Author: John Schultz

When I was singing at the diaconate ordinations last week, I had a bird’s eye view of about 30 priests during Mass. I was amazed at how many didn’t crack open a hymnal, program or even move their mouths during the acclamations. Singing during Mass has something common with tithing – give anyone an excuse not to and they won’t. So Father – grab a hymnal, turn off the wireless mic and let it rip! And the cranky folks in the congregation won’t be able to say, “Well, Father doesn’t sing, so why should I?”
I have many more thoughts on congregational singing but will save them for later.

[He quotes me first] “The anti-Catholic rhetoric in the media is heating up. I heard Mark Serrano of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests this morning on WMAL in Washington DC and he calling the Bishops “pathological” and a “secret society” and changing the phrase “sexual abuse” to “sexual terror against our children.” And the radio anchor merely repeated what he said, adding, “So you’re saying the bishops are hypocritical, correct.”
There’s lots of talk in Blogland about how Weakland, Egan, Law, etc. have abused their power or turned a blind eye to abuse. Just remember that the media is taking a thorough and one-sided approach to telling the story which includes a great deal of vitriol.”
Not really sure just what you’re objecting to here. Mark Serrano calling the Bishops “pathological”? That’s certainly too-broad of a brush for ALL the Bishops, but the pattern of cowardice, venal cover-ups and depraved indifference to children being raped is indisputable.
You also seem to take issue with Serrano changing the phrase “sexual abuse” to “sexual terror against our children.” Why is this? Not antiseptic enough? Too uncomfortable? In the words of SO MANY Bishops, “We’re so terribly sorry for the ways in which some have failed you.”

You did make one point for me already: “That’s certainly too broad a stroke for ALL the Bishops.” I take issue with broad strokes when we have a small number of Bishops (like the ones I mentioned) who have been irresponsible to the point of grave sin.

Re: the “sexual terror” comment – it’s not an issue of it being to “difficult” to deal with. Sexual abuse describes the problem. The use of the term sexual terror is meant to elicit the same horrified response you get when discussing terrorism, suicide bombings, etc. It’s a common tactic for someone who is more interested in stirring up emotions than being truthful and accurate in a discussion. It’s pure demagoguery.

Finally – where’s the equal time? Why did the anchor just agree and repeat what the person said rather than playing devil’s advocate like a journalist should? Why not have another person on to add some perspective to the matter?

All in all, the discussion was inaccurate and biased against the Church – what more needs to be said than that?

Don’t misunderstand my point – I am not defending abusers and the Bishops who have defended them. But many are happy to use the situation as a way to crucify the entire Church. That I don’t accept and I’ll continue to discuss it when I see it.

The anti-Catholic rhetoric in the media is heating up. I heard Mark Serrano of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests this morning on WMAL in Washington DC and he calling the Bishops “pathological” and a “secret society” and changing the phrase “sexual abuse” to “sexual terror against our children.” And the radio anchor merely repeated what he said, adding, “So you’re saying the bishops are hypocritical, correct.”
There’s lots of talk in Blogland about how Weakland, Egan, Law, etc. have abused their power or turned a blind eye to abuse. Just remember that the media is taking a thorough and one-sided approach to telling the story which includes a great deal of vitriol.
Pray and continue to live & post the whole Truth.

My wife gave me the greatest gift for our 3rd anniversary – a homemade Rosary. The beads are blue crystal from eastern Europe, it has a St. Cecilia medal attached and a silver papal cross. She said it took 6 hours to make, she made it while I was at class. What a thoughtful gift. She is the greatest.

Do you remember this blog has two bloggers? Probably not since my bro moved all my posts to the archive since he’s been posting so much.
I had a great anniversary trip to Saint Michaels, MD with my gorgeous, devoted and loving wife of 3 years, Teresa. We went to Mass on our anniverary day, May 28th at St. Peter and St. Paul in Easton, MD. The pastor there is the most gracious priest I’ve ever spoken to on the phone – between my wife and I, we called 3 times researching Mass times and directions and each time he answered and was pleasant and cordial. It’s a blessing to have a pastor who is engaged and active in every day things such as giving directions to out of towners, although I do feel a tinge of guilt in taking up his time on the phone.
Sad to see Onealism has left the building – but he did get a good one in on the way out.