a COMMENT FROM "MOM OF THREE"
Walt is correct in the sense that these are not new issues within the Parish. Though complaints were made to the Diocese more than once, the fact that they were not acted upon in a way that safeguarded the Parish is what led to this point. Had they acted and put competent fiscal management procedures in place, then both the poor could have been helped and the health of the Parish, in order that this be continued in perpetuity, would have been secure. Nobody here was looking to grandstand, abrogate the powers of the existing boards, or anything of the sort. None of this has been pleasant for any of the parties. But the situation had become so alarming, certain people saw no other way. And, in defense of those who sought the media and filed criminal complaints, the issue is finally getting serious consideration.There were several attempts to resolve this quietly and within the Parish. They led nowhere. These are unfortunate, but necessary, growing pains after which I am convinced that St. Mary Star of the Sea will emerge healthier, stronger and financially sounder. I have gotten my share of dirty looks this week, but the greater issue is delivering the St. Mary legacy securely into the hands of the next generation. That I or others in this conflict have endured social discomfort is a small price to pay for fighting for that future.
Has anyone stepped forward to identify themselves as the source of all this information involving this controversy Tom?
ReplyDeleteThe media and the people who are feeding the media are out of line on this.
ReplyDeleteI'm the guy in the corner who is shaking his head in disgust.
What I see in all of this? A division wall within the church, the media sensationalizing the facts, you yourself have even mocked one of the most God faithful people I know (Jean Herman). You want a lesson about the history of the Catholic faith? I suggest you humble yourself and ask Jean to enlighten you. I can't think of too many people who know more about the church than Jean. Especially when it comes to nuns.
Tom, I know you are above this and I am saddened you chose to bring yourself down to this level.
Did Father Ted make a mistake? My sense is yes. No man is infallible.
If you get the opportunity, you should sit down with Father Ted. Ask him yourself what drives him. Try to understand the man.
In my 42 years of going to Saint Mary's, I have yet to see a priest more dedicated to helping the poor/unfortunate than Father Ted.
And to all of the people who have chosen sides and feel angered over this - ask yourself what Jesus would do.
Tom
ReplyDeleteYou seem a lot more vexed about a financial, ethical and criminal problem in the small Astoria Catholic church than you have been about anything else for quite some time. That seems odd, especially considering that you news media people seem to need to separate church and state, and to pretty much refuse to criticize anything other than the government. Did the Catholics hit a nerve here or are you particularly invested in this situation? Please let us know where your "opinions" are coming from. You exercise leadership and are a pursuasive influence in this community. It is important that we know if you are biased or objective.
Who cares where the information is coming from? Bottom line is that Father Ted has stole from the church. There is no grey area here! This problem has been going on for a while and everytime someone would get close to discoving it, Father Ted would dissmiss those getting to close to the truth.
ReplyDeleteHad the Diocese addressed the problems when they were first raised, the parish would not be in its current situation. But that being said, the Catholic Church has a pattern of covering up criminal activity. Sad, Sad, Sad.
I have heard no one allege that Father Ted derived any personal benefit from the funds he apparently diverted for charitable purposes.
ReplyDeleteI am willing to wait for the results of the audit to draw any conclusions.
A lot of folks care about where this info is coming from since so much of it is demonstrably false. It is well known fact that there are some folks out there with an agenda and Father Ted is an obstacle in getting it accomplished.
I don't think anyone here is arguing that Father Ted did not, as far as the current evidence suggests, give to people who needed it. What is in contention here is the balance that a pastor must tread between helping those needy communities, while maintaining the fiscal health of the parish so that future pastors and generations may do the same.
ReplyDeleteThe job of the pastor, at least in this case, was not only religious duties, but fiscal ones as well. For all of the good people have written about how he does his spiritual job, if he cannot manage funds, then he is not qualified to do the job. This would be fine if only his financial future was at stake, but it's not. The lives of hundreds of Astorians have are directly impacted by the way he managed those funds.
We cannot be so myopic in our approach to this issue. The greater picture, i.e. the future of the parish, is what's at stake here. Egos are so much window dressing. And while some could argue that the ones who brought down media attention are the problems, might I respectfully suggest that there wouldn't have been media attention if there hadn't been a story AND if the Diocese had taken a proactive stance when these issues became apparent years ago.
So, at this time, I think it's important to refrain from accusatory and hyperbolic speech, that will only remove the attention from the issue, which is the fiscal health of the parish.
I do feel that once a complete independent audit is done, that we'll all have a much better idea of how to join together to fix the problem.