminarian for 42 years and having   observed what has happened I would concur with this assessment. 

     There are priests who seek to be served and offer little service unless that service strokes their ego or offers them some other benefit.  This sin is easy to fall into.  The temptations are great.  I struggle with sin of vainglory and take this to prayer all the time.

     I would ask all of us to pray that the process that begins in Rome this week will not look for a quick fix, but that the Bishops will opt for transparency and a long-term attempt will be made to bring reconciliation and healing to the Body of Christ.  A step in the right direction would be to look at clericalism and ask how it might be rooted out and another step in the right direction would be to ask how the laity can share decision making in a meaningful way.

     I would hope that the laity would not only pray, but they would support the clergy who are true servants and challenge those who do not live a life that reflects Gospel values.   All this must be done with a spirit of charity. Priests need friends right now.  Friends are supportive and they also offer helpful critiques when they are needed.

     I obviously am not wise enough to have all the answers.  I just hope we are all humble enough to admit that we need to search for answers for the good of the church we love.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark

P.S. Next weekend we will have commitment weekend for our Today Tomorrow Together capital campaign.  This will not be the last chance to give, but it will be another opportunity.  This time there will be an in-pew solicitation.  Please consider sharing your gift as soon as possible.  The improvements to our campus that are needed are many and essential if we are going to have a vibrant ministry here at Sacred Heart.