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	Letter to Parishoners from Bishop Salvatore Matano Burlington Free Press May 19, 2008 http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080519/NEWS/80519027 Bishop Salvatore R. Matano • has written an open letter to parishoners of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, updating them on recent legal issues. The following letter was made available to parishoners over the weekend: • Bishop's Office • 351 North Ave. • Burlington, VT 05402-0489 • May 16, 2008 • • My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As you painfully are aware, the verdict rendered in the just completed sexual misconduct case before the civil court resulted in an $8,700,000 award to the plaintiff. Naturally, this causes great consternation among the faithful. Thus, I felt compelled to communicate with you. I first wish to express my deep regret for the hurt endured by the plaintiff and on behalf of the Diocese I sincerely apologize to him that one chosen to be God's servant betrayed a sacred trust and so wounded him and other victims of abuse. Again, I apologize to these victims. I pray one day we will meet and achieve reconciliation. Regarding the verdict, as it stands, it requires serious consideration regarding how the Diocese can charitably, justly and effectively bring to a resolution this difficult and tragic situation, dating back in history but requiring resolution today. Possible alternatives are being considered and evaluated which present reasonable options for dealing with this heavy burden and taking into account all who are affected by this judgment, namely the victims, the faithful of our Diocese in parishes, health care facilities, schools and all who seek our assistance when in need or troubled. I do not wish in any way to inflict further suffering or pain upon the victims or upon the faithful of this Diocese because of what happened in the past. Mindful that I am the Shepherd of all the faithful, I, therefore, must be conscious of our diocesan and parochial needs and remain attentive to our brothers and sisters in need who seek our support through our charitable agencies. I pray that our mission continues with faith and enthusiasm. Certainly today the Diocese has an expansive Safe Environment Program which seeks to do all that is possible to protect our children and to ensure that all who work with children are dedicated to their safety and protection. Education about this vital issue has taken place and continues to take place among our priests, deacons, religious, teachers and parish volunteers and anyone dealing with children at any of our Catholic facilities, institutions or agencies. The Diocesan Victim Assistance Committee, established seven years ago, continues to provide assistance in securing counseling services for people suffering from the effects of past sexual abuse. We seek to cooperate fully with law enforcement or other social service agencies whenever incidents of this nature might arise in any circumstances brought to our attention. These efforts hopefully are making the Diocese of Burlington one of today's leaders among those dedicated to creating a safe environment for our children. In seeking solutions to these cases now under review, competent advisors are being consulted, each with his or her own sensitivity, pastoral awareness and expertise. While regretting that legal options still must be considered, the amount awarded in this present case seriously challenges the Diocese in its ability to resolve the remaining cases and, therefore, does merit review. Thus, upon deliberation by diocesan consultative bodies, as well as respecting the sentiments thus far expressed by the faithful, it has been decided that the decision will be appealed. Again, the concerns of all affected by this tragic case must remain before our eyes. As we pursue an effective solution, diocesan resources will be analyzed with the hope that needed ministries will continue uninterrupted and parishes remain unaffected by a burden that does not belong to them. As more information is available, I will continue to keep you apprised of developments in this matter. I beg for your prayers as I do what is possible to address this situation. With your good prayers to supplement my human limitations, I hope resolution will result and thereby enable the Diocese to move forward in fulfilling its mission to serve God's people in love and in fidelity. In concluding, I repeat my plea to those estranged from the Church to come home. Please recall the words of St. Paul: "For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:38-39). Thanking you for your deep faith, understanding and patience and renewing my plea for prayers, I remain, • Sincerely yours in Christ, • The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano • Bishop of Burlington •
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