A Comment

I hope the priest's convocation includes a seminar on the one point where the diocese is woefully inadequate; basic PR skills. I can't speak for the outlying areas, but in Toledo, the diocese has a bad public image, and not nearly enough is being done to correct that. Past events, ranging from the conduct of a few priests to parish closings have left a climate of suspicion and distrust. The blame for that goes to both the public and the diocese. It takes two to tango, so to speak. Unfortunately, the blame for not correcting it can only go to the diocese. In case you haven't noticed, I avoid criticism of this sort. That tends to show that, if someone like me starts to lose trust and feels the need to speak out, the situation's not good.
What can be done? Well, in spite of the talk, openness and responsiveness remain hard to find. That's the starting point.
And, please, Excellency, tell our priests to avoid situations where they might get arrested.