Faith, frailty and reform

It has been nearly 20 years since the spotlight of media attention made us all too aware of human frailty, sinfulness and even criminal behavior within our beloved Catholic Church and its institutions. Human sinfulness, of course, has been with us since the beginning. But, the more recent scandal of abuse in its various manifestations brought many to their knees. It has humiliated us, but also summoned us to repentance, accountability and reform. 

Abuse against children and vulnerable persons is a cultural and societal scourge. The Catholic Church, therefore, is not unique in grappling with its effects, except in the fact that while the Church is a human institution it also is a divinely established institution. 

Because of its human members, our failings often are all too evident and disturbing. But, when these are highlighted, we need not give in to despair or turn our backs on the Church because we have the Lord’s promise that “the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Mt. 16:18). We may be crushed by the weight of our sinfulness, but do not despair of God’s grace and mercy. When we seek God’s mercy, we dare not presume on it. Those who seek mercy must first acknowledge the need for mercy and repent.

As a Church we have taken a leading role in society by working to ensure that Catholic institutions – and those who volunteer, serve and staff them – are safe for children, young people and vulnerable adults. We require safe environment training, conduct background checks and have initiated protocols for reporting, investigating and acting upon allegations of misconduct. We do these things not because we have been forced to do so, but because we recognize that this is what our faith, our responsibilities and our understanding of the dignity of every human person requires of us. We are God’s children created in his image, and we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.

I am proud of our Catholic institutions: our parishes, health care facilities, social ministries and schools. It is through these that we can respond to the Lord’s command to be light for the world and salt for the earth. I am proud of those who lead and participate in these ministries in the service of the Jesus Christ and his Church. 

Do we always do so perfectly? No. But, we continue to affirm and celebrate the valuable contributions that the Catholic Church makes to society in promoting the sanctity of human life and dignity with all that this entails. 

This week, we continue our annual observance of Catholic Schools Week. Our schools are a priceless treasure for the students, families and communities who benefit and will benefit in the future from the Christ-centered Catholic education that our schools provide. 

This past week, a news outlet reported on a disturbing failure at one of our outstanding schools. The failure is frustrating and regrettable. While it reminded us of the importance of our commitment to transparency and ongoing need for improvement, it does not negate the importance of our mission and the dedication of the good men and women who help advance that mission in service to the students entrusted to them by their parents.  

Please pray for our students, parents, parish volunteers, school staff, clergy and others who contribute their time and expertise to strengthen the Church, create safe environments and act as good stewards of God’s gifts.