Dear Friends and Parishioners,
Today we are horrified and outraged to see bishops and priests in the Church - those who should guide us and lead us to become holy - have engaged in some of the worst sins possible. Those who have acted in this way need to be brought to justice and, further, need help to understand the gravity of their crimes. My brothers and sisters at St. Agnes, please pray for the bishops and priests who have failed us. They must give us an honest account of what they did and how and when. This is the practice for all of us at Confession, and true for Church leaders now.
I implore you to pray for the victims, whose pain is immeasurable. Let us not fail to be sensitive to their feelings. The Lord can do wonders with a heartfelt prayer. Ask Him to send comfort and guidance to the victims, that their future will include happiness and, yes, joy. We have to remember that all things are possible with God, who knows something about tender wounds.
My friends, we are in a world that has lost sight of the truth and understanding about sexuality. We are pained and shocked to see people do horrendous things, especially to young people, some of whom are children. As Catholics, we feel betrayed that these sins have been committed by priests, who, as Christ’s representatives on earth, should be the example of holiness and compassion. No one - especially a child - should feel unsafe in our Catholic churches.
Addressing these issues will take time. Be patient with those who are taking action. Do not abandon the Catholic Church. Do not abandon the good priests who are struggling at your side. Remember that the Corner Stone of the Church is Christ. He told us in Matthew that “the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against It.”
By the Word of the Lord, we shall persevere.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
St. Joseph, Protector of the Church, pray for us!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Michael Barrett, Pastor