March

13,

The Catholic News

1998

Suit Against Diocese

Ad Limina, from page — The of and

slapped.

in the church, particularly in light of a

but joys as well," said the official.

role

Charges Clergy l\/lisconduct BOONE

—

Suit has been initiated

against the Diocese of Charlotte and Bishop Curlin by the alleged victim of clergy misconduct and his family. The accused priest, Rev. Damion J. Lynch, had been assigned to St. Elizabeth Church in Boone, NC, during the period of time in question.

In November of 1995, Fr.

Lynch himBishop Curlin regarding The Diocese of Charlotte has a policy in place which has a zero tolerance for clergy misconduct. Pursuant to that policy. Bishop Curlin iniself reported to

an indiscretion.

tiated an investigation of circumstances,

placed Fr. Lynch on Administrative leave

and provided

Fr.

Lynch with a

qualified

psychologist and therapist. Additionally,

pursuant to Diocesan Policy, Bishop Curlin initiated dialogue with the alleged victim and his family regarding the factual basis of the claim and their psycho-

After

logical needs.

much

discussion

with the victim and his family, the Bishop

thought he had resolved the matter to their satisfaction in June of 1996 by reaching a resolution of the victim's claim, and the claim of his family. Fr. Lynch, after being professionally evaluated and treated, was cleared by his therapist for the continuation of his priestly ministry. He was then assigned to Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte in June, 1997, and continued there as Parochial Vicar until February, 1998 when he requested that Bishop Curlin grant him leave from his priestly ministry, and such request was granted. While expressing sympathy and compassion for all victims of priest misconduct, the Diocese of Charlotte will pro-

ceed to defend

this civil action in part

it had finally resolved claim almost two years ago.

the basis that

on

this

the laity in society

Michael Church To Host Lenten Musical Drama

GASTONIA — On March 28, at 7:30 p.m.,

St.

Michael Church

which lay people can participate church ministry. Issues related to marriage and family life, including the social situation in the United States and pastoral programs for marriage preparation, family ministry and assistance to divorced or separated

public.

who

"business" parts of

the bishops have with the leaders of

—

Catholics.

—

U.S. young people and the

church's ministry to them, as well as a review of efforts to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Seminary programs and the on-

—

going education of priests, looking not only at spiritual, ministerial

and intellectual for-

mation, but also issues related to the per-

sonal maturity of candidates for the priesthood and priests themselves.

— The importance of

the sacraments,

especially the Eucharist and reconcilia-

The pope probably

tion.

will discuss con-

tinuing efforts to revise the translations

Vatican congregations and councils, particularly the doctrinal congregation

pope

ments. In addition, the bishops who preside over the various secretariats, committees and commissions of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops will meet with their counterparts at the Vatican for an exchange of information on projects and problems. The 42-page Vatican directory outlining the essential elements of an "ad limina" visit focuses on the liturgical and spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage. In addition to Mass with the pope, the bishops celebrate liturgies at the tombs of the Apostles in St. Peter's Basilica and in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

"The pope wants

to

make

it

a business meeting, not just an opportu-

emphasize the role of bishops as teachers, promoters and guardians of the faith.

nity to visit a favorite restaurant, not a

Vatican officials said they did not

a spiritual experience," a Vatican official

is-

nostalgic visit to the Apostles' tombs, but

"It's

not that the themes will be

all

said.

"The pope

is

here to confirm his

brothers in the faith," he said, and with

way Pope John Paul has

new, but the way they are presented, perhaps with a new twist," one official

the

said.

majority of bishops.

"There is nothing that is emotionally charged" on the agenda, the official said. The visits do not focus on problems, another official said. "The bishops do not come here to get their wrists

Jimmy

that

structured

the visits, that's the experience of vast

Contributing to this story was Rostar, staff writer of The

Catholic

News &

Herald.

holds a master's degree in religious education from

New Orleans, has been active within theatrical and musical An accomplished guitarist, percussionist, liturgical dancer and choreographer, she previously served as assistant director of drama proLoyola University,

ductions at Charlotte Catholic High School.

An encore performance, in

at

Curtin Hall in the

also free of charge, will be hosted

by the

Mercy Administration Center on April 4

at

Sisters of 7:30 p.m.

Belmont.

Remember

ment to the Church and community in which we

In Yours. —

Sunday —

Daily Mas,sfs:

9:30.

1

1:()()A.\!

Friday — 7-Mh\\l \ — Rosary 8:45AM; Mass 9:0UAM; \o\cna 9:')0AM — Saturday 4:00 SiOOl'M or hv request

Monday

m

statement included in your Will:

1J:1UF;\!

-

"/ leave to the

to

Charlotte (or Rector: The Very Reverend Paul

Gary

(

Parochial Vicar: Reverend Walter Ray Williams Visit

our website at www.hows.net/28203spc

1621 Dilworth Road

I

ast

(

harlotte, N(

2820^

COO-^^J 22S^

14

or to your parish. Simply have the foDowing

li:^(t|'M

Sauirday Confession;

the live!'

Bishop William G. Curlin

ou can express your commitment to your Church by making a bequest to the Diocese of Charlotte

S-^Ol'M K;()0.

"A valid Will stands as a continuing expression of our

concern for loved ones, as well as an ongoing commit-

HisWU NXcfkciut Masses: Saturday Vigil

not just

will

circles since 1972.

Mercy

and

the congregation for worship and sacra-

of prayers and readings used at Mass.

Gastonia

drama, "Still." Directed by Mercy Sister Larretta RiveraWilliams, the play focuses on social issues and concerns while addressing the question, "Does God still care?" The answer, which includes visual depiction of God's love and ongoing presence, unfolds during the climatic last scene. "Still" will be performed by the St. Michael's Youth Group and parishioners, accompanied by St. Cecilia's Choir. A special guest appearance by Tiffany Pastula of Belmont will be featured in the production, which is free and open to the

strictly

the "ad limina" visits are the meetings

in

sues on his agenda for the U.S. bishops. in

They discuss not only problems,

The more

tent to

think the pope had any big, surprise

will present the musical

Sister Larretta,

1

November Vatican instruction on the ex-

In almost every speech, the

St.

& Herald 3

or

Roman

Catholic Diocese of

parish, city) the

sum of $

percent of the residue of my estate) for

religious, educational For more information on

how

and charitable works." lo

make

a Will that worV.s, contact

Jim Kelley, Diocese of Charlotte, Office of Development. 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, (704) 370-3301

its