There is an update to my print column on the saga playing out in the archdiocese of Philadelphia, which you can read here.
And, as there is a Delaware County angle.
Parishioners at St. Joseph's in Downingtown were informed at this weekend's Masses that our pastor, Monsignor William Lynn, was being placed on administrative leave. Lynn was charged by a grand jury in Philadelphia with two counts of endangering the welfare of children is his role as the former secretary of the clergy for the archdiocese in connection with child abuse charges filed against several current and former priests.
He will be replaced, on a temporary basis, by Monsignor Joseph McLoone, the popular leader of St. Katharine Drexel parish in Chester.
There is almost nothing about this story that is easy for the faithful. I can assure you there is nothing easy about writing about it either.
I do not take an joy in offering these opinions, despite what I am sure many of my fellow Catholics think.
I do, however, take great joy in welcoming Monsignor McLoone to Downingtown, even if only for a short time.
I can tell you that in the many interactions this newspaper has had with him in his role at Katharine Drexel, the monsignor has been nothing but a joy to work with.
This also should not be be seen as any kind of celebration about Monsignor Lynn's fate. I feel nothing but sadness at the charges that have been filed against the monsignor.
We were once again visited by Monsignor Joseph Marino, the vicar for Chester County, who made the announcement concerning Monsignor Lynn. My sadness was tempered by the news that Monsignor McLoone would be taking over on a pro-tem basis as the leader of the 4,000-family strong parish.
The relationship between church officials and the media can often be a testy one. We have a tendency to call them on what can be described as not the best of occasions. Perhaps another school is closing, or charges being filed against a church official.
We try to offer another view of the church, trying not to forget things like Catholic Schools Week, and making sure readers get a glimpse of the overwhelming good that emanates from the church.
It's not always easy.
Monsignor McLoone know this better than most. He heads one of the last outposts of Catholic education in the city of Chester. Slowly but surely, the number of archdiocesan schools that once dotted many city parishes dwindled, including the legendary St. James High School.
Now St. Katharine Drexel stands alone. There was even concern for that institution, but a relationship with Neumann University has proved a life-saver for the school.
There is one other reason, I suppose, why Monsignor McLoone has a little better understanding of the way the media works.
His brother Pat is a top editor at the Philadelphia Daily News. I'm sure covering the scandals dogging the church is just as difficult for Pat as it is for me.
For now, I guess we all will simply try to "keep the faith."
Welcome to Downingtown, monsignor.
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