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| November 2002 Diocese of Phoenix to Hold Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nov 26 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) - The Most Reverend Thomas J. O'Brien, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, will celebrate the feast day of its patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002 at 3 p.m. The Mass will be celebrated in Spanish at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, 224 S. Kendrick in Flagstaff. Joining Bishop O’Brien in the Mass and celebration will be Father Michael Straley, Pastor of San Francisco de Asis; Fathers Gary Regula and John Picardi; Associate Pastors; Deacon Ed Hickcox and Father Timothy Conlon, OSC Vicar of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese. This event commemorates the appearance of Our Lady in 1531 at Tepeyac near Mexico City in the form of an Aztec maiden to Juan Diego, who had survived the European conquest in 1521. “I want to be your mother,” she said to him, promising support and hope. “I want to be the mother of all the inhabitants of this land. I want to right the wrongs.” She gave Juan Diego her image, which appeared on his cloak. This image remains intact today at the site where she appeared. In July of this year, Juan Diego became the first American Indian to be canonized. Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien celebrated the Mass in honor of this historic canonization at Immaculate Heart of Mary on July 31 and said in his homily, “Saint Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe teach us that God adopts all people and all people have equal place in the eyes of our loving God. In God’s house all are welcome and discrimination has no place in the church, in our society, or in our lives.” Pope John Paul II declared Our Lady of Guadalupe the Patroness of the Americas. This Mass joins Masses celebrated across America to remember her and renew our trust in her promises. Diocese of Phoenix Appeals for Religious Retirement Fund (Nov 22 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) - “Promise, Commitment, Impact,” is the theme of the 15th annual national collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. This appeal, which helps offset retirement needs of Catholic sisters, brothers and order priests in the United States, will be made in parishes throughout the Diocese of Phoenix on Dec. 7-8, 2002. The Religious Retirement Collection was established by the U.S. Bishops and leaders of national associations of religious orders in 1988. Since then it has raised more than $380 million nationally. Last year, the Diocese of Phoenix contributed $550,000. In 2001, the fund collected $32.7 million, the highest amount collected in the campaign’s 14-year history, and returned more than 98 percent of donations to more than 500 religious orders for retirement needs. 47 of the institutes had not previously received grants. For generations, younger members who entered religious life ensured the care of elderly members of religious institutes. Today, elderly religious who are retired from paid ministry far outnumber wage-earning religious. Health care costs have skyrocketed and the number of elderly religious in assisted living or nursing facilities has risen dramatically. Prior to 1972, religious did not qualify for Social Security. Nowadays, retired religious receive about $3,579 a year in Social Security benefits, while the average benefit for individuals in the larger population is $10,398. The average cost to care for religious who are past age 70 is $25,857. Approximately 54 percent of women religious and 36 percent of men religious are past the age of 70. More than 60,000 - the majority of religious - are past age 60. Nationwide, 181 of the country’s 195 dioceses participate in the Retirement Fund for Religious appeal. Eight others support local appeals. Many religious institutes address retirement needs by selling property and institutional ministries. Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien Speaks on New Norms of Sexual Abuse Charter (Nov 13 WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, Ariz., released the following quotes Nov. 13 regarding the norms and charter regarding sexual abuse by clergy which were passed overwhelmingly during the USCCB meeting today: “The new norms make very clear that sexual abuse and molestation by priests will not be tolerated by the Roman Catholic Church. I can assure Catholics in the Phoenix Diocese that such heinous acts of evil will never be tolerated. “I voted for the new norms because I believe they clarify several areas that were murky and confusing in the Dallas charter. There are still questions unanswered about who is going to constitute a tribunal. I think we all have to go back to our canonists and figure out how to implement that. The Vatican has made clear it wants due process for priests. “We will clearly comply with civil authorities in reporting allegations of sexual abuse and molestation. “I feel confident that we can do what we set out to do. Every bishop I have talked to is convinced we are doing the right thing. “I believe with all my heart that the Holy Father and the Vatican find sexual abuse abhorrent and evil, and especially heinous when it involves a priest who should be the embodiment of Christ-like behavior. The new norms do not mention the words ‘zero tolerance,’ because it is not an expression used in our canonical language. They nonetheless have the same effect: a priest who is ever accused or admits or is proven to have committed a sexual abuse cannot continue in ministry. As our Holy Father said, ‘There is no place in ministry for anyone who would harm a child.’ A priest, who is called by God to ministry, must be of the highest moral character. “Unfortunately, in recent months we have been reminded all too often that priests - and bishops - are ordinary men. They, unlike Christ, sometimes succumb to sin. Even worse, some have stolen the innocence of children. They have broken one of the most important mandates given to us by God as representatives of His holy Church: to protect, nurture and offer spiritual and moral guidance to children.” Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien Speaks on Border Issues (Nov 12 WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, Ariz., released the following quotes regarding migration and border issues during the USCCB meeting Nov. 12: “The historic document by the two bishops’ conferences (United States and Mexico) is of particular importance in Arizona where 167 immigrants - nearly half of all border deaths nationwide - died this summer in an attempt to secure a better life for themselves and their families. “As a Church committed to the dignity of every human being, we must take the lead to work with our government and to educate our people to open their hearts to our brothers and sisters who live south of the border. “We, as American bishops, also must actively share our resources and work to secure better lives for the people of Mexico. On Nov. 21, I will be part of another historic event, “Encuentro 2002,” with the diocese of Tucson and the Archdiocese of Hermosillo, in Nogales, Mexico. “During this conference, ministries from the Arizona dioceses will partner with those in Hermosillo to create what we call the “diocese without borders.” We want to erase the line that has been created by governments, the border that separates us, to truly become one Church body under God. “Unfortunately, third and fourth generations of European ancestry have forgotten that it wasn’t all that long ago when Catholics of Irish, Italian and Polish descent - to name just three - were once confined to ghettos in this country and denied employment and opportunities to better their lives. They lived in poverty and struggled to gain acceptance in the United States. “The Church was instrumental in helping them to gain employment, living wages and quality education. What we did then we must again do now for Latinos who are looking for an opportunity - not a handout - to better their lives.” Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien Speaks on (Nov 12 WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, Ariz., released the following quotes regarding accountability of bishops during the USCCB meeting Nov. 12: “While we bishops cannot sanction each other or make decisions about our status in the Church, we will have to explore mechanisms for fraternal challenge and for fraternal corrections. In my judgment, after listening and talking to many bishops, we are taking this sexual abuse issue extremely seriously. “In the spirit of the statement [on episcopal accountability], we have already had meetings in our province regarding our own diocesan procedures and policies so that we are accountable to one another.” The Diocese of Phoenix to Ordain Nineteen Deacons (Nov 12 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) - It has been many years since the Diocese of Phoenix has had such a large group of men ordained into the Diaconate but this Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, the Most Reverend Thomas J. O’Brien, Bishop of the Phoenix Diocese, will ordain nineteen new deacons. The ordinations will take place at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 3450 West Ray Road, Chandler. “I extend an invitation to the entire diocese to not only witness the ordination, but to join in celebration of the gift that these men will be receiving, the gift of the ministry of the Diaconate,” said Bishop O'Brien. Preparation for diaconal ordination includes a series of classes in Biblical studies, theology, pastoral ministry, liturgy, and other auxiliary subjects pertaining to the ministry of the Catholic Church and the Diaconate, as well as a six-month internship. This process can take more than five years. The Diaconate is one of three ways Catholic men are called to participate in the sacrament of the Holy Orders; the other two being the priesthood and the episcopacy (Order of Bishop). For a biography of each deacon, please visit the diocesan website.
November 8, 2002 My Dearly Beloved in Christ, As I prepare to leave for the Bishops’ meeting, I want to share with you some thoughts and information. First of all, I want to give you my love and thank you for your faithfulness to the Church, the Diocese and to me – your bishop – during this trying time. I cannot predict how the media will write about the changes in the Charter. What I can do is assure you that as long as I am your Bishop, I will not tolerate any kind of sexual molestation or assault – whether with a child or an adult – by clergy or diocesan employees. I will not alter my commitment to you to provide the safest and most secure environment possible for our children. I want you to know that the Diocese has completed its part in the Maricopa County Attorney’s office investigation. We have turned over some 16,000 documents, which include documents involving priests or church employees who have been accused of criminal sexual misconduct or assault. Over 30 years, that list includes files on about 50 people, including priests, lay ministers, teachers, coaches, janitorial employees, and maintenance workers. A number of the priests in that group were never Phoenix Diocesan priests. It is very important to note that our attorneys interpreted the subpoenas very broadly and the document review committee turned over all of the files that they judged fell under the scope of the subpoenas. A large number of the people on this list are people who were previously accused and, when investigated by local police or law enforcement, the accusation was found to be untrue or meritless. Others in that group were previously reported to the police and have been prosecuted. Because of our state’s Grand Jury secrecy laws and the sensitive nature of the task of the Grand Jury, I am told by our attorneys that I am not at liberty to provide further detail. However, I would like to share with you some information about past settlements. Since I became Bishop in 1982, the Diocese has settled about 12 to 15 cases, most of which included confidentiality agreements, some of which were requested by the victims for their protection. Those settlements, over 20 years, total less than $2 million. The settlement money came from our insurance carriers and chancery assessments. No money from the Charity and Development Appeal, or CDA, is used for settlements. The Catholic Sun will keep you informed of daily developments at the Washington meeting on its website, www.catholicsun.org. In closing, I share these words from Thessalonians: “Stand firm, then, brothers and keep the traditions that we taught you. May the Lord turn your hearts towards the love of God and the fortitude of Christ.” Asking God’s blessings upon you, I am
