Dear Fr. Romanus:

We are in receipt of your letter dated May 14, 2010, asking for our participation in this year’s Bishop’s Fund. Regrettably, we will not be as active as we were in the past due to my correspondence with the Diocese on the issue of the Church scandals arising in Europe.

When we did submit our check to the Bishop’s fund it was returned to us because the Diocese felt it could not comply with our request for the American Bishops to be more assertive and vocal in promoting structural change within our Church. Please note the attached “Accountability Sheet” that I submitted as a member of Voice of the Faithful.

The criteria stated on this sheet simply assert the very same goals and objectives that the US Council of Bishops has already endorsed. However, because this organization is made of Catholic laity, this diocese chooses not to recognize it as a source for greater outreach and communication with parishioners. I do not understand why the diocese doesn’t view this organization as “helping hand” in dealing with continuing scandals in this country as well as those mushrooming throughout Europe.

The faith in Christ Anne and I have is monolithic. The confidence in our Church is suspect. As our pastor I thought you should know and be aware of these facts.

Sincerely,
Bill Cherico

c/c: Most Reverend Salvatore Matano, Bishop Burlington
Kevin P. Scully, Director, Office of Safe Environment Programs