On the Scandals: What are we to do?

Dear Parishioners,

The past few weeks have been difficult ones for us Catholics.  More allegations of sexual abuse have surfaced in the Church, this time in Pennsylvania, revealing more victims who were betrayed by men who were supposed to be virtuous and trustworthy: the clergy.  Those victims have, in most of the cases, suffered for decades as a result.  The Church as a whole suffers greatly, as well, from the sins of these men.  I wonder, who will be drawn to the Catholic Church when these scandals keep happening?  Yet, this is Jesus’ Church!  Through it he offers so much grace in the Sacraments.  Likewise, the teaching on matters such as marriage, family, and sexuality which the Church proposes are so good, true and beautiful!  Fidelity to the Catholic Church’s teachings on these matters is the antidote to scandals such as these.  But, alas, I imagine many will not hear the message because a few of the Church’s clergy have destroyed our credibility and caused so much harm to so many people.  This has to stop happening!

Rightly, people are demanding action.  And we should be vigilant that our Church’s leaders do take action.  As for us, here, in Stanley and Berthold… what can we do? 

Obviously, first of all, we should learn to spot signs of abuse and how to report them, in our churches or elsewhere.  The Diocesan “Code of Conduct” contains a great deal of helpful information.  I encourage everyone to read it.  It’s online at bismarckdiocese.com, on the “Safe Environment” page.  If you like, I can print a copy for you. 

Secondly, we must not leave the Catholic Church. The Church needs holy men and women in the pews to fix the problem.  Leaving for another denomination or leaving faith in Christ altogether only harms more souls.  We mustn’t leave Jesus because of Judas!  I encourage everyone to read (or re-read) chapter 16 in Why We’re Catholic by Trent Horn, the book I gave away for Christmas.  That chapter, “why we believe in spite of scandal,” is excellent, and very short.

Thirdly, we must be better Catholics.  It is hard to be a priest, out in public, during these scandals, wearing my collar.  And I’m sure your non-Catholic family or friends see your Catholic faith in a more negative light, perhaps even criticizing you for it.  The response to this is not to (as I’m sure we’re all tempted) hide our Catholic identity and faith, but to live it all the more boldly and with greater fidelity.  Our Holy Father has asked everyone to pray and fast in reparation for these horrific sins.  Might I suggest, to that end, we all pray the Rosary every day, as Mary has asked us repeatedly?  Pray it together as families, pray it in our churches, or alone as you exercise or drive.  Also, let us do penance, such as by abstaining from meat on every Friday (as is traditional), or doing some other penance on Fridays.  Let us all attend Mass faithfully.  And go to confession often.  And do acts of charity frequently, to show people that Jesus’ love shines through you and I as we strive to be ever more faithful Catholics. 

May God have mercy upon us, and may he grant healing to all victims.  Amen!

-Fr. Jason Signalness