Bishop names committee to continue Charter implementation

In addition, he has called for improved instruction in the Catholic schools to raise awareness of this issue. He will also name a case manager to assist victims and their families.

Those actions take steps called for in the Charter. He had previously put into place other elements, including the removal of six priests from ministry.

The role of the committee is to establish guidelines for Church agencies to handle abuse accusations. Those guidelines are expected to be distributed this fall. Subcommittees are also being formed with people having expertise on subjects related to the Charter.

The members of the committee are:

* Meg Bergh, director of the diocesan Family Life Office;

* Michael Costello, legal counsel for the Diocese;

* Rev. L. Edward Deimeke, diocesan administrative advocate for priests;

* Rev. James Donlon, judicial vicar in the diocesan Tribunal;

* Rev. Kenneth Doyle, chancellor for Communications;

* Sister Mary Ann Hayes, CSJ, from the diocesan Tribunal;

* Sister Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of Catholic Schools;

* Sister Maureen Joyce, RSM, executive director of Catholic Charities;

* Sister Marilyn Murray, RSM, director of Human Resources for the Diocese;

* Jeanne Schrempf, director of the diocesan Office of Evangelization & Catechesis;

* Sister Anne Bryan Smollin, CSJ, director of Counseling for Laity; and

* Sister Kathleen Turley, RSM, chancellor for Planning and Pastoral Services.

In an expression of repentance over the sexual abuse of children and young people by priests, Bishop Hubbard observed national days of fasting, prayer and penance this week. Those were called for by the bishops in June.

A day of fasting and penance was held August 14; on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, a noon Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.

At the Mass, the Bishop delivered a homily about sexual abuse, apologizing for the failings of the Church and himself, and asking the Blessed Mother to aid in the restoration of trust. The complete text of the homily appears on page 1.

The Bishop invited all in the Albany Diocese to join him in prayer "for the survivors of sexual abuse, for their healing and for the healing of the Church."

(08-15-02) [[In-content Ad]]