From Scandal to Hope

One of America's most trusted Catholic writers helps us sort out the real facts from the wild rumors, and gives us concrete suggestions for strengthening our prayer lives.

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Contents

With Thanks...9

Preface: By Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan...11

Chapter 1: ‘You People Got a Lot of Trouble’...15

Chapter 2: Persecution...41

Chapter 3: An Urgent Appeal for Reform...67

Chapter 4: Reform Now!...131

Epilogue...183

Prayers  

Prayer for the Church in Time of Scandal...187

Prayer to Be Said by Victims and Their Families...189

Prayer to Be Said by Priests Who Sinned Against the Young...191

Prayer to Be Said by Those in Charge (Bishops, Superiors, and Their Assistants)...193

Prayer to Be Said by Those Falsely Accused...195

Appendixes           

I.  Pope John Paul II— A Papal Address to the Cardinals of the United States...199

II. George Weigel — Excerpts From the Series ‘From Scandal to Reform’...204

III. James O. Clifford, Sr. —Double Standard in Stories About Sexual Abuse...208

IV. Johann Christoph Arnold — Clergy Sex Scandals Steal Headlines From Countless Faithful Who Defend Children and Uphold Chastity...213

Preface

Father Benedict Groeschel describes himself as “a New York moderate pessimist.” Knowing Father Benedict as I do, I would submit that his self-description is overly pessimistic.

The Father Groeschel I know and admire is a man of profound faith. He is a man with a keen spiritual and pastoral sense. Over these many years, his books have called all of us to explore with greater depth and clarity our role as believers. Time and again, his writings call the Church to a critical reform and renewal, always consistent with the teachings of the Magisterium. His message, broadly interpreted, is one of great hope — hope in Christ’s promise to be with us always. He may be a realist, but he’s a priest of contagious hope.

 We all are called to be people of hope. As an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, I have been charged with overseeing the issue of thosewho allege sexual abuse by priests in our archdiocese. Over the past several months, I have met with victims and their families, who each display for me the pain and anger of terrible violation. I offer what support and assistance I can, and assure all to the best of my ability that no child will be at risk in our archdiocese. It is my prayerful hope that the Church will continue to progress in the way in which it addresses the needs of victims, charitably and pastorally.

I likewise have met with priests facing abuse allegations. While some of the allegations regrettably have proven true, others have not. Good priests in St. Louis and elsewhere have had their reputations sullied by false allegations. All priests, in fact, must deal on a daily basis with the societal perception — false though it may be — that “Catholic priest” equals “child abuser.” The pain we all have faced during this difficult moment in the Church’s history is enough to turn all of us into negative-minded pessimists! That’s why this book is so welcome.

What is needed is context, and Father Groeschel provides it in this book. In his own unique and attractive style, Father Groeschel offers a kind of point-by-point lesson plan for renewal and purification in the Church. The renewal, he rightly notes, starts with individuals, who must recognize their important role as disciples. Through our own reading of Scripture, our prayer, our practice of virtue, and our reception of the sacraments, we more effectively can ascertain what role the Lord is asking us to play in shaping our society and our Church. As my ordinary here in St. Louis, Archbishop Justin Rigali, observes about the present crisis, “We can’t get away with anything less than holiness, which shows itself in fidelity and integrity.”

Prior to beginning my service as an auxiliary bishop, I served for seven years as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome. During my tenure in Rome, I came to know hundreds of happy, healthy, holy men who have become faithful priests. So much about these men gives cause for optimism: their willingness to say “yes” to God’s call; the zeal with which they undertook their studies; and the profound joy one could see in their faces as they were ordained to the holy priesthood. Even a New York pessimist would have cause to smile!

As you read Father Groeschel’s book, remember to smile! Remember that the victory has been won! Remember that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Christ’s Church! Remember thatall things are possible with God! But solemnly remember, too, the important and continuing role we all must play to make His light of truth visible to all. It is a task we must take on with the utmost seriousness.

-Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan,  Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis