Conversations with the Clergy: Church Scandal and Faith

The Church is in a crisis of faith and trust. While prayer is so important, we also believe that you deserve an opportunity to ask questions. We will be holding three sessions entitled Conversations with the Clergy: Church Scandal and Faith.  I will be joined by Fr. Michael and Deacon Justin to address any questions that you may have regarding measures taken to ensure safe environments, formation of priests today, possible responses to the crisis, and whatever else you may care to have us address. We have scheduled three opportunities:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 18 – 9:15 AM
  • Sunday, Sept. 23 – 12:15 PM
  • Monday, Sept. 24 – 6:45 PM

All three gatherings will be held in the Church and are scheduled to last 75 minutes. The focus will be on the questions brought by those who attend.

Resources from the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Reporting Abuse
The Archdiocese of Baltimore complies with Maryland laws requiring reporting suspected child abuse to civil authorities. Under Maryland Law any person who has reason to believe a child has been subjected to abuse must report the suspected abuse to civil authorities, even if the potential victim is now over 18 years old and even in cases where the alleged perpetrator is deceased. If someone associated with the Church, including clergy, employees, or volunteers of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, is suspected of abuse, then the suspected abuse must also be reported to the Archdiocesan, Office of Child and Youth at 410-547-5438 or the Victims Assistance Line at 1-866-417-7469. Learn More Here
Archdiocese of Baltimore's Resources on the Current Crisis
This page provides the resources offered by the Archdiocese of Baltimore on the current abuse crisis. Learn More Here
How to Talk to your Child about Abuse
Talking with your children about abuse
Office of Child and Youth Protection
This page details the services offered by the Archdiocese of Baltimore's Office of Child and Youth Protection. Learn More Here
List of Priests Accused of Abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Click Here

EthicsPoint – A third-party (independent) hotline to report concerns

One method to ensure the proper stewardship of the temporal goods of the Church is to provide interested parties with a way to confidentially report concerns about the conduct of church activities. The use of a hotline will help us achieve our goals of transparency and accountability throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore. We have selected EthicsPoint, an independent third-party company, to provide us with an ethics hotline so employees, volunteers, parishioners, vendors and other interested parties can report concerns about suspected financial or human resources misconduct. This provides us with an additional measure that supports compliance with the extensive policies and procedures of the Archdiocese. Reports can be filed confidentially on this hotline via the web by “learn more” button below, or via one of EthicsPoint’s trained specialists at 1-888-572-8026. Note: in addition to concerns regarding abuse, EthicsPoint can be used to report on the following types of issues:

  • Accounting & Financial
  • Confidentiality
  • Fraud & Theft
  • Gifts & Donations
  • Harassment & Inappropriate Behavior
  • Misuse of Resources
  • Threats & Violence
  • Workplace Safety
  • Office of Child & Youth Protection
  • Archdiocesan Secondary, Parochial, and Regional Elementary School Safety Issues

Learn More

Want to Volunteer?

Among the tools we use to protect our Children, we both screen and train all of volunteers.  For those working directly with children, additional training is provided in recognizing signs of abuse and reporting.

Learn More

Homilies about the Crisis

Note: This homily addresses ways to respond to scandal in the Church and a call for prayer and reparation to heal the wounds inflicted upon the Body of Christ. Note: This homily was given August 5, 2018, after the allegations about former Cardinal McCarrick were made public, but before the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report was released.

Note: This homily was given August 19, 2018, a few days after the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report was released.

Note: This homily from from August 30, 2018, asks all us to consider the question posed by Jesus in the 6th chapter of John’s Gospel – Are you going to leave too?

Fr. Mike Schmitz on the Pennsylvania Sex Abuse Scandal

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about the need to condemn evil, what seminaries are like now, current protection measures, and leading vs. leaving the church

Bishop Barron on Why Remain Catholic

Programs Designed Just for Women

Walking With Purpose
Walking with Purpose helps women know Christ to know His heart – to know His tenderness – to know His mercy – to know His love. Walking with Purpose endeavors to meet you where you are on your spiritual journey with a bespoke guide to deep, lasting transformation of the heart and a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Learn More Here Register Online Now
Catholic Daughters
One of the largest organizations of Catholic women in the world, dedicated to strengthening their spiritual life through Christ and His Church, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas was founded in 1903 by the Knights of Columbus in Utica, New York. We are organized in 45 states across the country, and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Kenya, and Peru.  Catholic lay and religious women 18 years of age or older, who love and support the Church and wish to participate in social and charitable activities are welcome to join. Learn More Here
Sisterhood of the Blessed Mother

We are an informal group of women who revere the Blessed Mother, we pray the rosary at every meeting and try to find ways to help others grow closer to Mother Mary through prayer and acts ofkindness, especially helping those in need. Women of all ages and of all Christian denominations are welcome to join our group.Typically, we meet monthly, usually on a Saturday morning from 10am to noon. Contact Paula Care through the parish office for more information.

Women at the Well

Women at the Well is a new Bible study held on Wednesday mornings that seeks to accompany women in encountering Christ through small group gospel reflection. Each week we will reflect on the life of Christ in the Sunday Gospel with our small groups, socialize as a whole group, and learn more about how to live our faith. Mini-retreats in fall and spring will provide opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation. No homework required. Join us to grow in faith and community!
Register Now!