Most Catholics are disheartened by the ongoing revelations of the scandalous sexual acting out of bishops and priests, and the cover-up of criminal behavior by Church authorities.  Since 80 percent of the victims of sexual abuse are male, some think a homosexual clergy is the problem.  But I believe the reasons for sexual abuse are varied and often complex. 
 
One person voiced an opinion that seminaries need to be reformed and any gay seminarian or priest who is acting out needs to be dismissed.  I shared my observation that seminary formation has advanced greatly since the 1970s when I was in formation and an obvious gay subculture flourished in many seminaries.  Since 2005 the Vatican Congregation that oversees
Priestly formation has directed spiritual directors and confessors to discourage sexually active seminarians (gay or straight) from seeking ordination.  Unfortunately, this directive simply drives seminarians deeper into the ‘closet’ when it comes to talking honestly in the confessional about their sexuality.  And it is only a clear and honest understanding of one’s sexual energies that makes it possible for one to assess whether or not it is possible to be at peace with a life of celibacy.
 
Some see celibacy as the underlying problem in the sexual abuse crisis.  Again, I think that is an oversimplification since the ‘me too movement’ shows many married men to be abusers.  The call for any of us, no matter what our sexual energies or orientation may be, is to be chaste in our love.  Yet, I do see an all-male celibate clergy as a problem for the Church.  If you limit the priesthood to celibate males, you limit the possible supply and not having enough priests to minister to the needs of the Church places a great deal of pressure upon bishops when it comes to assigning priests.  It also places a great deal of stress upon priests when they are faced with ministering to impossible numbers, which sometimes leads to isolation and acting out of that stress through overeating or drinking too much or being sexually inappropriate.
   

• This weekend we welcome Fr. Arackal Joseph Mission of the Vincentian Congregation from India.  We are a worldwide Church and it will be good to get a different perspective of the missionary work that is happening in India.  Please be generous to Fr. Arackal’s appeal.

 

• I caution you that there will be five Yankee priests on the Island Wednesday and Thursday.  They are my seminary classmates and I am happy to be hosting our class reunion this year.  We were ordained deacons 40 years ago on May 18, 1978 and we will celebrate our 40^th anniversary of priestly ordination on May 19, 2019.  Please join us as we celebrate a special Mass this Wednesday at 5pm.

 

• If you are upgrading, I’d be happy to take an old fire pit or patio furniture off your hands.

 

• Finally, I am hoping for a big turnout for our Patronal Feast day next Sunday.  Since it has been fifty years since he was pastor of St. Michael’s Parish, Bishop Boland is returning to be the main celebrant at the 11am Mass which will be followed by a pot luck in the parish gym.  Our Tybee First Responders will be our honored guests.

Fr. Jerry Ragan