Response to the Recent Church Abuse and Scandals in Pennsylvania
As your pastor, allow me to express my sincerest gratitude to you for being strong, faithful, generous and a truly loving community. Since I came here last year, I have seen and experienced how prayerful and deeply rooted you are in your faith. This strength that is inspired by the Holy Spirit continues to motivate you to live up to our mission: Be Spirit Filled and Make Disciples.
Time and again our faith is tested, and in the light of the recent news regarding recent revelations of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and others. I know you are hurt by this and do not approve of sexual assault from clergy and failed church leadership. I do not condone this, and I convey my heartfelt and utmost respect, love and support to all of you. Fr. Matt, Fr. Lee and I are here for you through this process.
Our doors are open to receive you, welcome you and just be there for you. “You may have much to say, or you may still be processing all this, but be assured we will be by your side in case you need us.”
In the midst of all this, I only have one prayer for all of us that I know our Lord, who is never outdone in mercy and generosity, will grant to us. “God of Love and Unbounded Mercy, shed your light upon your people in darkness.” Give us the Light of Christ, the Beacon of Hope, to guide and brighten our way.
Yes, we do not know what is ahead. But we know of one thing, we all need the Eucharist to sustain us, to heal us, to strengthen us, to sanctify us, to save us. We stand together strong in Faith, Hope, and Love. We will stand strong and together, hand in hand, heart to heart, one day at a time. Our Hope is in the Lord, our trust is in Him, and Him alone, forevermore.
This much I can tell you, I, together with Fr Matt and Fr. Lee, love and care for you.
We are all in this, together.
Below is a link to our Bishop Michael Barber’s Statement to all parishes in the diocese. Please read it. Thank you for your kind attention.
God bless you all!
Fr. Ken
Bishop Michael Barber’s Statement
Please click the button below to be taken to the Oakland Diocese Website to read Bishop Barber’s Statement.