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EDUCATIONAL REFERENCES
As relevant news and background items come to light, we will highlight them here for your reading and thought.
OCTOBER 13th
Bridgeport, Connecticut report critical of church leaders’ responses to abuse by clergy.
Pope calls for "apostolate of prevention" in sexual abuse
The internet and exploitation of children
While St Thomas is doing well, here is an interesting idea about physically restructuring parishes that are in decline.
OCTOBER 6th
Case dismissed against New York priest accused of abuse
Catholic priest sentenced to prison for molesting teenager
New chapter opens in Pennsylvania in fight over suing Church
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INFORMATION
UPCOMING EVENT - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1st
Villanova University presents “Seeking the Right Side of History: Theology & the Sex Abuse Crisis” a lecture by Richard Lennan, Professor, Boston College School of Theology & Ministry Friday, November 1 at 6pm Villanova Law School Rm 101 WATCH (We Are The Church) is a group formed as a result of the sexual abuse crisis in the Church, comprised of parishioners and clergy dedicated to collaboration in addressing the full scope of issues around the crisis, guiding the parish in ways to rectify past wrongs and working towards a just solution for all affected by it. Here is a list of the Task Forces established for the purpose of providing information and guidance:
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: Tracking legislation around the U.S. related to the rights of victims and promoting legislation that supports the prosecution of all perpetrators of sexual abuse, gathering information about legislative initiatives in PA, NJ and elsewhere, and about PA legislators’ and our US representatives’ positions on these issues. (Contact Nancy Hopko: nancy.sharts-hopko@villanova.edu) VICTIMS’ HEALING: Assessing the needs of victims and exploring ways to meet them, considering that there may be the necessity for counseling and financial assistance, among other services. (Contact Carol Abele: millbrook12@verizon.net) PARISH FINANCIAL ACTION: Researching applicable Canon Law to determine how Parish financial resources can be applied effectively in light of the abuse scandal, and related financial information from other Parishes, Universities and Institutions and investigating how both restricted and unrestricted funds were used by the Archdiocese in payments/settlements and other activities. (Contact Jay Einspanier: jkeandkfe@msn.com) LAY LEADERSHIP WITHIN PARISH: Exploring and implementing ways of including laity in leadership positions within the parish and the church at large, and working towards recognizing and empowering women within the church to be able to use their gifts to the fullest. (Contact Mia Holman: holman.mia@gmail.com) NETWORKING: Creating a heightened and sustained awareness of the sexual abuse crisis within the Church, seeking accountability and transparency from the Church hierarchy, circulating relevant resources, enlisting others in our cause, and collaborating with like-minded parishes and organizations. (Contact Nancy Costello: ngcostello@gmail.com) PARISH EDUCATION: Researching structure and governance in the Catholic Church, highlighting its strengths and good works, in applying a process to propose new ways of going forward in collaboration with the hierarchy. (Contact Steve Ramsey steveramsey35@outlook.com) PARISH PRAYER AND DIALOGUE: Exploring and suggesting ways that the feelings and concerns which have arisen from the crisis can be contextualized in prayer, discussion and support groups, and other creative, artistic ways. (Contact Anne Minicozzi: Anne.minicozzi@villanova.edu) 
National Catholic Reporter Article Parishioners at two Philadelphia-area churches organize on abuse crisis. Pictured Left to Right: Mia Holman, Augustinian Fr. Joseph Genito, Cara Tripodi and Ann Carr IMPORTANT DATESThe Lay Leadership Task Force is pleased to announce an exciting
upcoming program: THE BRIDGE DIALOGUES Laity & Clergy Re-imagining the Church This program was established to provide a forum in which the laity and the clergy might together address the problems within our Church. As we attempt to realize the vision of Vatican II, in which every baptized Catholic is an intrinsic and valued member of the Body of Christ, we will explore topics that impede this vision, and will discuss ways to move forward. This small group discussion will be held for four consecutive weeks at the Parish Center. Tuesdays October 8,15, 22, & 29 - 7:30pm - 8:45pm in PC1
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