Defend all involved

There was more troubling news for the Catholic Church locally yesterday, as an area priest was accused of possessing child pornography on his work and personal computers.  The evidence appears to be overwhelming against the man.  The diocese is also under scrutiny for the manner in which the area hierarchy handled the issue.  It is my guess that the scrutiny will only intensify in the coming days.

Long and short of it; Late last year, the priest in question took his laptop in for servicing and the technician discovered the images in question and reported what he found to Church officials.  According to Church officials, and confirmed by the police, the diocese contacted the local authorities to ask about the content's nature at that point, ie. did it constitute child pornography?  At the time, at least two opinions concluded it did not.

The church acted by removing the priest from a local parish, moved him to a cloistered living environment, away from children and around adults.  The priest, prior to this move, received counseling.  Under the watch of the local diocese, the priest apparently ignored parameters, including attending family and friend's events, and partaking in a local parade.  At this, the diocese again contacted authorities.

Today, the priest is charged with possessing child pornography, among other disturbing crimes.  It is now May and many in the public want to know why the diocese acted so slowly in bringing this news forward, news they discovered in December of 2010.  The city's newspaper editorialized this morning, questioning the Church's priority to that of victims or priests.  No doubt letters will follow, demanding resignations and further reform.

And, all of this is understood.  The Church and Catholic priests have a terrible past, one marred by the acts of many, and further protected by countless among the Church's hierarchy.  What's worse here, the victims are often our most helpless in society, trusting children.  These acts have destroyed too many.  But, I want to advise caution, while at the same time acknowledging the problem.

Admittedly, I am a Catholic, proudly, and my world view will be colored by that perspective.  However, I am also an American and I live in a nation where rules are in place to guide our proceedings, specifically in the legal realm.  Of course, the legal side of things is really only half of it; there is the court of law, driven by a quest for justice, and then there is the court of public opinion, fueled by soundbites and media speculation.  I defy you to tell me which is more powerful.

At heart of this issue is what should the Church have made public and when.  Due to the issue's past, many will say, it would be best for all if the Church spills its guts about anything and everything.  How else can we truly trust the Church again if there is not complete transparency?  At first glance, that sounds like a strong and compelling argument.  However, it neglects to take into account all individuals involved in these separate instances.

I can imagine that one of the more difficult roles in today's society is that of good-hearted, upstanding Catholic priest.  You're well intentioned, desirous of doing God's work, and tasked to shepard over a large number of parishioners.  And at the same time, suspicion clouds your actions and paranoia affects your every interaction.  All because you can't outrun a caricature in the public and you're always one accusation away from being ruined.

As the term goes, it's impossible to unring a bell.  Once a modifier is placed on an individual, it's hard to be completely cleansed of its resonating.  And some terms, more readily stick.  Just ask several lacrosse players from an elite North Carolina university, who still live under suspicion, even after vindication.  But, historical failings should never be reason enough to indite entire groups.

If the Kansas City Star and many in the public have their way, and they may still get it, anytime an accusation or suspicion is had over a priest, the diocese should release the priest's name to the public, remove him from service, and police should isolate him behind bars.  You and I know very well that when that man receives his trial, if it indeed goes this far, the verdict will have already been read loud and clear in the court of public opinion.  Guilty.

I am not advocating cover-ups, pushing issues aside, or ignoring the sins of the past.  But, I am saying, because of these historical failings and perceptions, we are compelled to tread with caution when identifying suspects for public consumption.  Remove them from power, scrutinize their dealings, and protect the defenseless.  But, do your diligence to substantiate any claim.  For we know, if and when the name is released, that man will have a shell of his current self left standing, regardless of a jury's decision.

Graduation day

Yesterday was graduation for our seniors, which is typically a very nice event.  As the names of each student was read and they crossed the stage, several names evoked pride and happiness within me.  This class' graduation (2011) also marks, officially, ten years since I received my high school diploma (2001), from an institution I am quite proud of, De Smet Jesuit.  Although a decade sounds like a long time, it has gone by quickly. 

In ten years so much has obviously changed.  Four years of college flew by.  Establishing a career, marrying, and starting a family in our own home took a little over half that time.  These bright moments are results of seized opportunity and God's grace.  I can only guess what ten more years will look like. 

Quite appropriately yesterday, and for the first time, the administration offered school staff and board members the opportunity to present the diploma to their sons or nephews on stage.  Of course, ol' sentimental me couldn't help but get excited for my opportunity (hopefully) many years from now with my two sons. 

Nevertheless, yesterday's moment and my 10-year anniversary remind me about time, how it flies, pretty much regardless of the amount of fun being had.  At Peter's birth, time stood still.  Now he's almost three.  I lamented to my wife the other night about loving THIS moment in life and wanting it forever.  She assured me that there will continue to be moments to love throughout all times in life, that it keeps getting better. 

I agree with her, certainly.  One day I'll look back and remember this post, or yesterday's graduation and how I felt my sons' time was so far off.  And more importantly, hopefully the time between these two moments will be marked, continually, with an abundance of seized moments and full memories. 

Low expectations: spring break '11

I am entrenched in the opening weekend of a much needed spring break.  And while many of my students and colleagues are wrapped up in extensive plans for their week off, I've decided to take a more relaxing and less creative respite from the hustle and bustle of the working world.

