|
| June 2003Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan Issues an Apostolic Letter to all Parishes June 19, 2003 My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I recently celebrated my 20th anniversary as a Bishop. I am extremely happy to serve the Church as the Archbishop of Santa Fe. Never did I expect an additional assignment. But, the Holy Spirit, through the Holy Father, has called me to have the responsibility and joy as serving as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Phoenix. The Church of Phoenix has gone through difficult times. I am happy to be here to heal, to reconcile, and to focus on the future. My heart goes out to all who are hurting. The victims of child abuse, the family of James Reed, and all who are suffering are in my prayers. I ask for forgiveness on behalf of our church, and I promise brighter days ahead. On behalf of the Church I thank Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien for his service. He has been a dear friend and a brother Bishop. Under his leadership the Diocese has grown. And now we pray for him in his time of darkness. As your shepherd I assure you that our focus will be the pastoral work of the Church, reaching out to our Hispanic community, being an instrument of reconciliation, and being authentically and happily Catholic. We must also be dedicated to the new evangelization to which the Holy Father calls us. We must reach out to inactive Catholics and unchurched persons. We will do these things together, trusting that God has a plan for our church. Like the Phoenix bird rising from the ashes, the Church of Phoenix will rise to new heights. We will make the love of God more present than ever before by loving each other more deeply. May God bless the work that we do together. Stay strong in faith, passionate in your love for Christ, and proud of our Catholic community. Always remember, the Lord has promised to be with his Church forever. Sincerely Yours in the Risen Lord, En Espanol: Carta Pastóral de Reverendísimo Michael J. Sheehan Junio del 2003 Mis Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo, Recientemente celebre mi vigésimo aniversario como Obispo. Estoy extremadamente gozoso de servir a la Iglesia como el Arzobispo de Santa Fe. Nunca espere una tarea adicional. Sin embargo, el Espíritu Santo a través del Santo Padre, me ha llamado a tomar la responsabilidad y el gozo de servir como Administrador Apostólico de la Diócesis de Phoenix. La Iglesia de Phoenix ha pasado tiempos difíciles. Me satisface estar aquí para sanar, reconciliar y enfocarme en el futuro. Mi corazón está con todos los afligidos. Las víctimas de abuso infantil, la familia de James Reed y todos aquellos que sufren, están en mis oraciones. Pido por el perdón en representación de nuestra Iglesia y prometo días de luz por venir. Igualmente, como delegado de la Iglesia agradezco al Obispo Thomas J. O'Brien por su servicio. El ha sido un querido amigo y hermano Obispo. Bajo su liderazgo la Diócesis ha crecido. Y ahora rezamos por el en este tiempo sombrío. Les aseguro, como su pastor, que nuestro enfoque será el trabajo pastoral de la Iglesia, trascendiendo a nuestra comunidad Hispana, siendo un instrumento de reconciliación.'y siendo autentica y felizmente Católico. También necesitamos dedicamos a la nueva evangelización, la cual nos solicita el Santo Padre. Debemos llegar a los Católicos que no profesan y a aquellos que no están cerca de la Iglesia. Haremos todas estas cosas en conjunto, confiando en que Dios tiene un plan para nuestra Iglesia. Como el ave Fénix que renace de las cenizas, la Iglesia de Phoenix renacerá para alcanzar nuevos horizontes. Haremos presente el amor de Dios mas que nunca, a través del amor profundo del uno al otro. Que Dios bendiga el trabajo que hagamos conjuntamente. Manténganse fuertes en la fe, apasionados en su amor por Cristo y orgullosos de nuestra comunidad Católica. Siempre recuerden, el Señor ha prometido estar hasta el fin de los tiempos con su Iglesia. Sinceramente suyo en Cristo Resucitado,
Reverendísimo Michael J. Sheehan
Statement from Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien (June 18) It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that I submitted my resignation as Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix. As you know, it was accepted by the Vatican. I have said many times this past year that the Church isn’t one person. It is the Catholic people, the priests, and yes, the Bishop. I have shepherded the Phoenix Diocese for more than 20 years and it has always been my desire that the focus be on the good works of the Church in the community and not myself. I have many to thank – most importantly the clergy, religious and lay people of the Catholic Diocese who have supported the Church and me through good times and bad. This past year has been very painful. It became apparent that as long as I remained Bishop the focus of the news media would be on me and not the Church and Her people. I have dedicated myself to serving God, the Church and the people of this diocese. I love and support the Catholic people, even those who may have felt disappointed in my leadership this past year. I want you all to know that my only desire was to always do what is best for the Catholic people and the community. My heart is aching, but I felt I needed to step aside for you, the Catholic people, to allow the diocese to heal from what has been a painful time in our history. You have my love, my support and my blessing. I would also like to say how much I respect Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan and I am grateful that he will help to shepherd the diocese through this transitional period. I am humbled and honored to have served as your Bishop. Thank you again, dear people, for all your love and concern, for your outpouring of prayers and support, and for your faithful service to God, the Catholic Church and me. Asking God’s blessings upon you, I am, and shall always remain, yours faithfully in Christ,
Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien. Curriculum Vitae for Michael Jarboe Sheehan Born July 9, 1939 in Wichita, Kansas Appointments Since Ordination
Board of Directors / Committees
Publications
Pastoral Letters
Schools Attended:
Degrees Received:
Languages Spoken:
Holy Father Appoints Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan (June 18 ALBUQUERQUE) - The Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe, Apostolic Administrator “sede plena” of the Diocese of Phoenix effective Tuesday, June 17, 2003. The term “sede plena” means that Archbishop has been granted full authority over the Diocese of Phoenix. Archbishop Sheehan was informed by the Apostolic Nuncio (the Holy Father’s representative to the United States), Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo yesterday by phone. Archbishop Sheehan will retain the position of Archbishop of Santa Fe and concurrently serve as of Apostolic Administrator until the Holy Father appoints a new bishop for the Phoenix Diocese. Archbishop Sheehan said: My heart goes out to the clergy, religious and the faithful of the Diocese of Phoenix. You have suffered greatly these last few months. I hope to bring healing God’s grace will help us through this challenging time. In the fifth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, there is a debate in the Sanhedrin about what should be done with the new Christian movement. Wise counsel was given when it was declared, “If this endeavor is of human origin, then it will destroy itself. But if it is of God, no one will be able to destroy it. It shall endure.” This can be said of our Catholic faith. If it had been based on human genius and merit, our churches would not be filled today. It would have failed. But since it is God who provides the seed and the harvest, the faith established here has not only endured but will once again flourish! My appointment by the Holy Father as Apostolic Administrator will require me to divide my time between Phoenix and Albuquerque. During this transition, I will continue to serve the faithful of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as their Archbishop. Monsignor Moyer Issues Statement Regarding Fatal Accident (June 16) Msgr. Richard W. Moyer, vicar general of the Diocese of Phoenix, issued the following statement June 16, 2003, as Phoenix police were investigating a fatal accident June 14 in Phoenix: "I sincerely regret reports I have received about Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien being involved in a fatal accident. The sympathy of all of us in the Diocese of Phoenix as well as our prayerful support goes out to the victim’s family. The Diocese will cooperate fully in any police investigation. No further statement will be made while the investigation proceeds." Bishop O'Brien's Open Letter to the Valley (June 8) Let me start by saying that if any actions by me have caused anybody any pain or suffering, I am profoundly sorry. Romans 8, Verse 28 states: "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God." I love God. I know these words of Scripture are true. But I must be honest and tell you that it has been hard to understand how good will be born out of our current situation. However, as a man of faith, I must trust that it will. I have great compassion for victims of any form of abuse. I am truly sorry that some members of my church, including clergy, have caused harm to children and families. I have tried to create policies and implement training programs to prevent these painful situations. In 1991, we set up one of the most comprehensive programs in the country. In the past decade, we have trained over 40,000 volunteers and staff. I pledge that I will continue to set up systems where child abuse will not occur, and if it does, that the violators will be held accountable. I am grateful to civil authorities and people of all faiths who have respectfully assisted us in creating safe environment programming for our children. Right now, there is hurt and confusion about the past. Since the announcement of the agreement with the county attorney, there have been questions about the content of the agreement. I would like to clarify a few things. First, I would like to address the issue of my resignation. I was aware that the county attorney desired my resignation. The issue was explored with Church authorities, and it was determined that my resignation was not an option. Another area of confusion was my so-called confession of guilt. In my mind, I was not confessing criminal activity. I was acknowledging that we made mistakes. In saying that priests with allegations were moved to other parishes, I was acknowledging that we handled these situations differently in past decades. Schools, families and law enforcement handled these situations differently then, as well. It was never my intention to allow a child to be hurt. And I never reassigned anyone I believed was going to abuse. At times, we made good decisions. At times, in retrospect, we did not. A third point of clarification is my authority as Bishop. The new Youth Protection Advocate and the Moderator of the Curia will scrupulously adhere to the letter of the law in reporting allegations. They will make their own decisions to report. I, however, am the only one who can remove a priest from ministry, and I will do so with the advice of the Moderator of the Curia and the Youth Protection Advocate. It will be done in accordance with the "Essential Norms" adopted by the Roman Catholic Church in November. On a personal note, I must tell you that this has been a difficult and painful time for me. To have others look at your decisions and critique them is painful but helps you to grow. To have others attack your integrity has been painful beyond description. I have felt no matter what I say or