Domenico Bettinelli posts the following
Now here�s a group of priests who get it. Rather than form labor unions and pressure groups (e.g. The Boston Priests Forum), these priests are doing something directly about the Scandal: Rapid City, South Dakota, priests are fasting one day a week, celebrating special Masses, and donating five percent of their pay to the Lazarus Fund, which was set up to pay for therapy for sex-abuse victims and their abusers. They are taking collective responsibility for their brothers� deeds and the victims� suffering. They acknowledge, like we should, that we are the Body of Christ, and that solutions don�t all come from the top down. And solutions don�t come from ideological turf wars or attacking doctrine. They come from personal holiness and action. We all must take responsibility for our brothers� sins and advance in our own holiness and try to make recompense for their sins.
Right now, there are only 30 priests involved in this, but I would hope that it would expand a lot very soon.
In the past I have criticized reform groups because their actions seemed not to be based on the tenants of the faith. This group of priest are doing exactly what should be the start of any reform. Dom is exactly right about real solutions coming from personal holiness and action. I also hope that this group and others like them will expand and judging by their attitude I believe they will.
8 comments
Finite sin precludes infinite punishment as well as infinite grace; at least if a somewhat Anthropic God who is worth our time is to be supposed. You might say that ‘infinite’ doesn’t apply to the notions of heaven and hell, but yes, in point of fact, we all do know just what is meant when we talk of these things.
Just so you know.
I think this is an excellent move by the Rapid City priests. It assists those victims of abuse through the three pillars of Lenten sacrifice: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Additionally, it is a concrete way of showing that the clergy truly do care about those who have suffered, and are doing something that is both concrete and spiritual to help heal the wounds.
This idea needs much more publicity around the country!
The real deal. To expect the bishops to clean up the mess themselves is similar to the 70-year-old illusion to Put Our Trust In Gummint. In both cases, one will be disillusioned and disappointed. Thus the power of St. Blog’s. No doubt the good Father Monk Malloy, president of Notre Dame, understands re Queer Film Festival. When he seeks out a techie because his e-mail server crashed.
The real deal. To expect the bishops to clean up the mess themselves is similar to the 70-year-old illusion to Put Our Trust In Gummint. In both cases, one will be disillusioned and disappointed. Thus the power of St. Blog’s. No doubt the good Father Monk Malloy, president of Notre Dame, understands re Queer Film Festival. When he seeks out a techie because his e-mail server crashed.
Now there’s a cause I’d like to contribute to as well!
I am an attorney, and established The Gilead Center (www.thegileadcenter.com) in January 2003 to resolve clergy sexual abuse claims without protracted litigation, and in a fair, cost-effective and compassionate manner. We seek to bring healing to both abuse survivors and the affected faith communities. Our experience has been that, in many places, diocesan officials and heirarchy struggle for an appropriate and just means to effect closure in these tragic claims. We are heartened to learn about the Lazarus Fund, fasting and special Masses undertaken by priests as part of a grass-roots effort to contribute to and assist in the healing process. I hope our services will be utilized by the South Dakota dioceses to assist in the resolution of such claims. It would be an honor to have The Gilead Center be a part of that resolution process.
I am an attorney, and established The Gilead Center (www.thegileadcenter.com) in January 2003 to resolve clergy sexual abuse claims without protracted litigation, and in a fair, cost-effective and compassionate manner. We seek to bring healing to both abuse survivors and the affected faith communities. Our experience has been that, in many places, diocesan officials and heirarchy struggle for an appropriate and just means to effect closure in these tragic claims. We are heartened to learn about the Lazarus Fund, fasting and special Masses undertaken by priests as part of a grass-roots effort to contribute to and assist in the healing process. I hope our services will be utilized by the South Dakota dioceses to assist in the resolution of such claims. It would be an honor to have The Gilead Center be a part of that resolution process.
I’m writing a book on priest sexual abuse and need interviews with priests who have either been accused of abusing or are interested in discussing what they see as the problem. I’m a Ph.d psychotherapist and have been working with priests and nuns for the past 15 years. Since the book is from the priest’s point of view, what causes themt to abuse, and tells their stories, it is important for me to have a lot of input. I found out about the Lazarus Fund and think it is a real effort toward healing the pain of sexual abuse. I would be very interested in meeting the priest who set up the fund/program. All of my interviews are anonymous and confidential, and this is another way to expand the healing process for both victims and priests alike. I am telling their stories in a simple straighforward and honest way to gain an understanding about behavioral patterns and underlying dynamics. Unfortunately,it is difficult to find religious men who will help me and since it is anonymous it would seem to me and that seems troubling to me because it is an other way to help people understand. If you can help please email me at kristinekepp@worldnet.att.net