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	Your View: Pedophiles Not the Only Ones to Blame By Carol Markey South Coast Today June 23, 2009 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090623/OPINION/906230313/-1/NEWS It was with great interest that I read Monsignor John Oliveira's June 16 opinion piece on supporting priests in this "Year of the Priests" (a very worthy cause). I would consider myself to be an active, practicing Catholic, and am happy to honor the many hard-working priests of integrity in our diocese and all over the world. I must take issue, however, with Monsignor Oliveira's assessment that the only ordained priests that have not lived up to their commitment in regards to the sexual abuse scandals of recent years are those who suffer from the illness of pedophilia. A more egregious violation of the dignity of the priesthood are those in power who chose to overlook, excuse and permit the continuation of abuse by moving these individuals to other areas or parishes. Instead of reporting them to the authorities and removing them from ministry, many knew and reassigned these priests to new parishes where they often abused again. Each day when I read of another victim or victims, my heart breaks for the children and their families. Most recently, the debacle in Ireland is an atrocity. The scandal is not over as victims continue to come forward. Yet, no one has been held accountable or responsible for ignoring or moving these perpetrators. John Geoghan, who suffered an illness, was jailed and killed in jail. But Cardinal Law sits in a place of honor in Rome, protected by the Vatican. No bishop or cardinal has been held accountable by the Church for these actions. Is this justice? Not in my eyes. This is a crime. Allow me to now respond to Monsignor Oliveira's questions and suggestions of how we, as lay women and men, should celebrate. "First, pray for your priests." I, as many of my fellow Catholics, pray for priests every day — those who feed me spiritually in particular. I pray, too, for those who suffer any physical, mental or emotional disease. I particularly honor those who struggle to do many jobs in a one-priest parish. I also pray for those priests, bishops and cardinals who knew about the sexual abuse of children and covered it up. On a simpler level, he asked if Catholic readers had ever expressed a "thank you" for a challenging homily. I have, many times. Last Sunday I heard a wonderful sharing of the gospel, and I, along with many fellow parishioners, thanked the priest. "When he asked for help, did you help?" Yes, many times. Many people in my parish answer the call to serve in so many ways. "When there was a special study session or devotion, did you attend?" Yes. For years I have tried to educate myself in church and spiritual matters. I actually attended an excellent retreat at St. Mary's in New Bedford (Monsignor Oliveira's parish) last year. Believe me, I don't stand alone. Many Roman Catholics try sincerely to do the best they can to live the true message of Jesus and to seek the truth in love. We all pray with and for all priests. However, we do hope that more priests will recognize that all people are baptized equally as disciples of Christ. In baptism, we are all called to be "priest, prophet and king." The dignity of the priesthood, therefore, refers to respect for each other — laity, bishops, priests, and the hierarchy of the church. Maybe this acceptance by all of us is a step toward real cooperation, open discussion and the building of Christ's kingdom here on earth. I, for one, will pray that all Catholics answer the call to the priesthood in this "Year of the Priest."
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