BishopAccountability.org
	My Turn: What the Catholic Church Is Truly about By Bernard Roque Burlington Free Press January 18, 2009 http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090118/OPINION/901180303 In light of the recent sexual abuse cases filed against the Catholic Church, I think it is prudent to have a little Catholic Church 101 lesson. As people may be aware, within the Catholic Church there are seven sacraments. They are: baptism, reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, confirmation, holy orders, holy matrimony and anointing of the sick. The first four sacraments are received in the formation period, given as lifelong tools in pursuit of a life directed by the Holy Spirit. They are spiritual tools instituted by Jesus himself. It is a means of gaining a relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior, and it is Jesus' means to invite people into a relationship with him. Holy orders and holy matrimony are sacraments that sanctify choices based on the calling Jesus has for someone's life, and which one you choose is entirely between you and Jesus. Most of us choose holy matrimony. Catholics believe that the institution of marriage is holy and sacred. It is the bond between a man and a woman with its main focus on gaining graces and striving toward holiness within the sacrament. Holy orders are for when a man discerns that his life is to be vowed to the church as a priest. Catholics view the church as a living organism made up of believers in the promises of Jesus Christ himself. When an individual chooses the sacrament of holy orders, he is taking vows of fidelity toward the family of God within the church. They are vowing to hold "her" true to the message of Jesus Christ. Her spouse becomes Jesus as they work toward salvation for themselves and their family of God, through the Catholic Church. It is something very sacred and holy. It is a step that most men do not take lightly, as most of us do not take holy matrimony lightly. To a priest, the vows of fidelity toward Jesus' church are taken with a promise to serve in Jesus' love and grace. An examples of a priest who has lived with such faith and fidelity would be Pope John Paul II. This example is being used because most people know of him. There are countless others all over the world, including in the Diocese of Burlington, who live their lives true to Jesus' teachings. There are more that do than don't. Our faithful priests and religious are bruised and hurt by the sexual abuse acted out by one priest. They are crying for the damage caused and praying for each other to continue in truth for their spouse, Jesus Christ. When a teacher, in the vocation of educating, is convicted of sexual crimes, do we sue the whole school district for the heinous choices of one? How have we handled that? As it stands, not only is the one priest being hurt by this, the innocent are being punished for something that they did not have any control over or knowledge thereof. What will happen to all the Catholic Charities family and counseling services that faithful men and women offer to people? There are so many faithful followers of the message of Christ. There are so many religious and priests who, in this trying time, are staying true to their vows just as a married couple would stay true to their vows in trying times. Hang in there, sisters, fathers and believers! Keep praying for the victims, the lawyers and the bishop who is carrying it for us all. Bernard Roque lives in Essex Junction.
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