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Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 | 2:02 a.m.
These are sad days for Catholics, especially the community of believers at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Summerlin. After an investigation of several months, the pastor, Monsignor Kevin McAuliffe, pleaded guilty to stealing $650,000 from the church and parish members’ tithes. Until now, most, like me, were still defending his innocence against an anonymous allegation of financial wrongdoing leveled against him in June. The results of an audit, mandated and paid for by the diocese, proved us wrong.
Bishop Joseph Pepe must be devastated spiritually and physically by the news. Pastor McAuliffe, 58 years old, was also the vicar general of the dioceses, the next in charge to the bishop. He now faces a prison sentence equivalent to a lifetime term and monetary fines equal to what he stole.
The money taken from people — in difficult economic times and in violation of God’s commandments — was given for the greater honor and glory of God. St. Peter tells us “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Even the best and brightest fall victim.
Mr. DiFazio. It is quite clear that the members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Summerlin has been dealt a severe blow of epic pyschological proportions. May I share some private experiences with you that hopefully will provide you and the congregation of this church a starting point in healing.
As a child, my own mother violated the sanctity of motherhood. In school, there were two teachers who violated the trust and sanctity that was placed in them as educators. In the Marine Corps, there were a few who violated the sanctity of "Always Faithful". As a Peace Officer, there were a few who violated the public's trust placed in them, and tarnished the badge that they wore. As a husband for the first time, my then wife violated not only the sanctity of our marriage, but of motherhood, too. It has been, at times, a terrible struggle to keep my faith and march on. As time moved along, and the once traumatic events that was tearing my faith apart in each stage of my life, finally transformed into a setting where all the evil just kind of went away. My point is, the good far outweigh the bad. I've seen clearly in my second wife, and my daughter-in-law. who are ladies of ethics and morals, be nothing short of absolutely wonderful, dedicated mothers and wives. I've seen many school teachers pour their hearts and souls into doing their absolute best to protect and educate our children. I've met many fellow Marines who love their country immensely, and some of those who have died for their country. I've met many a fellow Peace Officer who lives for and willingly places his / her life on the line in faithfully protecting and serving their community. Keep your faith, even if it feels as though this is an inner-conflict. Each and every one of you will heal. For it is certain, a truly honorable representative of your faith will be at the pulpit to lead each any every one of you away from this pain, and down a path that will restore your trust and faith in your spiritual leaders. Sincerely, Bradley D. Chapline
Correction; faith will be at the pulpit to lead each <delete> (any) (insert) (and) every one of you away from this
Money is one thing ... but let us not forget that this religion is a known for its centuries-long pedophilia habits. Filthy! What would Jesus do?
Hmmmmm.....More scandal with in the Catholic Church. Nothing new there...
I'm surprised that the actual crime ever gained media attention.
I'm sure the Church will simply take care of its "own" and move on just as they normally do with numerous cases of pedophilia....
Hey isn't it about time to again rebuild St. Peters in Rome? Where's that Tetzel guy when you need him?
Religion is just a crutch for the weak. Keep donating to those charlatans and they will keep taking your money.
Mr. DiFazio
If the actions of the Monsignor has shaken your faith, maybe you shouldn't rely so much on the priests who took vows to spread the teachings of Christ because so far - many have failed. From stealing money to molesting children. Maybe it's time to not depend so much on those who are fallible and rely on your own faith in Christ's teachings. You don't need a priest to do that, it comes from within. You know that.
For over 40 years (probably longer), the Church has been hiding all sorts of wrong doings of their priests. I learned a long time ago not to base my faith on their actions. I stopped going to confession years ago when I realized some of the priests sitting behind that curtain committed more and worse sins that I ever will. But it hasn't shaken my faith in what the basic beliefs of our religion are based on - Christ's teachings. I do not agree with the "man made teachings" of the Church and have not agreed since I was a student at a Catholic high school back in the 60's. The Nun actually gave me a flunking grade in my religion class because of mine and a couple of other students' "questions", which, as you know, back then you never questioned the dictates of Rome. And that was the 60's - the time when the Church did an about face and all of a sudden most everything we learned and believed in disappeared. Good try at becoming modern. Too bad the Church hasn't done anything substantial since to actually bring it into modern times. John Paul II did an excellent job trying to bring back those who became disenchanted with the Church but then comes Benedict, who still is living in a different century. (I remember when homosexuality was a sin....but unbeknownst to us, it was rampant in the ranks of priests.)
There are many good and decent priests out there who live by the vows they took; unfortunately, we never hear about them. You are old enough to know better than to place any faith in Catholic priests. And you certainly should not be surprised at this latest incident. Just move on.
BTW - This parish is in Summerlin. I never saw such a beautiful Church campus anywhere! It rivals some of the LDS churches in the Valley, which are always over the top. My guess the Parish will make up this loss in no time. It's not exactly St. John Neumann's in North Las Vegas.
Mr. Chapline:
Thank you for your insightful and kind personal comments. I'm reminded of the defense that William F. Buckley, a conservative Republican and Catholic, gave for Senator Joseph McCarthy, the head of the Senate Committee on Un-American Activities, who knowingly and wrongfully, tarnished the reputations and ruined the lives of many people by accusing them of being communists and anti-American: Only Satanism denies people their inalienable right to reform.
Carmine A. DiFazio
"Mr. DiFazio
If the actions of the Monsignor has shaken your faith, maybe you shouldn't rely so much on the priests who took vows to spread the teachings of Christ because so far - many have failed."
Not at all. The Church is holy despite the actions of its members, both laity and priests. My faith is in and on the cornerstone of the Church: Jesus Christ, Son of God.
BTW, I am not a parishioner at SEAS. But often attend Mass and devotions there. In part, because of the wonderful priests there, perpetual adoration, great volunteers, and devout members who are all my friends.
I am a parishioner at St. John Neumann and teach catechism classes there to 7th and 8th grade students among other things that I do.
AMDG: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
Carmine A. DiFazio
"You are old enough to know better than to place any faith in Catholic priests. And you certainly should not be surprised at this latest incident. Just move on."
Old enough to know at least 4 religious who will probably be saints. Their causes are up for sainthood. Blessed John Paul the Great, Bp. Fulton J. Sheen, Fr. Pat Peyton, and Blessed Mother Teresa. These holy and religious IMO personify the Catholic Church in my lifetime, as well as a few others who are already saints. Like Jose Maria Scriva, Padre Pio, St. Damien and more. As well as Mother Angelica, who is still living although old, ill and suffering. Fr. Benedict Groeschel from my neighborhood in NJ. And at the risk of boring you a host of others I won't list but easily can if you like.
So, I have no misconceptions about some priests who strayed along the way for whatever reasons. It's hard, if not impossible, to measure up to the likes of these holy examples whose lives are very real, personal to me and already lengendary. I am also blessed to have friends still alive or dead who knew these saints, or soon to be, personally and professionally.
Carmine A. DiFazio