FEBRUARY 25, 2011 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 4 INSIDE: Page 2: Diocese continues to invest in Youth Protection Program Page 5: Diocesan Council of Catholic women celebrate nine decades of faith and service Page 6: Religious brother trades hot rod for habit Page 9: Sports Commentary: Coach and Me The Joy of Vocations CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Mason Moore and Hannah Eckerb, first graders at St. Leo the Great School in Rohrerstown, cheer on their fellow students as they play “Who wants to be a Catholic- Heir,” a trivia game the school held during its celebration of Vocations Day. Bishop Joseph McFadden joined more than 15 priests and religious sisters at the school as they spoke to students about their call to enter religious life. See page 8 for more coverage. Father Conrad Religious Center in Kulpmont Adds Relics Laid to Rest of Mother Maria Kaupas to Its Collection By Jen Reed By Emily M. Albert congregation, the Sisters of St. Casi- before constructing an education to The Catholic Witness The Catholic Witness mir. preserve and develop the faith life for The congregation was founded in Lithuanian immigrants at Holy Cross Father Brian P. Conrad, a priest of the Catholicism, like many faiths, grows Diocese of Harrisburg for nearly 35 years, from heritage and history. When our Scranton and established a Moth- School in Mount Carmel. died of cancer Feb. 13 in the Carolyn Crox- mothers’ mothers or our fathers’ fa- erhouse in Chicago in 1911, but not More COLLECTION, page 6 ton Slane Residence thers immigrated to the United States, of Hospice of Central they not only brought an extensive Father Raymond Pennsylvania in Har- background of ethnic food, traditions Orloski talks about an risburg. He was 60 and language, but they raised their image of Mother Maria years old. children in their faith. Kaupas, whose belong- Born in Harrisburg While working as a housekeeper for ings are on display at on Oct. 29, 1950, he the St. Pauline Center her brother, Rev. Anthony Kaupas, in in Kulpmont. attended Our Lady of Scranton, Pa., during the late 1800s, the Blessed Sacrament Casimira Kaupas, an immigrant of School and Bishop Lithuania, witnessed the plight of the McDevitt High School in Harrisburg and Lithuanian immigrants who were in Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, need of someone to minister to them Md. He was a 1972 graduate of St. Mary’s in their native language. Seminary College in Baltimore, and a 1975 She decided to pursue the religious graduate of St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, life to teach the faith to the Lithu- Pa. anian immigrants and in 1907 made Bishop Joseph Daley ordained Father her profession of vows and received Conrad a priest on April 24, 1976, at St. Pat- her name, Sister Maria. Bishop John rick Cathedral in Harrisburg. W. Shanahan of the Diocese of Har- More FATHER CONRAD, page 11 risburg sponsored Sister Maria’s new EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS - THE CATHOLIC WITNESS, FEBRUARY 5, 011 Local Church News Diocese Continues to Invest Significant Resources in Youth Protection and Victims Assistance if a child reports suspected abuse to them. The The tragic occurrence of the sexual abuse of minors Diocesan Review Board is now reviewing the affects every part of society, and every profession. It final draft of the script. cuts across all denominations and occupations. In 2010 the diocese received three new al- The primary concern of the Diocese of Harrisburg legations of the sexual abuse of a minor. Two is for the spiritual welfare of the victim and the vic- were found to be substantiated. One allegation tim’s family. To help with that, the diocese has a Vic- involved a diocesan priest who was deceased. tim Assistance Coordinator. He is Dr. Mark Totaro, The activity was said to have occurred in the who receives all calls to the Diocesan toll free abuse early 1960’s. Of the remaining two allegations, hotline, 1-800-626-1608. Anyone who has been a one could not be verified after an investigation victim of abuse is urged to contact the Diocese and which included interviews of several persons, the PA Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-932-0313. including the accused priest, who is retired and Dr. Totaro helps the victim determine what pas- not in active ministry. The initial report was toral or spiritual assistance may be most beneficial made to the diocesan toll-free reporting hotline and offers help in locating appropriate resources. by a family member who chose not to iden- According to Totaro, “The first role of the Church tify the victim. The final allegation involved a is to offer spiritual assistance, doing what a Church priest belonging to a Religious Order who had does best, offer