Bishop Duca commends child protection advocates

Bishop Michael G. Duca acknowledged the Catholic Church has endured previous challenges and is still living through difficult times dealing with the profound sin in the church of sexual abuse.

“It is one that has hit hard, hit at the heart of the church; it is one that took away the innocence that we had, that we could believe that things that were in the church were good,” Bishop Duca during his homily at a special Mass on April 26 at St. Joseph Chapel in Baton Rouge commemorating April as National Child Abuse Awareness Month.

“We were robbed of that innocence,” the bishop told the appointed child protection site coordinators of institutions of the Diocese of Baton Rouge attending the Mass. “Maybe it was kind of naïve but it was a good kind of naïve.”

Today, the public and child advocates are much more knowledgeable about children abuse and are aware of the danger signs, the bishop said. 

“We know what it truly means to be respectful of others, what it means to really look out for the care of the youngest and eldest and the most vulnerable,” he said. “There is a heighten sense to make sure no one ever has to go through that again.”

Bishop Duca was passionate in emphasizing that in today’s society “we cannot let things slide.

“As we get further away from some of the most  critical moments in church life, we tend to become a little lax, and people begin to let things slide.”

“If we don’t remember, if we don’t keep remembering and keep everyone else aware, we run the risk of it all happening again, especially more so because the sins we are talking about today seem to be more obvious, seem to be more prevalent, more violent and more intrusive,” the bishop said. “When everyone is aware, when everyone is being taught about this, the community has a different type of awareness. 

“It’s not just about the awareness but intentionally looking to protect our children, our vulnerable ones.”

He urged the advocates that when something does not seem right  to tell someone, to tell a priest. He admitted that by doing so the one reporting the incident might receive some pushback but by not sticking to the policy the perpetrator, who is “out for no good,” will get away with it.

“It will look normal again and it’s not normal,” Bishop Duca said.

“Often times you have to stand and make sure those (policies) are  being maintained, along with the pastor,” Bishop Duca said. “Make sure people are being vetted. It’s a lot of work but it will make sure our churches are safe havens for youth and vulnerable adults.”

He commended those in the congregation, reminding them that theirs is one of the most important ministries in the church. He said they are the “eyes and ears of the church,” and urged them “don’t ever stop seeing underneath (the administrative load) that is a structure for a vigilant church that stands against evil and that we will do everything we can not to have that happen again.”

“No matter what we do, as much as we try, it is possible (child abuse) will happen again,” he admitted. “It is not going to be easy for someone to do it, and I think it is possible that it will become rare.”

The bishop also expressed appreciation for the work of the advocates and encouraged them to stand true to their work.
“Don’t forget our responsibilities to help walk with those who have been through this,” he said. “Do not doubt the importance of your ministry.

“The church will never forget."