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