do, that certain elements of the media were not interested in improving the future but in destroying me. I pray that those days are over. When Jesus caught the woman in adultery, he told her to go and sin no more. He gave her a new future. I am asking you to walk with me into the future. The Catholic Church is an essential part of this community. The Church feeds the poor, ministers to the sick, buries the dead and teaches the Gospel. We must focus on these works at the same time we are ensuring a safe environment for our youth. I do not desire a war with the county attorney, the media or anyone. Everyone has a job to do. But please realize that my job includes assuring that both civil and church laws are followed. The county attorney and others must recognize the need for the Church to operate freely. I have been Bishop for two decades. I have committed my life to service of the Church and all Her people. St. Paul calls us all to be ministers of reconciliation. I assure you, I want that above all else. Mr. Romley was right when he said that from here on in, it is about the future. We are taking creative steps in training and prevention. And we are taking a bold step in setting up a summit to be co-hosted by the diocese and the county attorney. I ask for your prayers. I promise brighter days in the Church and a safer environment for our children. On this Pentecost Sunday, I beg from God a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Bishop O'Brien Ordains Three to the Priesthood Read the Bios of the three newly-ordained priests, as well as statements by Fr. Don Kline, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Phoenix. A Bio of Fr. Don Kline is also included.
Bishop O'Brien's Pastoral Letter to Parishioners My Dearly Beloved in Christ, This has been a painful and stressful week for our Church, and me personally. Although I am a Bishop, with a calling from the Church, I am still a human being with emotions like anyone else. I would never want to pretend that my pain in any way super-cedes that of those who have been victimized by sexual abuse, particularly those who have been abused by priests. I know many of you have questions because there have been conflicting news reports and that is due – in part – to the fact many do not understand our faith, church law and how the Roman Catholic Church serves people. I know you have heard my many apologies to the victims of child abuse. I believe I can never apologize enough, and being sorry is not enough for those who have been harmed so terribly. Do I feel responsible? Yes. As the Bishop, whether or not I had only legal responsibility, the hurt and sorrow for any harm caused by priests or diocesan personnel is mine to shoulder. You also know as Bishop I am the only one, based on church law, who can remove a priest from ministry or authorize a transfer to another parish. I act on the recommendations of the Priest Personnel Board, which each year reviews priests’ assignments. In the times when I’ve had difficult decisions to make, I made those transfers after spending much time in prayer. I felt in my heart that I had made the right decision and know that God knows I never moved a priest to hide his past sins or to endanger children. When I became your Bishop, I had never heard the word pedophilia. I, like others, didn’t understand it was an incurable sickness. I learned – just as law enforcement and health professionals – in the worst way by having to face the reality that our learning curve may have come at the expense of innocent children. Wherever I have failed or misjudged, though unintentionally, I must acknowledge my mistake and I must carry the wounds of those who were harmed. I ask God, victims of sexual abuse and you, faithful Catholics, to forgive my imperfections. As church, we have a common goal with the civil authorities to protect people. As church, we have the additional responsibility to nurture and protect their spiritual as well as their physical well-being. The Catholic Church of Phoenix and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office want the same thing – to ensure that not only is this Diocese doing everything it can to provide a safe environment for Catholic children but for our community as a whole. I promise you that I will never forget the past for it will remain my driving force toward the future. I have been Bishop for two decades. I have committed my life to your service. St. Paul calls us to be ministers of reconciliation. I assure you I want that above all else. I believe we are taking creative and bold steps. I ask for your prayers. As we celebrate Pentecost, I beg from God an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Faithfully Yours In Christ, Most Rev. Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien En Espanol: Carta Pastoral De Obispo O'Brien Para Los Feligreses Mis Queridos Hermanos en Cristo,
Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien to meet with Hispanic leaders (June 4) “I will be meeting very soon with Latino Leaders from across our Diocese headed by supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox to discuss concerns about our Latino parishes and develop strategies to improve them. "I am saddened that a few people have chosen to cast stones from the outside rather than join us at the table to help make our Diocese stronger." - Bishop O'Brien
Statement by Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien “Living through this past year has been painful and stressful.
At times it’s been saddening, frustrating and bewildering. Needless
to say I’m relieved this difficult chapter is behind us. En Espanol “Este ultimo año ha sido muy difícil y de mucha
presión. Muchas veces ha sido triste, frustrante, y desconcertante.
Sin mas que decir, estoy tranquilo que este capitulo este detrás
de nosotros. |
Copyright © 2000-2008 by Diocese of Phoenix. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use