January
20, 2007
Being
Safer
Martin
Luther King
As we remember Dr. King tomorrow, let’s remember some things he
said...
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and
should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. “
“All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings
us face to face with another problem. “
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above
the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns
of all humanity. “
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative
altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole
staircase."
e-mail Father Ralph:
Past
Columns:
January 13: Conversations
in 2008
January 6: Matthew's Magi
December 30: Matthew's
Magi
Christmas 2007
Homily
December 23:Joseph Awoke
December 16: Already
but not Yet
Columns from 2007
Columns
from 2005
Columns
from 2004
Columns
from 2003
Columns from 2002
When
things are unsafe, it’s important to rally the public to cooperate
in making things safer. For example, over the years laws have been passed
to require the use of seatbelts, the installation of airbags, the prohibition
of cell phones while driving....all to make the roads safer. While some
people find these kinds of laws intrusive or oppressive, they are in place
for the greater good.
Churches and other institutions
have safety concerns too. The horrible abuse of young people at the hands
of priests and other church leaders and volunteers over the past decades
had largely been ignored (just as the dangers of smoking were ignored
for decades) but finally, held up to scrutiny in the light, we realized
we had better do something to reach out to victims and just as important:
we must do something to prevent future acts of abuse.
So far, St. Brigid’s, and
parishes across the country, have asked each employee and volunteer to
sign a Code of Conduct which clearly states which behaviors are unacceptable
for someone involved in church ministry. Next, the parishes have been
doing background checks to be sure that people who work and volunteer
in parishes do not have a criminal history that would put other parishioners
in danger. While this is a way to keep convicted predators from being
involved with vulnerable populations, this step does not guarantee safety.
If someone has abused in the past and was never caught or convicted, the
background check will not indicate their past behavior. If someone has
never abused in the past, that is no guarantee that he/she won’t
abuse in the future.
Our whole community needs to be
continually educated on how to create a safe environment for people of
all ages, but particularly our youth. What are things we ought to notice?
What ought we do if certain behaviors concern us? All our parish employees
and volunteers are being asked to attend a workshop called “VIRTUS:
Protecting God’s Children.” Even if a person’s ministry
doesn’t bring him/her in regular contact with children, it’s
important to attend so that we all can work together in creating a safer
community. If you’re involved as a volunteer at St. Brigid’s
you’ll receive more information in the mail about this workshop.
Please be sure to attend one of the sessions that we’re offering.
