Msgr. Augustine addresses diocese about abuse

February 24, 2005

Dear Friends in Christ,

The journey we are taking during Lent calls us to discover ourselves - to make a transformation. It is a journey of faith. To assist and guide us, we hear the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus as experienced by three apostles. After that experience life could never be the same for them. Despite the fact that they didn't quite understand it their faith was strengthened in the vision to continue on their journey.

As you read the related article of the diocese being in full compliance with the Dallas Charter and the annual report of the 2004 activities of our Diocesan Review Board, you will see that the painful problem we experience of instances of sexual abuse of minors by a few members of the clergy is a continual reaction by our diocese in faith. It has affected the victims of abuse. It has affected priests and all the faithful of our diocese.

It is something we have difficulty in understanding. And as our lives can never be the same again we do understand that as people of faith we must make all efforts to be carefully vigilant in protecting our children and young people. We also understand that we must in all humility bring to those who suffered abuse a healing of their pain and restore their lives spiritually. It is our work to be done with love, courage and patience.

As a diocese we continue to focus on the education of all who work with or around children that they may recognize possible abuse in order that it may be eliminated (see VIRTUS information in related compliance article). Also all employees of the diocese who work with our young children, clergy, diocesan staff, school and religious education teachers and administrators, as well as all volunteers have had background checks. I truly believe that each step we take will bring us closer to God and give us strength to go even farther.

We believe that it is important to also inform our diocesan family of expenses related to these activities we are involved in. I wish to strongly emphasize that none of the settlements or counseling costs made have come from your gifts to the designated diocesan appeals named in the related article nor from any parish funds entrusted to the diocese.

More importantly, I, as diocesan administrator, on behalf of my brother priests, wish to express my personal apology to anyone who may have been abused by one of our priests. One single incident is one too many and I deeply regret any pain we may have caused. I am sorry. I give a sincere offer for any victims to come forward and let me know how pastoral care can be provided that is so desperately needed.

These days for us are difficult and perilous. The great reason for the Transfiguration of Christ to the three apostles was to remove the scandal of the cross, his voluntary suffering, from disturbing their faith or to be afraid. It provided hope that they, by being faithful, could also share in that glory promised. May our focus on the story of the Transfiguration help us to remove this scandal; bring us healing and strength; deepen our faith; and give us hope.

God bless each of you on your Lenten journey of faith. "A voice spoke from the cloud: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well please; listen to Him." (Mt. 17:5)

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Msgr. Roger J. Augustine
Diocesan administrator