| St
Matthew's Parish Notes |
Second
sunday of Advent
Sunday, 7th December 2003
|
Time
To Listen Confronting Child Sexual Abuse by Catholic Clergy
in Ireland
Over the past few days we have seen on TV and on the papers
results from a survey commissioned by the bishops on child sexual
abuse by clergy.
Research Findings: Awareness of Child Sexual Abuse
Most participating clergy and members of the public reported
that their initial awareness of clerical sexual abuse was raised
through the media.
Initial Response and Ongoing Management of Child Sexual Abuse
by Clergy
Most felt the Church "handled it badly" both in response,
care for victim, abuser and families of both.
There was little public awareness of actions the Church has
taken in recent years to address the issue of child sexual abuse
by clergy. In the public survey, very few (10%) had heard of
the Framework Document, the Catholic Church's policy document
for responding to complaints of child sexual abuse by priests
and religious.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A large number of recommendations were made as a result
of the survey in three main headings:
1. Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse by Church Personnel
The Church should study and work with other agencies in the
best possible protection of children. It should keep others
informed (both church personnel & general public) and it
should be open to having its procedures for prevention being
reviewed frequently.
2. Management of Complaints of Sexual Abuse by Clergy
A clearly defined protocol for managing complaints, based on
a standardised approach, should be put in place. This could
be facilitated by a national Child Protection Office.
As per the Framework Document (Church Guidelines on Child Sexual
Abuse), complaints of child sexual abuse by clergy should be
referred promptly to the Garda Síochána.
Other suggestions regarding notifying the bishop, and establishing
policies for re-establishing the person's (priest/religious)
good name in the event of a false allegation.
3. Professional Development of Clergy
A code of professional conduct should be developed, in consultation
with clergy and laity, to clarify roles and boundaries in relationships,
to assist clergy in managing these boundaries and to underpin
the professionalism of the Church. This education should be
ongoing. There also should be support for convicted clergy (including
relapse prevention and preparation for life without ministry).
For more information on the survey see www.catholiccommunications.ie/rcsi/index.html
where the press conference was held plus statements by Archbishop
Sean Brady and Bishop John McAreavey. It also contains a detailed
summary of the summary and details of where the booklet "Time
to Listen" can be purchased.
Advent
- Dublin Diocesan Prayer Initiative
This week as follows (all begin 7.45pm)
Rathfarham; 8th Contemplating Christ with Mary.
Bray 9th Contemplating Christ with Mary.
Darndale: 10th Contemplating Christ with Mary.
Portmarnock , 11th Celtic Prayer.
Guided Advent Prayer Evenings will take place on Tuesdays, December
2nd, 9th and 16th from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Jesuit Centre of
Spirituality, Manresa House, Dollymount. Tel: (01) 833 1352
No Booking is required
Advent
Liturgies
Sung Evening Prayer with the Palestrina Choir Pro Cathedral
at 5pm for the Fridays of Advent, Dec. 12th & 19th.
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Immaculate
Conception - Monday 8th
We celebrate Our Lady's special place in God's
plan for our salvation. Because she was to become the
mother of the Son of God she was conceived free from
sin. Monday 8th is a holy day of obligation.
Mass times: (Sunday 6.30pm)
Monday: 9.00; 10.30; 11.30 & 6.30pm.
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St.
Vincent De Paul - Advance note
Next weekend 13/14th the special collection will
be taken up in aid of the St Vincent de Paul society.
This collection replaces the usual Share Collection. This
is the main source of funding for the society. |
Prayer
Groups for Advent
Reflection sheets will be available each week at
the back of the church. |
Children's
Mass
The practice for the Children's Mass continues on
Thursday @ 3.30 in the parish centre. |
Advent
Meditations - How to actually meditate
On Mondays from 8.15 - 9.15 in the Council Room with Fr.
Roy using music, relaxation, stillness and John Main approach.
All are welcome. |
Toy
Sunday
This will take place, also, next weekend (13/14th)
December. An appeal is made to all especially the young
to donate some new or even good quality toys that could
be shared with children who otherwise would have nothing
this Christmas. |
Recently
Married
Congratulations to Lisa Connors from Labre Park &
Tom Hanley Lancs. England who were married recently in
St. Matthew's Church. |
Visit
the Church during Advent
Every Friday the Church is open for people who wish
to come and pray for a few minutes or longer. |
Website
of the Week
www.carmelites.ie/Spirituality/adventfigures.htm
Some reflective thoughts on Advent |
| Morning
Prayer - Mon - Fri at 9.45am. Sat after Mass. |
Please
pray for those who have died
William Talbot, Croftwood Drive
Patrick Gillespie, Loch Conn Rd
(Funeral Mass Monday 11.30)
Mass Intentions This Week
 Sun: (Sat
6.30: Jack & Stephen Dunne)
9.00 Stephen & Jack Dunne
9.30 Convent - For the People
10.30 Philip & Catherine McNevin
11.30 Christina Mitchell
12.30 John McMahon
6.30 John Dunne
Mon: 9.00 Marie Nevin; 10.30 Paul & Patrick Esmonde;
11.30 Patrick & Maria Stokes & Marie Ellis; 6.30 Matt
Carpenter.
Tue: Paddy Jones/ John Keane
Wed: Mary Carroll/ Larry Lacken
Thurs: Jane Kiernan/ Noel Foy (Jun & Sen)
Fri: Sarah West/ Irene Dunne & Edward Kelly
Sat: Joseph Dineen/ Noeleen Fox
Next Sun: (14th)
9.00 John Dooley; 10.30 Patrick Lawlor; 11.30 Marlyn Rynn; 12.30
Henry Nolan; 6.30 Bridget Higgins.
May they rest in peace.
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