Put Out Into the Deep

Through the prophet Jeremiah the Lord promises, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart” (Jer. 3:15). God keeps his promises. At this moment, we are all deeply aware of our need for good shepherds to lead, guide and protect the flock entrusted to their care.

The cascading reports of clergy abuse and coverups within our beloved Church have affected Catholics differently. It has caused righteous anger, visceral disgust as well as shame.

One year ago, on Sept. 23, we celebrated the beatification of Blessed Stanley Rother in Oklahoma City.

“A Church without charity does not exist.” These are the words spoken by Pope Francis in 2013 to leaders of Caritas, the network of Catholic charitable institutions from around the world.

Editor’s Note: Due to the importance of the letter and its topic, Archbishop Coakley has asked that the newspaper reprint it in larger type and in Spanish. The letter originally was released on July 30 and can be found online at www.archokc.org.