CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 4, 2018 THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME VOLUME 68:5 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS TIMES DIOCESAN ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY IS EXPANDING ITS MISSION Catholic Times 2 November 4, 2018 Editor’s reflections by Doug Bean USCCB condemns shooting Guided by faith at the polls at synagogue, all ‘acts of hate’ Unless you’ve been vacationing public dis- Catholic News Service the plague of gun violence,” said Car- on a remote island with no access to course. What’s The U.S. Catholic bishops stand dinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galves- media for the past couple of months, so great about with “our brothers and sisters of the ton-Houston. you’re obviously aware that the No- America is that Jewish community,” the president of “Violence as a response to political, vember midterm elections are upon the Constitution the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- racial or religious differences must be us next week. gives everyone ops said on Oct. 27 after a horrific confronted with all possible effort. You’ve more than likely received a right to express an opinion. So shooting in Pittsburgh at the Tree of God asks nothing less of us,” he said. a campaign advertisement in your here’s one observation: The loud- mailbox on seen one on television, est wailing and the gnashing of on the web, or in the newspaper. teeth is not coming from rational You’ve probably heard pitches for people who defend the right to life political candidates on the radio from conception to natural death, and even at your front door. Maybe advocate religious freedom and the you’ve watched a debate or an in- sanctity of marriage between a man terview with a candidate. And while and a woman, abide by just laws, they’re bantering, you might have or respect dignity of every human wanted to throw something at the person. It’s up to you to figure out TV – or, more prudently, you’ve felt who’s making the most noise. like grabbing a rosary and praying. In this space, it’s a dicey proposi- Unfortunately, political vitri- tion to comment on politics because ol has increasingly become part the Catholic Church is a religious of the campaign landscape. Most organization and doesn’t endorse candidates ignore the sage advice political parties, candidates or is- that mothers have imparted to their sues. However, the U.S. Confer- children forever: “If you don’t have ence of Catholic Bishops does offer anything nice to say about someone, guidelines on responsible voting don’t say anything at all.” based upon beliefs and values that OK, it’s somewhat naïve to expect embody God’s laws. A sampling of The sign in front of Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral expresses the sentiments of the Di- politicians not to behave badly (or those can be found on Page 20 of ocese of Columbus after the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that left 11 people dead point out an opponent’s shortcom- this week’s Catholic Times and in and six others injured. “These situations are horrific and very sad,” said the cathedral’s ings) at some points in a campaign more depth at www.usccb.org. The rector, Father Michael Lumpe. “We need to pray for those who were killed or injured, for season. But more worrisome is the Catholic Conference of Ohio also their families, for the Tree of Life Synagogue congregation, for an end to anti-Semitism, spillover we’re seeing in society provides reflections on statewide for an end to all hatred and violence, and certainly for a wholesale conversion of mind during the run-up to this election. election issues to aid voters in mak- and heart for those who embrace evil and hatred, that they will turn to Christ who has You may have read recent stories ing informed decisions. taught us how to love others.” Photo courtesy St. Joseph Cathedral about candidates who were con- Educated voting takes some work. Life Synagogue, described as a hub of “He begs us back to our common hu- fronted by in-your-face protesters Research the candidates and the is- Jewish life in that city. manity as his sons and daughters.” at campaign stops. Some threats are sues. Don’t rely on popular media to The shooting occurred during a morn- At the Vatican on Oct. 28, Pope so alarming that the disruptors have shape your thinking. Allow Catho- ing baby-naming ceremony, for which Francis prayed for those affected by caused an event to be canceled be- lic principles to guide you, starting an estimated crowd of 45 to 100 peo- the deadly attack, calling it an “inhu- cause of safety concerns. That’s re- with defending the precious gift of ple had gathered, according to news mane act of violence.” “May the Lord ally nothing new, but confrontations life. Most of all, pray unceasingly reports. Eleven people, all adults, were help us extinguish the fires of hatred appear more virulent and seem to