prayer and the compassionate Grace not served in the Dio- of Jesus Christ.” He remains in contact with victims cese of Harrisburg for and families, often for several years after the abuse many years. The report is first reported. was turned over to the The diocese realizes that healing is a long process. priest’s Order. Despite With that in mind, victims are provided with a vari- In 2010, the Diocese of Harrisburg continued to the fact that the alleged activity in all three cas- ety of resources with the goal of providing help so devote significant resources to the prevention of sex- es took place between 20 and 50 years ago they were as to create hope for their future. All victims are of- ual abuse of minors as well as to provide assistance all reported to the appropriate civil authorities. fered spiritual, pastoral and mental health assistance to victims and their families, according to Msgr. According to Msgr. King, “The Diocese of Harris- regardless of their ability or willingness to pay. William J. King, Vicar General for the diocese and burg recognizes the terrible tragedy of sexual abuse Counseling services are via qualified independent director of its Youth Protection Program. of minors in our society. It is an appalling sin and a professionals. The Diocesan Youth Protection Review Board heinous crime and it has no place in the Church. We Depending on specific circumstances, victims may recently met with Bishop Joseph P. McFadden to have zero tolerance for it. Our primary commitment also be offered material assistance as needed for ba- review all activity related to youth protection dur- is to respond effectively to an allegation of abuse sic living expenses, which may include health insur- ing 2010. Msgr. King provided the overview at that and to assist the victim in recovery and healing.” He ance as well as tuition assistance for the children of meeting. “Although Review Board members are in- added, “In tandem with that effort, we constantly victims who attend Catholic schools. In 2010 the volved in every new case as it happens,” according strive to maintain a safe environment for ministry diocese assisted six victims. Costs totaled $30,700. to Msgr. King, “the annual review meeting gives us with youth throughout our 15 counties.” The Diocese has helped 39 victims since 2002, pro- the opportunity to look at everything once again and Msgr. King noted that an updated version of the viding $1,300,000 in assistance. determine how to improve our response to victims.” Diocesan Youth Protection Program is in final draft- According to Msgr. King, when monetary settle- In September 2010, the diocese underwent its an- ing stage and will soon be sent to the Review Board ments are made with victims, the amounts are de- nual audit of youth protection programs. This is con- members for editing and approval. termined by analyzing the real-world needs of the ducted on-site in the diocese by an independent audit At its recent meeting, the Diocesan Review Board victim. “Diocesan resources are limited, but in char- firm engaged by the United States Bishops’ Office suggested several modifications to the policy, includ- ity and in justice we try to determine with the victim of Child and Youth Protection. The audit includes ing changes to the criminal history checks required what their real needs are so that they may receive a thorough review of records as well as interviews for all clergy and employees, and for all volunteers the necessary resources to meet their basic needs as with diocesan staff, legal counsel, parish staff, re- in youth-serving programs. These changes will be they face the challenges of emotional and spiritual view board members, civil authorities, and even one reflected in the new policy, said Msgr. King recovery.” During 2010, the diocese settled three or more victims. As a result of the week-long audit, Bishop Joseph P. McFadden was saddened by the claims with victims. These out-of-court settlements the diocese was found to be in full compliance with contents of the recent Philadelphia Grand Jury re- totaled $84,000. None of the monies used for victim the requirements of the bishops’ Charter for the Pro- port and reiterated what he said at his Installation as assistance in 2010 were reimbursed or covered by tection of Children and Young People. Bishop of Harrisburg, “In the name of the Church I insurance, but came from the diocesan loss retention The diocesan Youth Protection Office has an annu- apologize for this terrible injustice that was commit- fund which is budgeted annually. al budget of $69,500. One of the highlights of 2010 ted against you. The way that it was dealt with in the According to Msgr. King, additional training is activities was the distribution of ID badges to more Church was wrong and we are sorry.