Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop Of Milwaukee

The Catholic Church’s mission is to be a model of God’s unending love. That’s a pretty big mission to fulfill and unfortunately, because of our humanity, we sometimes stumble and don’t quite live up to that expectation. That’s especially clear as we examine the clergy abuse crisis and the impact it’s had the lives of so many.

Innocent children, their families, parish and school communities, as well as the Catholic Church, have suffered because of the sinfulness of those who sinned by committing heinous crimes against innocent victims. For many, the faith that they held in people who represented the Church, as well as in the institution of the Church itself, has been severely damaged, if not entirely severed.

This Lent, as we did last year, we recognize this suffering by humbling ourselves and asking forgiveness for these and for all of our sins. Only when we reconcile ourselves with God can we begin to heal spiritually, rebuild our relationships with others and move forward as individuals and a Christian community. Without asking for forgiveness, we run the risk of being unable to continue on a path of reconciliation, not only with God, but with those who were harmed.

On March 29th, at 7 p.m., faithful from through the archdiocese will gather at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 1025 S. 7th St., West Bend, for the second annual Mass of Atonement. During Mass we will acknowledge our sins, the wrongs of the past, and ask for forgiveness from God as well as from those who still carry the pain of sexual abuse with them.

As a people of God, we should never shy away from an opportunity to seek reconciliation.  Through the act of atonement, we are placed on a path to renew our relationship with God, both individually and as a faith community. Atoning, making amends, saying I’m sorry, isn’t always easy, but it is necessary.

Please join me this Thursday night as we, as Church, ask for forgiveness and grace from God so that we can move forward and return to our mission to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: this blog originally appeared as the March 27, 2012 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these emails, please click here.