be for guidance and spiritual wisdom killed. Six others were injured, includ- that develop in our society,” the pope escalating. so that elected officials will see fit ing four members of law enforcement. prayed after reciting the Angelus Everyone has an opinion on the to make this one nation under God, “We condemn all acts of violence prayer. reasons for the heated nature of with liberty and justice for all. and hate and yet again, call on our nation and public officials to confront See SYNAGOGUE, Page 6 Front Page photo: CATHOLIC Bishop Frederick F. Campbell, DD, PhD: President & Publisher Doug Bean: Editor ([email protected]) St. Vincent de Tim Puet: Reporter ([email protected]) Paul Society TIMES The entrance to the Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved. David Vance: Graphic Designer diocesan St. Vincent de Catholic Times (USPS 967-000) (ISSN 745-6050) is the official Mailing Address: 197 E. Gay St., Columbus OH 43215 newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. It is Paul Society Clothing Editorial/Advertising: (614) 224-5195 FAX (614) 241-2518 Center, 578 E. Main St., published weekly 45 times per year with exception of every other week in June, July and August and the week following Christmas. Subscriptions: (614) 224-6530 FAX (614) 241-2573 Columbus. Subscription rate: $25 per year, or call and make arrangements CT photo by Ken Snow with your parish. Postage Paid at Columbus OH 43218. ([email protected]) Postmaster: Send address changes to Catholic Times, 197 E. Gay St., Columbus OH 43215. Please allow two to four weeks for change of address. November 4, 2018 Catholic Times 3 Diocesan Safe Environment Office’s role increases By Tim Puet, Catholic Times Reporter 3. Monitor all programs. charge of annual audits required by People issued by the USCCB in 2002. 4. Be aware. Know what is going on the Diocese and the U.S. Conference This document provides a compre- The role of the diocesan department in the lives of the children in your care of Catholic Bishops; assurance of par- hensive set of procedures for address- charged with protecting children and or in your life. ish, school and agency compliance ing allegations of abuse of minors. It providing safe environments for them 5. Communicate your concerns. with equal-employment guidelines has been revised several times, most has grown constantly in the 15 years Required background checks are and all other applicable local, federal recently this year. It includes guide- since its establishment. conducted by the state Bureau of and state laws; independent reviews lines for reconciliation, healing, ac- Bishop Frederick Campbell recog- Criminal Identification and Investi- of problem situations that may arise; countability, and prevention of future nized this in September by elevating gation (BCI) and can be done at any providing regular guidance to par- acts of abuse. the agency in the diocesan structure. location that offers WebCheck ser- ish, school and agency personnel to Among other requirements, the What now is known as the diocesan vices, including private companies, answer questions and advise them charter calls for annual audits of di- Safe Environment Office is led by Re- sheriff’s offices, police departments, on handling situations; one-on-one oceses and Byzantine eparchies to gina Quinn as director. She has been state Bureau of Motor Vehicles offic- teaching of people who are new to ensure compliance with USCCB manager of what had been known as es, and other locations certified by the safe environment work; speaking at guidelines. Annual audits have been the Safe Environment Program for BCI. Fingerprinting also is required diocesan-sponsored workshops on as- conducted since 2003. The USCCB more than nine years. A second staff for anyone whose work with a dioc- bestos removal and other safety-relat- publishes results of the audits online member will be hired for the office be- esan organization involves contact ed subjects, as well as school adminis- in May. Through Protecting God’s cause of the significant increase in its with minors. Fingerprinting can be trator meetings and other gatherings; Children and other safe environment duties in recent years. completed at any WebCheck location. and collaborations at the national lev- programs, more than 2.5 million peo- “Regina has been working tirelessly ple active in the Church have been and expertly for the Diocese of Co- trained to recognize and respond to lumbus, and this will give her some signs of inappropriate behavior, thus much needed help and allow us to preventing abuse. continue building initiatives that fur- All parishes, schools, and agencies ther strengthen our Diocese’s ability in the Diocese of Columbus must in- to protect children and young people form the Safe Environment Office and prevent problems from occur- of their compliance to the charter’s ring,” said Deacon Thomas Berg Jr., guidelines or of any instances of fail- diocesan chancellor.