Keeping our Eyes Fixed on Jesus, our Savior and Lord
The main problem we face in the Church today is the cover-up by members of the hierarchy of sexual misconduct by members of the clergy. We have, in addition, not had an adequate system of accountability in place for bishops who have offended, i.e. for those bishops who have sexually abused children and/or sexually harassed adults.
The ability to adequately correct misconduct by bishops and cardinals is aggravated by the lack of anything in place at the present time to address this grave scandal in an effective and thorough way. Effective ways are needed to face squarely the years of cover-up of these atrocities by bishops and members of the Holy See in Rome. To put these in place, we bishops need to do what we can in our own dioceses, and then at the level of each national conference; we also need the leadership and close collaboration of the Holy Father.
As efforts are made to address the cover-up scandal, it is important not to forget the suffering of the many victims of sexual abuse in society. For this reason, “Healing Masses” are still badly needed. For the past 15 years, we have had Healing Masses each Advent and each Lenten season for those who have been abused by members of the Church or by the others in society. Of course, these Healing Masses do not address the cover-up but they do help the victims and their families and friends. This need not and must not be a distraction from the need to focus on the corruption within the hierarchy.
Stay In: The Church needs you. It is not an accident or a coincidence that we are here at this point in history. Be confident that Christ is leading us as His disciples, and that He is asking for us to give of ourselves. More
Open Up: Your experiences matter. We encourage you to talk with one another to share your stories of faith and pain — whether it is with a trusted confidant, your parish priest, through social media, or through the opportunities on this website.
Kneel Down: Pray. We get nowhere without it. Pray for your own holiness, for the mission of the Church, and for everyone who has been wounded by a member of the Church. More
Speak Out: Your leadership in your parish community and the wider Church is needed now more than ever. You can be a leader by working to make a positive difference in the life of the Church. We are listening, and we invite you to take advantage of the opportunities on this website to make your voices heard. Share Your Thoughts
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
Together we must continue to go forth in our mission as disciples of Christ and faithful witnesses of His Gospel — always keeping our eyes fixed on Him.
United in faith and prayer,
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted
This past weekend, September 29-30, was Commitment Weekend for our Completing the Mission campaign, an extension of the original Capital Campaign. Please 