Toronto Archbishop Clears the Air on Sex Abuse, by Jennifer Yang, Toronto Star, April 18, 2010

Toronto Archbishop Clears the Air on Sex Abuse

By Jennifer Yang
Toronto Star
April 18, 2010

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/797214--toronto-archbishop-clears-the-air-on-sex-abuse

For Pat Bartlett, it has been difficult to ignore the sexual abuse cases that have left the Catholic community scandalized, criticized and weakened in faith.

"It makes you question your faith," she said, describing herself as "shocked" and "disappointed" to hear of the numerous abuse cases involving Catholic priests, as well as the church's continue failure to report them.

"It takes away, I guess, some of the innocence of your faith."

So for Bartlett, it was a welcome relief to have her concerns addressed in church on Sunday morning. In a pastoral letter read as the homily in all 225 parishes across the Greater Toronto Area, Archbishop Thomas.

Collins spoke of the scandals and announced plans to review church procedure for handling future allegations of sexual abuse. The text of his sermon has also been posted on the archdiocese's website, as well as a video.

The Archbishop personally delivered his sermon during the 8 a.m. mass at St. Michael's Cathedral Sunday. He was supposed to join the Canadian delegation to Poland that day but his flight was cancelled due to volcanic ash still disrupting travel to Europe.

Parishioners are seen leaving St. Michael\'s Cathedral after Sunday morning Mass, where Archbishop Tomas Collins addressed the issue of priests and sexual abuse. The archbishop\'s letter was read in 225 parish churches across the archdiocese Sunday.

But for the 10 o'clock mass, which Bartlett attended, Father Edward Curtis of the Toronto Archdiocese read Collins' letter on his behalf. The pews at St. Michael's were packed, with a handful of people even standing in the back, and many parishioners leaned forward as they listened attentively to Collins' sermon.

"It seems that not a day has gone by in recent weeks without hearing of Catholic priests who have sexually abused those entrusted to their care, or of the failure of their superiors to deal rightly with that," his letter read. "We should always be thankful when wrongdoing is revealed, for that can lead to renewal, but in the face of this constant criticism, Catholic clergy and lay people alike can feel discouraged, angry, confused, and ashamed."

The sermon recapped what Collins had earlier told priests at the annual Chrism Mass — when priests renew their vows — held during Easter Week, acknowledging that certain bishops have "failed" in their responsibilities.

"People expect that one who is consecrated with the holy oil of Chrism will act in an exemplary manner and never betray the trust which people know they should be able to place in a Catholic priest," Collins said. "And yet to our shame some have used the awesome gift of the holy priesthood for base personal gratification, betraying the innocent and devastating their lives."

Collins stressed, however, that most priests serve faithfully and acts of abuse were "exceptions." He also said the church has made progress in educating itself on the impact of sexual abuse, "with much of the reform led by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, today our beloved Pope Benedict XVI."

The pope has also recently faced allegations he may have failed to properly respond to cases of sexual abuse in the past.

After the hour-long mass, Bartlett said she was glad the Archbishop openly addressed what others have been so reluctant to discuss.

"It was something that needed to be said," she said. "The more we talk about it, the less ominous (it is)."

Other parishioners attending Sunday mass at St. Michael's were similarly relieved to hear Collins' statements. Art Pierce, who teaches marketing at Ryerson University, said the key is to look forward now, a sentiment he felt was reflected in the sermon.

Part of Collins' statement was the announcement of a new panel of lay people, mostly women, which will review existing procedures for addressing future allegations of sexual abuse by priests. The panel, which has not yet been fully formed, will make its recommendations by July 31, 2010.

"It's not who we blame," Pierce said. "It's what you do to set it right and make sure it's set right in the future."

For Nancy Alo, she was mostly comforted to hear the Archbishop re-direct some of the focus on the victims. Collins' sermon expressed concern for the "innocent young people who have suffered abuse" and urged Catholics to do everything possible to ensure "this evil does not afflict the vulnerable in the future."

"I hope it is true," she said of the Archdioce's pledge to implement change. "I think it's good that they're thinking about the victims."