NY1 Special Report: New Archbishop Says Church Has Learned from Sex Scandal, NY1, February 25, 2009

NY1 Special Report: New Archbishop Says Church Has Learned from Sex Scandal

NY1
February 25, 2009

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/94527/-em-ny1-special-report---em--new-archbishop-says-church-has-learned-from-sex-scandal/Default.aspx

[with video]

On Ash Wednesday, New York's new Archbishop Timothy Dolan sat down with NY1's Dean Meminger for an interview to discuss the issues facing New York's Catholic Church.

“I’m very honored and grateful. But that doesn't mask for a second that it is going to be tough leaving. There is some penance, some dying in that,” said Dolan.

At St. Pius XI High School on the west side of Milwaukee, Dolan placed ashes on the foreheads of students who did the wave to wish him a fond farewell. After mass, we sat down with the archbishop to discuss various issues including the clergy sex abuse scandal that has rocked the church -- including the church in Milwaukee.

"For those thoughtful considerate voices that say archbishop you could have done more. I would tend to say to them you probably got a point. I beat my brains out trying to do the best that I can. And I think we have made significant progress,” said Dolan.

The archbishop says progress has also been made in education, especially the fact that eligible Milwaukee families can receive tax payer vouchers to pay for Catholic school.

“I think that is going to have to be a major pastoral goal in New York, to continue the good work,” said Dolan. "I know it is going to be a continual daily drive of mine. We use the words affordable, accessible, available, when we talk about Catholic schools."

Dolan says he hopes to be accessible to all New Yorkers, as he has been in Milwaukee but that may not be possible as the most influential Catholic leader in the country.

"I am a little fearful that I may not have the opportunity in New York that I had here. But I cannot let that happen because that is where it is at, Jesus did it, I want to do it,” said Dolan.

That also means going out to enjoy life and all that the city offers.

“I like going to ball games, I like going out to fish fries, I like going for a cheeseburger,” said Dolan. “It is just something natural that flows from me. Yeah you will be seeing me.”

Dolan’s installation as the next Archbishop of New York is scheduled for April 15.