t's pretty difficult to belong to a family that gets along all the time.  Most of us have memories of being hurt by those we love the very most.  That seems to be the most long-lasting hurt as well.  We are not perfect, that's for sure.  Adam and Eve passed on some pretty heavy-duty weaknesses.  It's often not easy for us to admit our faults either, and it's certainly not easy to forgive those who have harmed us.

The people of the Church are human.  We can remember that when somebody gives us a look that makes us uncomfortable when our child is a little loud.  We can sometimes make allowances for the faults of others, but aren't Church people supposed to be different?

Not many of us have tried to live a life style that is in constant public scrutiny, and often without the support of close family, a husband or wife and children.  It isn't hard to become selfish either, when we don't have those kinds of family members and the demands and opportunities to be generous that come along with them.  There are cranky people in every walk of life.  We're sure to find them in the Church as well.

It's no secret that people have been hurt by priests, sisters and other Church ministers.  We are aware of many such cases that have ended up in court.  Many just continue to suffer with difficult memories.  Sometimes too, we can vow never to forgive.  So, the hurt goes on.  If you have been hurt, I encourage you to seek the help you need.  It's not good to live with hurt and shame.  I pray that you'll find the help you need.  I've prepared a special page too, on resentments and the joy and peace they take from our lives.  Click here to learn more.  When we leave them behind, then we can live with the peace and freedom of God's children once more.

We understand human behavior better these days.  Bishops have benefited from the work of the mental health profession.  With this better knowledge it is much more likely that those who need help will get it.  Church ministers of all kinds are making use of the help that is available.  A healthy minister can help spread that good health to those around them.  Let me apologize for any priest, sister or minister that may have caused you harm.  People do not become part of ministry in order to hurt others, but that does happen. 

Bishops and Cardinals have made mistakes, too.  Sometimes priests who have harmed others have been reassigned and hurt still others.  It will take great patience and courage for us to heal the hurts of the past, learn the lessons to be learned and become stronger and more loving.  We can help our Church do that best from within.  The constant newspaper headlines are hard on parishioners and priests alike.  Nothing is stronger than God.  We can pray often for the healing and strength we need.  We can continue to encourage our Bishops and Cardinals to do what is right.

Some have been hurt too, by the Church itself.  We don't always take the time to understand the full meaning behind Church teachings.  Sometimes our own personal decisions don't follow those teachings.  We can feel judged or demeaned.  That doesn't feel good.

Church teachings are not there to restrict or harm us.  They're not meant to take our freedom away.  They're meant to protect us and provide for us.  They have been developed over many centuries, making use of a great deal of experience.  If we follow these teachings we can avoid lots of hard times.  If a Church teaching seems restrictive or unreasonable there's a good chance we don't fully understand it.  A good source of such teachings is the "Catechism of the Catholic Church."  Get a copy for yourself.  Until then, Click here for an on-line version.

now that you're in my thoughts and prayers, especially if you have hurts that are in need of healing.  May you find the best of help to deal with the past.  May you come to the point too, of leaving the past in the past.  It's wonderful if we can live our lives without feeling like we're being held back.  God wants us to live with the peace and freedom of God's children.  It's my prayer that you can find this peace!  Why not c'mon back?!