USCCB Fall General Assembly Meeting 2018 and the National Advisory Council

I watched some of the televised fall conference of the U.S. Bishops meeting in Baltimore and was saddened that so much time had to deal with the sexual abuse crisis in the Church. The U.S. Bishop's National Advisory Council spoke about the issue of the sexual abuse crisis in a sincere and strong way. I thought the speakers were honest, firm and realistic. They said what needed to be said, it was the truth. As Fr. David Whitestone, chair of the Bishops' advisory council said, "The depth of anger, pain and disappointment expressed by members of the NAC cannot begin to be expressed adequately in words." Well that is exactly how most of the Catholic lay faithful and many priests feel as well.
The conference should be dealing with issues such as how to better serve the poor, outreach to the homeless, walking alongside the sick and marginalized, helping with prison reform, working for affordable housing in cities across the country and other issues that our Lord would want addressed. But instead so much time, energy and resources must be used to deal with the sexual abuse crisis, when so many other important issues need attention and time.
Very sad indeed. So far from what Jesus Christ wants for His Church.
Purification, sanctification, greater holiness.....let's see, because unless the Spirit leads, unless there is great purification, transparency and humility the Church will see older, devout Catholics die off, in time and no one to replace them in the pews. That's the reality of it.
Recently, a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, in the town of Mineola was removed from ministry because of sexual abuse allegations. They have to be investigated. The parishioners were shocked. My friend who lives in the parish told me, that on a Facebook page from a mother's group in the town, people were leaving messages saying, "That's why I don't bring my children to Church."
The National Advisory Board seemed to realize the severity of the problem and I just hope the bishops take it as seriously as the NAC did.
NJA