A Prayer for Priests

If you attended Mass at St. Stephen this weekend, you would have heard the priest read Bishop Parkes' letter.  I am sharing it here too as I feel it's important to see that we are fortunate to be in a Diocese that does not not sweep things under the rug and has a deep respect for what vocations stand for.  Here are the Bishop's Words....

"I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children.  In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults from any type of abuse.

In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, we comply with the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, which was adopted in June 2002 by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops that requires background screening and Safe Environment Program training for all who may have the care, responsibility, and/or supervision of children and young people.  Our diocese responds promptly to all credible allegations of abuse and removes the abuser from ministry.  Additionally, we list the names of priests of the Diocese of St. Petersburg who have been accused of abuse on the Diocesan website.

I urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse by a member of the clergy or any representative of the Church to contact law enforcement and our victim assistance coordinator at 866-407-4505.  Also, I urge anyone who is aware of abuse by a member of the clergy or representative of the Church to contact law enforcement and our victim assistance coordinator at 866-407-4505.

I pray for all victims of abuse around the nation and around the world. I also pray that the Church will learn from past mistakes to be able to safeguard the people we serve and to be authentic witnesses of charity, justice and truth."

Please continue to pray for all clergy, those who walk with Christ and those who have fallen out of grace.

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your gift of our priests.  Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.  Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.  Set their souls on fire with love for your people.  Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.  Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.  Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.  Help them to become instruments of your diving grace.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.  Amen. 

After the busy week we had last week, I am happy to report that this week we can get to the business of teaching.  Gina and I will be more visible in the classrooms this week and we will be checking Atlas and ParentsWeb.  Be sure both are up to date.

Band forms are due Monday, but students may continue to bring them in.  Please remind students they are due.  Friday night is the PTCO movie night.  Details are in Tidbits.  If you do not receive Tidbits in your email on Thursdays, please be sure to contact Karen.  It is important that everyone is reading Tidbits each week.  Lastly, Friday is All In T-shirt and Jeans Day.  Students may also wear PE shorts.  Everyone is encouraged to wear their t-shirt that day.  If you did not get your t-shirt yet, please come see me.