Do Child Sex Abuse Coverups 'Bend Your Nose out of Joint'?

By Susan Matthews
Catholics4change
February 10, 2013

http://catholics4change.com/2013/02/10/do-child-sex-abuse-coverups-bend-your-nose-out-of-joint/

I will always donate to Catholic causes but I will never donate to any Archdiocesan capital campaign. I decided that while working for the Archdiocese during the Catholic Life 2000 campaign. I observed Cardinal Bevilacqua “splurging” on helicopter transportation, expensive decor for the New Jersey vacation house and an ego-driven conference room that could have rivaled that of any billion dollar corporation.

Meanwhile, Archdiocesan social workers were barely making a living wage while working with limited resources in underfunded programs. They made a huge difference in the lives of so many. I can’t imagine what they could have done with more. 

Some could argue that things have changed since then. But fiscal responsibility still seems questionable. With so few seminarians and so many other worthy charities desperately in need, why on Earth would $14 million be poured into St. Charles Seminary? Surely, there is a more economical alternative. The Archdiocese still has yet to issue a comprehensive annual report to the faithful. 

But with the facts revealed in Msgr. Lynn’s testimony, we all know the archdiocese also lacked moral responsibility. It takes a lot of time and effort to earn back that kind of trust. I know of long-time donors who decided to pull and redirect their generous contributions. I’ve got some suggestions, too.  Write a check to Villa St. Joseph. Our aging sisters could use it. Offer tuition assistance to a mentally disabled child at Our Lady of Confidence. Or, donate specific needed items to your parish grade school. There’s no end to your options. 

Excerpt: “I think that after the grand jury report people got their nose a little bit bent out of joint” and decided not to pay, said James J. Maguire Sr., a major donor to the archdiocese who was on the campaign’s board of directors.