Every August countless teachers and students head back to school and every August countless teachers and students circle this week on their calendar.  It is every student's dream to head to exotic locations with their best buds and collect the most boss facebook photos to show the world (and future would-be employers).  Of course, once the week is over, those photos serve as only depressing reminders that spring break was then and Mr. Nickson's class is now.  Boo-hoo.

In the act of circling this week by August, I am no different.  However, my excitement at doing absolutely nothing distinguishes me.  Of course my wife and I talk about going places and doing things.  But, when presented with the prospect of being somewhere at a certain time, spending X number of hours in the car, and knowing I could get away with doing nothing, I will choose nothing.

That is not to say I'm lazy, or that I dislike my job.  Quite the contrary.  But spring break is special in its lack of schedule and expectations.  This morning for instance, my dog and I ran seven miles due to the fact that I didn't give myself an expectation.  Where ever we got, we got, I said.  This week, I'll probably go up to work quite a bit and get stuff done while the students are away.  But, with zero expectations, it's all gravy.

So while millions of high school and college students and teachers rush to make their flights, wade in crowded lines to walk through x-ray body scanners, and experience Montezuma's Revenge in their all-inclusive paradises, I'll be playing it hour by hour, enjoying my impending schedule of absolutely nothing.  Speaking of which, I need to get back to doing.

(How I feel this week)

To the muses

Sadly, and most surprisingly, this morning I read of Suze Rotolo's death last week from cancer at the age of 67.  Rotolo, the one-time girlfriend of folk/rock legend Bob Dylan, is most famous for the album cover the two share on The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, considered to be Dylan's breakthrough album.

Rotolo never sold out arenas, recorded a great album of her own, or wrote a memorable song.  Her legacy, however, is far more than an iconic image captures.  For several years, Rotolo served as Dylan's muse.  "Tomorrow is a Long Time," "Don't Think Twice it's Alright," and "Boots of Spanish Leather,"  all trace their emotional angst back to Rotolo.  And while Dylan is quickly and rightly given credit for these beautiful songs, who's to say where any of us might be without our inspirations?  Here's to those who inspire us.

Hundred more years

Yesterday my wife brought my two boys up to work, along with a lunch for us all.  It was really special to share the afternoon with them, however brief it be.  My older son, Peter walked by my side through the halls where the students fiddled through lockers and socialized during their free time. Passing colleagues kindly joked, "new student?" 

Peter stands just above my knees and viewing him as a future high school student is a challenge to say the least.  However, soon enough his day will come in these same halls (hopefully) and I will watch him grow as I've watched five classes pass through this school already in my time.  I still feel like a new teacher sometimes, but now I'm running into college graduates whom I taught.

Peter's brother Thomas is our baby at home.  I barely remember Peter the baby, as he transitions to big boy gradually.  Soon enough Thomas will be big, too, and Thomas the baby will be but a memory.  Thankfully pictures and videos fill our hard drive at home to aid where memory fails.

The kids keep growing, and coincidentally the parents do, too.  A song over the radio expresses my feelings better than my written word ever could.  Francesca Battistelli "Hundred More Years."  Enjoy.

In due time

Several years ago I ran across a quite popular prayer and reflection by the Jesuit thinker Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.  The prayer serves as a lesson in patience and the promise of growth.   It reminds me, today, of how important it is to look beyond the immediate opportunity and onward to the things that may still be, but are very much hidden.  Often we desire so badly one thing of the present, only to be hardened upon its rejection.  However, years later, life goes on stronger and positively, full of a fresh and reawakened self.  I share it with this blog, as it remains a powerful reflection for me today.  Possibly, it may be welcomed for you, too.

Patient Trust

Above all, trust in the slow work of God.

We are quite naturally impatient in everything

to reach the end without delay.

We would like to skip the intermediate stages.

We are impatient of being on the way to something

unknown, something new.

And yet, it is the law of all progress

that it is made by passing through

some stages of instability - 

and that it may take a very long time.

And so I think it is with you;

your ideas mature gradually - let them grow,

let them shape themselves, without undue haste. 

Don't try to force them on,

as though you could be today what time,

(that is to say, grace and circumstances

acting on your own good will)

will make of you tomorrow.

Only God could say what this new spirit

gradually forming in you will be.

Give our Lord the benefit of believing

that his hand is leading you,

and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself

in suspense and incomplete.


Patient Love- Attached (to the left) you will find a podcast reading of the prayer.  Enjoy!

Hello, again

Well, I've been less than consistent when it comes to updating this blog.  It has been a busy few weeks with finishing up grad school, starting a new year at work, and keeping up with family happenings.  A good kind of busy, but busy nonetheless.

The other night my wife and I were trying to figure out what fun activity our family could do together over the weekend.  The discussion briefly took us to the topic of Chuck E. Cheese Pizza.  Although we recognize our kids are yet too young to enjoy the atmosphere, it brought back funny memories for me of Showbiz Pizza, its one-time rival and eventual business partner.

This memory took me to the web, where I quickly stumbled upon videos of the musical animatronics.  Apparently someone still has the old robots and is using them to create new performances of some of today's more popular radio hits.  And while I never saw the Rock-afire Explosion Band perform Usher's "Love in the Club" its humorous rendition brings back memories of birthday parties and post-soccer season celebrations.