Pastor's Notes - 08/26/2018

This past Saturday and Sunday, I read Archbishop Carlson’s letter of his response to the Grand Jury finding in several dioceses in Pennsylvania.  I gave some reflections about the letter at the 11:00 am Mass, and I thought that I would share them with you.  

I believe one instance of Catholic Clergy abuse is one too many.  One of the great virtues of Jesus is compassion.  We need to show great compassion to anyone who has ever been abused.  We do not judge them.  They feel bad enough, and sometimes they question themselves as to what they did to have this happen to them, or even they go as far as thinking and feeling that it was their fault.  It can be children, teens or even adults who have suffered abuse in their lives.  

We need to love them and support them with compassion as we walk with them on their journey of life. The Book of Genesis reminds us God has created them in His image and likeness.  This is not an experience which one can just get over, it is something that they carry with them the rest of their lives.  We need to pray with them and for them.  We need to show the ultimate compassion and love of Jesus when we are with them, or even if we are in a conversation about them.  As Jesus says we need to love them.  

Thank you all.

Fr. Joe Wormek

For your information: Fr. Buehler takes off on Mondays and I take off on Fridays.