Redesigning

Lectio Divina

Though she is a harlot at times, she is our Mother.

Dorothy Day, "On Pilgrimage," Catholic Worker, January 1967. She is speaking about the Church. Her quotation helps me come (partly) to grips with the very troubling Ezekiel 16, which we heard on Friday.

Log

Friday: Morning and afternoon at Old Mission Santa Ines. Attended the Virtus safe environment training, mandated for all volunteers working with children and young people in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Got fingerprinted. This is the third time I am becoming certified to work with vulnerable persons in a volunteer capacity with the Church. The first time was in 2004 in the Diocese of Rockville Centre when I became a confirmation class instructor at Our Lady of Grace Parish in West Babylon, N.Y. The second time was last fall to be eligible to volunteer in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The training has been updated in recent years to address the phenomenon of Internet predators. It's a decent training, and it helps all who volunteer in Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions to be aware. However, without adequate protocol and mechanisms of accountability for Church leaders who are empowered to respond to communications from their watchful faithful, all this training is for naught. Where is the training for bishops and upper-ranked clergy? The training to teach them act on allegations of abuse with alacrity? To cooperate with civil authorities? The greater scandal lies in covering up abuse, not in letting facts, such as can be ascertained, be known to a candid and jaded world. The greater scandal lies in not acting quickly and forcefully enough.

Friday evening: a memorial for Capuchin Fr. Fintan Whelan of the Province of Our Lady of Angels, who died the Friday before, Aug. 10, at the age of 81. A social and meal followed the final prayers of commending Brother Fintan's soul to his Creator.

Today: House jobs and work projects. With Microsoft Publisher now installed on a dedicated terminal and a template at hand, beginning to redesign The Caperone on the fly. We go to press next Saturday. We'll get there, on deadline or not!

Weather

Windy, very warm, and dry.