Voice of the Faithful Focus – A brief update highlighting both a problem in our church and some progress being made as we work together to Keep the Faith, Change the Church.

Problem: A California bishop delays in reporting a priest who admitted to sexually abusing a child and the alleged criminal flees the country. From The Santa Rosa Press Democrat in June 2006: “The Rev. Xavier Ochoa was suspended April 28 after admitting the abuse to the Roman Catholic bishop of Santa Rosa, California. Bishop Daniel Walsh didn't notify law enforcement until three days later, giving Ochoa time to flee, according to church and law enforcement officials. The Sonoma County district attorney's office on Thursday filed multiple misdemeanor and felony charges against Ochoa related to three boys he allegedly abused. Besides a young boy, he also was charged with molesting two teenage boys more than 10 years ago.” Based on state law these alleged crimes should have been reported by phone within 24 hours of Ochoa’s April 28th meeting with Bishop Walsh and two other priests. A written report was due within 36 hours. Why wasn’t Ochoa at least supervised after the meeting until the authorities were contacted? This lack of urgency suggests that even when faced with admitted guilt at least one bishop is still unable to the follow diocesan guidelines or state law to ensure that our children are protected. Ochoa is the 17th priest from the Santa Rosa Diocese accused of molesting a child. Click here for VOTF’s response.

Progress: The Vatican’s Apostolic Signatura has suspended the suppression decree for all seven vigiling parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston while their appeals to prevent permanent closings of those parishes are under review.

While this decision is a procedural one, it does indicate that the appeals have merit. The suspension means the archdiocese cannot sell the parishes' property until the appeals are complete. Although there is still a long way to go for these parishes, this is a step in the right direction. Mary Beth Carmody, co-chairwoman of the St. Jeremiah Appeals Committee, said yesterday that the suspension means the archdiocese cannot sell the parishes' property until the appeals are complete. ‘It doesn't guarantee success, but it's a very positive development,’ she said. To learn more about building a powerful and prayerful response to parish closings click here (PDF).

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