8 de noviembre de 2002 Muy Amados en Cristo, Mientras me preparo para la reunión de obispos, quiero compartir con ustedes algunos pensamientos. Primero que todo, les envío mi amor y agradecimiento por su fidelidad a la Iglesia, la Diócesis y a mi—su obispo—durante estos tiempos de dificultad. No puedo predecir lo que la prensa escribirá sobre los cambios en los Estatutos para La Protección de Niños y Jóvenes. Lo que si les puedo asegurar es que, como su Obispo, no toleraré ningún tipo de conducta sexual inapropiada por parte del clero ó empleados de la diócesis. No cambiaré mi compromiso de proporcionar siempre un ambiente más seguro para nuestros niños. Quiero informarles que la Diócesis ha cumplido su parte en la investigación acarreada por el Procurador del Condado de Maricopa. Hemos entregado casi 16,000 documentos, incluyendo documentos que tratan de sacerdotes ó empleados de la iglesia que han sido acusados de conducta sexual inapropiada ó asalto sexual. Por 30 años, esa lista ha incluido los expedientes de 50 personas, entre ellas sacerdotes, ministros laicos, maestros, entrenadores, porteros, y empleados de mantenimiento. Algunos de los sacerdotes en esa lista nunca fueron sacerdotes diocesanos de Phoenix. Es importante notar que la interpretación del comparendo por parte de nuestros abogados fué muy amplia. Además, el comité para examinación de documentos entregó todos los archivos que caían bajo ese comparendo. Para muchas de las personas en la lista , las acusaciones hechas en su contra, fueron determinadas falsas ó sin mérito después de haber sido investigadas por la policía. Otros en ese grupo, previamente reportados a la policía, han sido enjuiciados. Debido a las leyes que rigen el Gran Jurado de nuestro estado, nuestros abogados nos han dicho que no podemos dar más detalles. Sin embargo, quiero compartir con ustedes información acerca de saldos legales alcanzados en años anteriores. Desde que fuí nombrado obispo en el año 1982, la Diócesis ha saldado cerca de 12 a 15 casos, la mayoría de ellos incluyeron acuerdos de confidencialidad, algunos de los cuales fueron requeridos por las víctimas para proteger su privacidad e identidad. Estos acuerdos, en los últimos 20 años han totalizado menos de 2 millones de dólares. El dinero de los acuerdos fué pagado por compañías de seguros e impuestos de cancillería. El dinero de la Campaña Annual de Caridad y Desarrollo nunca fué ó es usado para estos saldos. The Catholic Sun les mantendrá informados diariamente de los detalles
de la reunión en Washington a través de la internet Para terminar, comparto con ustedes el verso de la carta a los Tesalonicenses: “ Por eso hermanos, manténgase firmes, guardando fielmente las tradiciones que les enseñamos. Que los anime el propio Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor, y Dios nuestro Padre.” Pidiendo la bendición de Dios para con ustedes, Reverendísimo Thomas J. O’Brien Diocese of Phoenix to Participate in Annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection (Nov 5 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) -- On Sunday, November 24, 2002, parishioners in the Phoenix Diocese will participate in the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s (CCHD) annual collection. The mission of the CCHD is two-fold: (1) to support organizations that develop economic strength and political power for poor and low-income people, and (2) to educate people about the Catholic Church’s social teaching, poverty in the United States, and strategies for addressing the causes of poverty. Last year, CCHD distributed $10.2 million dollars nationally to support projects aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty in the United States. It was the third consecutive year that the annual grants have surpassed the $10 million mark. Since the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops established CCHD in 1970, the Campaign has supported more than 4,000 self-help projects throughout the U.S., District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. CCHD is unique because it only supports projects that poor and low-income people control. The goal of each project is to teach participants to be self-sustaining and give them the skills necessary to build a better future for themselves and their families. All funded projects must help the grantees develop a sense of self-determination, which affects attitude, habits and the structures that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. CCHD supports community-controlled organizations that create jobs, businesses, affordable housing, and childcare. Grants are awarded on the basis of need, not religious affiliation. Last year, CCHD granted $134,000 to organizations within the Diocese of Phoenix. They are:
Diocese of Phoenix to Celebrate 12th Annual Mass Honoring Law Enforcement Officers, Paramedics, and Firefighters (Nov 5 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) - On Monday, November 25, 2002, at 10 a.m., the Diocese of Phoenix will celebrate the twelfth annual Mass of Thanksgiving, which honors all men and women in law enforcement, paramedics, and firefighting. This special Mass will be held at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix. The Most Reverend Thomas J. O’Brien, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, will celebrate the Mass. This is the first year that the Mass is being held on its new date, the Monday before Thanksgiving. In the past it has been held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It will be held on the Monday before Thanksgiving for the foreseeable future. “I always look forward to this special time each year in which we can honor and give thanks to those who lay their lives on the line to protect and help our communities,” said Bishop O’Brien. “The Mass gives us an opportunity to show the men and women who serve us that we are truly grateful for their commitment to us. It also gives us an opportunity to ask God’s blessing and protection for them in the coming years, as they continue to serve our community.” All members of law enforcement, and paramedic and firefighting agencies, their families, and members of the community are encouraged to attend the Mass to honor and pray for fallen heroes. Both Catholic and non-Catholic are welcome at the Mass. |
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