Community Corner
Bishop O'Connell Held "Listening Session" at OLA
O'Connell has had extensive experience dealing with the discipline of priests and the sexual abuse crisis in the Archdiocese.
A release from the Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative:
LYNNFIELD – Bishop Mark O’Connell, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston’s North Region and Pastor of St. Theresa Parish in North Reading, has been making visits to parishes in the area for what he calls “Ask the Bishop” sessions.
In light of the current climate in the Catholic Church, the Bishop has been offering these discussions for Catholics, non-Catholics, and questioning Catholics to voice their concerns, ask the hard questions, and open a dialogue. An expert in canon law and until recently, a Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Boston, Bishop O’Connell has had extensive experience dealing with the discipline of priests and the sexual abuse crisis in the Archdiocese.
Find out what's happening in Lynnfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A few weeks ago, he held one of these question and answer gatherings at Our Lady of the Assumption parish. Sixty-five people attended. Questions ranged from “How much did you know and what are you doing about it?” to “How can we trust our Church?” The Bishop gave direct and clear answers, but made certain they were given in the context of the culture and attitudes of the day. “I cannot defend the indefensible,” he said.
Bishop O'Connell recognizes that healing from such deep wounds and restoring faith from such devastating offenses are not accomplished with one conversation or one evening's outreach. At St. Theresa's Church in North Reading, where the Bishop serves as pastor, they have held a rosary for the healing and protection of abuse victims and a Mass of the Holy Spirit for the purification and healing of the Church. Each effort is an open hand, an apology, and a personal vow.
Find out what's happening in Lynnfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you’re interested in finding out where and when the next listening session is being held, please contactwww.sttheresanreading.org.
Photos by Marie Lagman; Bishop Mark O’Connell with St. Maria Goretti parishioners Debbie Caniff and Andrea Griffin; Bishop Mark O’Connell listening to the questions and concerns of 65 people in attendance at Our Lady of the Assumption’s church hall.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
