Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
March 27, 2002
Knights of Columbus stand in solidarity with priests
Media using isolated incidents to mischaracterize priests, undermine Church
More than 350 Knights of Columbus and their families will gather to honor the dedication and sacrifice of priests who serve the Church of northern Colorado during the 2002 Clergy Night, April 9 at St. Thomas More Church.
"Our priests model their lives after Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us," explains Price Hatcher, state deputy of the Knights of Columbus. "The Knights of Columbus are proud to stand in solidarity with our priests, especially at a time that they are being misjudged and mischaracterized by the media."
Hatcher described as "deplorable, disgusting and evil" the actions of former priest John Geoghan, who in January was convicted of fondling a 10-year-old boy. Accused of having molested scores of young children, Geoghan was removed from ministry in 1994 and defrocked in 1998.
Hatcher, who is the leader of more than 11,500 Knights in Colorado, pointed out that Pope John Paul II had referred to the scandal in his "Letter to Priests for Holy Thursday."
In it, the pope states: "Grave scandal is caused, with the result that a dark shadow of suspicion is cast over all the other fine priests who perform their ministry with honesty and integrity and often with heroic self-sacrifice."
Hatcher said the entire Church is called to respond with concern for the victims and efforts to protect children from harm.
"As Catholic husbands and fathers, the Knights commit themselves to defending the family and speaking out against the forces that seek to harm life in any form: from conception to natural death," he said. "But I appeal to all Catholics to not allow the mainstream media to put this issue in perspective for us."
Hatcher pointed out that Catholics are preparing to celebrate Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus established priesthood and was betrayed by one of his disciples.
"Do we judge our faith based upon the actions of Judas?" he asked. "Does the fact that a priest betrayed his vows demonstrate anything about the priesthood?"
"The Church is not a club for saints, but a haven for sinners," he continued. "I need not repeat my outrage at the actions of those who harm children, but Catholics need to be aware that the media are using this as an opportunity to characterize our priests in a negative light and undermine the moral voice of our Church in the United States.
"I realize that priests are human, and they have faults. But I have never come across a group of men more dedicated to doing good than our priests," Hatcher said. "They work long hours, and bear people's burdens under the most tragic and difficult of circumstances and yet they always have time for their people and demonstrate an authentic and genuine love for others that is becoming all too rare in our materialistic world.
"I challenge the people of Colorado to think for yourselves and to take the time to let your priests know how much you appreciate the sacrifices they make for us," he concluded.
St. Thomas More Council 10205 is the host of the 2002 Clergy Night. The evening begins with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., and continues with a banquet featuring an address by Father Michael Sheeran, president of Regis University.
Priests who wish to attend may call Wall Armistead at 303-768-9351.
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