Update On The Abuse Crisis

October 8, 2018
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Brothers & Sisters,

On Sunday, October 7th, I received a letter from Michael Barber, SJ – Bishop of Oakland.  His letter is the reason I write to you today.  Also, you can see the other letters he has penned to us as our Bishop on the topic of the recent sexual abuse crisis.

The Diocese of Oakland along with other dioceses in the State of California will release the names of all clergy who have been credibly accused of abusing a minor or vulnerable adult.  Through this release, the work of the Diocese since the Dallas Charter in 2002 will be evident.  There remains still more work to do in order to build this culture and environment of safety.  The Diocese of Oakland is committed to this and the Catholic Community of Pleasanton will continue to provide and do what is needed for our children, youth and vulnerable adults.

During our parish Vigil for Mercy and Reparation, I noted that while we must apologize, no apology will ever be sufficient.  Acts were committed that were sinful and criminal.  Victims lives have been lost, forever changed and those who survive deal with the living scars that impact their lives.  As no apology is adequate, we can never provide reparation.  But we do commit ourselves to making right what was so horribly wrong.  We are doing this and there will be more to be done.

Our Roman Catholic faith remains what I hold as my rudder.  I hold on to mass as the central mystery of what it means to be in right relationship with God.  We need to celebrate mass together.  In the midst of all the darkness and brokenness, we need to remember the core of who we are and bring what needs healing to the light.  Let us as the Catholic Community of Pleasanton commit ourselves to deepen our faith during this time of testing and let us support one another in our journey we have the privilege to walk together.

We continue to pray for each other, especially the victims and survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

​Keeping my eyes fixed on the one who is Justice and Mercy.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Paul
Statements From Pope Francis and Bishop Barber About The Abuse Crisis
Statements From Bishop Barber

October 7, 2018
Diocese of Oakland Releasing Names

September 3, 2018
https://www.oakdiocese.org/diocese/bishop/articles-statements-documents/bishop-barber-takes-action-in-wake-of-national-abuse-scandals​

​August 16, 2018
www.oakdiocese.org/offices/communication/media-relations/news-releases-2018/bishop-barber-welcomes-initiative-to-improve-accountability

​Letter From Fr. Paul About Bishop Barber's Most Recent Statement