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	In Pastoral Letter, Bishop Lucas Extends Invitation to Reconciliation By Kathie Sass Catholic Times February 10, 2008 http://ct.dio.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=474&Itemid=49 Marking the 155th anniversary of the diocese, Bishop George J. Lucas has written a pastoral letter on reconciliation, inviting all to "come to Jesus Christ and to be reconciled to God and to one another in him." The full text of the letter is available in this issue of Catholic Times and is available online at www.dio.org. Called We Implore You on Behalf Of Christ, Be Reconciled to God, the letter is an exploration of the nature of reconciliation. It calls for Catholics to engage in the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as preparation for reception of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. "The church has never seen the season of Lent and its spiritual practices as ends in themselves," he says in the letter. "Instead, generations of believers have found here an opportunity to accept the grace of God, to receive forgiveness and healing in the mystery of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection." Bishop Lucas extends the invitation for reconciliation with an admission that some are estranged from the church. "I am also sad to realize that some may not welcome an invitation from me because I am a bishop of the Church," he says in the letter. "I am aware, as you are, that there are members of your families, of our parishes and of our communities, who have been hurt or offended by the actions of someone in the Church, perhaps someone with particular authority and responsibility. Others feel alienated from the life of the household of faith because of the circumstances of their lives." The letter extends Bishop Lucas' plea for forgiveness for offenses caused by the church. "The suffering of those who have been offended or who feel unwelcome among the community of believers is Christ's own suffering," he says. To those who have been victims of sexual abuse of children or adolescents by clergy, religious or lay leaders in the church, Bishop Lucas acknowledges that "the hurt is deep and it is ongoing." He asks forgiveness for past offenses and pledges that the diocesan church will continue to take allegations seriously. He outlines some of the steps taken to protect young people from abuse, and urges anyone who has been abused to contact the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, if they have not already done so, to talk about how the church can help. "We wish to make amends so that real healing in Jesus Christ may take place," he says. In the letter, Bishop Lucas also reaches out to others who may have been hurt or made to feel alienated by the church: * Vulnerable adults who may have been taken advantage of by someone in ministry or a leadership role. "While adults have a responsibility to protect themselves from manipulation and abuse, they may come to the church at a moment of serious need or vulnerability," Bishop Lucas says. "I also call on all members of the church, particularly those in positions of responsibility, to foster the human dignity, self-acceptance and proper autonomy of each person who seeks to come to Christ," he says. * Women who may question whether the church values them and welcomes their gifts. "The call to holiness is universal," Bishop Lucas says, and points out that on a parish level, generations of women have exercised positions of leadership and that many now have positions of authority and even governance on the diocesan level. He says that though it is his "responsibility and privilege" to support the church's teaching on ordained ministry, it is also my "responsibility and my privilege to repeat the invitation of Jesus to women of the 21st century to take your full place in the community of faith." * Those who have experienced divorceand remarriage outside the church. "I want you to know that you and your children are valued members of the church," Bishop Lucas says. "Your presence and your participation - even while your sacramental participation may be limited - add to the vitality of our parish communities and we are diminished without you." He invites those who have experienced broken marriage to seek assistance from the diocesan tribunal. * Anyone suffering from the sadness and loss of abortion. Church teaching on the value of human life is clear. But Bishop Lucas acknowledges that women who chose abortion, for whatever reason, might mistakenly feel that there is no place for her in the church. "The church desires to extend the compassion of Jesus to any who suffer from the effects of abortion," he says. "Guilt and isolation are never part of God's plan for any of us." * Homosexual persons, and those who struggle with church teaching on living a life of chastity. Bishop Lucas acknowledges the challenge of accepting the church's teaching of God's design for marriage. "I offer my prayerful acceptance and support to persons who wish to live as full members of the church," he says. "I offer my encouragement as well to count on the grace of God to sustain your desire to come to full stature in Christ." * Those that have experienced racism in the church. Bishop Lucas acknowledges that in the past, even Catholic organizations were known to accept racist practices. But, he says, "racism is a sin, an offense against the dignity of the human person and against God in whose image we are created." He offers an apology to any person who experienced discrimination and pledges continued support of the diocesan church to act against racism in society at large. * Those whose parishes have been closed or merged. Acknowledging that loss of parish churches and schools can be painful, he asks that those facing such changes"remain open to the action of the Holy Spirit, who remains with us in the church." Bishop Lucas says he has counted on the support of the priests of the diocese to further the work of reconciliation and pledges his support for them in their pastoral work. As means of reconciliation, Bishop Lucas focused on catechesis and stewardship, and urges participation in the "Why Catholic?" program that will be introduced to parishes in the coming months. In conclusion, Bishop Lucas says the difficult process of reconciliation is made possible only because "of the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ, and given to each of us for the sake of us all. "To all who read this call to reconciliation with good will, may God fulfill in our lives together this good work," he says.
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