MASSACHUSETTS
The Standard-Times
More than 500 members of the Catholic laity from 200 local affiliates and 32 states recently gathered at the Convention Center in Indianapolis to attend theAbuse Tracker Voice of the Faithful Convocation. The theme was "Accountability Now."
Among the laity attendees were seven members of the SouthCoast affiliate and nine members of the Falmouth affiliate.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the commissioning of members of the newly formedAbuse Tracker Representative Council. Representatives from 13 regions throughout the United States were commissioned thus solidifying the group's national stature.
The Catherine of Sienna Distinguished Lay Person Award was presented to Justice Anne Burke, the former chairwoman of the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops'Abuse Tracker Review Board for the Protection of Children and Young People. Illinois Appellate Judge Burke spoke eloquently of the need for greater openness and responsibility within the church. She also advised the group to keep pressure on bishops to ensure financial accountability on church affairs. The laity should be kept informed.
The Rev. Tom Doyle, the first recipient of the Priest of Integrity Award, in 2002 presented the Rev. Monsignor Laurence Breslin of Cincinnati, Ohio, with the 2005 Priest of Integrity Award. The Rev. Monsignor Breslin commended those present for the caring they have demonstrated for the future of their church. He stressed that laity, hierarchy and clergy should be good listeners, be empathetic and strive to change hearts. He noted that a more participatory, less autocratic decision-making process is needed.