[sinkspur]

Bierschenk was caught in a lie. Now, he's making a fool of himself.

A bishop can transfer a priest for any reason, or no reason. Hiding behind "Canon Law" is not going to work when the offense involved touches on the sexual abuse policy while the Catholic Church in America is on fire.

[Fred Mertz]

I figured you'd have wanted him guillotined, sinkspur.

[Orual]

He's the only priest at the 10,000-member church.

Not that I want to make any excuses for this priest, but could this perhaps be a mitigating factor? It is incomprensible that one priest could minister to 10,000 parishoners, let alone do background checks. It boggles the mind just to think of the number of baptisms, weddings and funerals, to say nothing of sick calls, confessions and counseling. How is it possible?

[Angelique]

First thought: who is paying for Bierschenk's lawyer? Second thought: why didn't he just comply? Third thought: why did he lie?

Thank goodness the Church has acted responsibly.

[B-Chan]

Every day I thank the Lord I live in the Diocese of Fort Worth.

That being said, St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the loveliest churches in Dallas. As a Lakewood native, I have spent many happy hours during my years there running and walking up and down Alderson Street in the evening, and I always looked forward to the corner of Alderson and Kenwood where St. T's is. Although I never participated in the Mass there, the building and grounds have a quiet, solid, almost Oxfordian dignity; they almost exude peace.

Let's all pray for the Diocese of Dallas, and the parish of St. Thomas Aquinas.

[Cicero]

It seems to me that the bishop hasn't handled this very well. IF he said that Father Bierschenk had 30 days to get into compliance, then he should have kept his word. If things had changed--presumably someone putting pressure on the bishop--then he should have handled the matter quietly. Maybe the bishop should not have given him that 30-day offer, but having given it, he couldn't expect compliance earlier.

Normally, a priest accepts reassignment by the bishop and that's that. But when he is openly accused of this kind of horrific lapse, then the whole can of worms fall out, and a priest has a right to ask for fair and just treatment.

I haven't yet seen any denial that the bishop gave him 30 days to straighten it out. The impression I get from this is that Fr. Bierschenk made a mistake but that the bishop has panicked under pressure and has made a bad situation worse.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

...Just out on the News ...the LAPD has a new Investigative Unit looking into Sex Abuse by 50 present and past Catholic Priests in Cardinal MAHONY's Los Angeles Archdiocese...

...a Cardinal MAHONY that is now saying he has a SeX Abuse Fix-it Plan just as he is being called to Rome to talk things over with the Pope.

BAD BOY, BAD BOY.

[SelmerTS111281]

When this story first broke over the weekend, I gave the Priest credit for accepting the re-assignment. I thought he was taking responsibility for his action (or lack of action). Last night on the news, he almost sounded like he was liking his 15 minutes in the spotlight.

What I find amazing is the support he is getting from his parishioners. The background checks are for the safety of the children. It is a hassle, I know, I've been through it in order to teach Sunday School. It's also an expense, but it has to be done. I'm Presbyterian and know how difficult it is to let go of a beloved pastor, but I think the diocese needs to take a stand on this one and the parish needs to move forward.

I am also curious about the comments from the new Parish in McKinney. Aren't they a little concerned about this priest who has a record of cutting corners in this very important issue?

Peace, TS