My Dear Parish Family:

The Archdiocese received very good news recently regarding the safety of our children! A former Federal Judge reviewed all the policies and programs of the Archdiocese and found that the Archdiocese was being very strong and forceful in preventing anymore sexual abuse of minors.

The Church continues to repent sins of the past and continues to help those abused by clergy to get all the help and compensation required by law. The Church continues to pray for those abused as well as the abusers.

Some priests are being wrongly accused and we need to pray for them, support them and, in fact, pray for all priests. Jesus promised He would never leave the Church and I trust in that word! This is not an easy time in history for the Catholic Church, but God is still in charge and Satan will never triumph over God! God is all powerful and will never let Satan destroy us. Still, we need to pray and fast for the priesthood and the Church.

Each week at one of the 6:45 A.M. Masses when there is no other required Mass setting, I pray the Votive Mass for priests. We, priests, also need to fast for our sins and for the priesthood of the Catholic Church. Please consider joining me in praying and fasting for the priesthood and for the sins committed by the Church.

I hope the members of the parish know how much I love your children and I would never intentionally hurt them in any way. If you see something that does not look right regarding any child with any member of St. Benedict Parish, especially me, please make sure you call the Archdiocese immediately.

Again, I would never touch any child and I am very sad that this is a reality in our times, but I also do not want your children to grow up afraid of the priest and the Church. I respect your children and want them to love coming to St. Benedict’s Parish. Please, also know that I am praying always for the parents and grandparents of our parish children because I know the challenging job you have of raising these little ones in the faith of Jesus Christ. God bless you all!

I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend as our Nation cele- brates Columbus Day! God bless America, now and
always.

Until next week, pray for the continued holiness of the priesthood! St. Benedict and Terence Cardinal Cooke, Servant of God, pray for us!

Fr. Stephen P. Norton