Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church

Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, New Jersey 07927 Parish Office: 973-538-1358 ♦ Fax: 973-538-7403 ♦ www.ndcarmel.com

Eucharist Saturday: Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Monday - Friday: 12:10 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

No weekday 5:30 p.m. Mass from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Holy Days: Vigil 5:30 p.m. Holy Day: 7:15 a.m. 12:10 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Lent: An additional 7:15 a.m. Mass is celebrated Monday - Friday.

Reconciliation

Saturday: 12:40 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. or call to see one of the priests.

Miraculous Medal Novena & Benediction Monday: 7:30 p.m.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Friday: 7:00 a.m. thru 7:00 p.m.

Baptism

Contact the Parish Secretary to make arrangements.

Marriages

Contact one of our priests.

Sick Calls

Contact Fr. Paddy, Fr. Jhon, or Parish Secretary. For hospital visits and for Communion for the homebound,

Our Parish Vision Notre Dame of Mount Carmel is a Roman Catholic community of faith called to be missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of bringing about the Kingdom. Our Parish Mission

Formed by the Word, fed at the Table, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we INVITE, WELCOME and GUIDE each other into relationship with Christ, to GO OUT and MAKE missionary disciples.

Staff Rev. Paddy O’Donovan, Pastor Ext. 101 / [email protected] Rev. Jhon Madrid, Par ochial Vicar Ext. 103 / [email protected] Fr. Joseph Voltaggio, OSB, Weekend Mass Assistant/[email protected] Deacon Al Fanelli, Baptismal Pr ep. (973) 428-8304 / [email protected]

Jesus' whole life was a witness to his Father's love, and Jesus calls his followers to carry on that witness in His Name. We, as followers of Jesus, are sent into this world to be visible signs of God's unconditional love. Thus we are not first of all judged by what we say but by what we live. When people say of us: "See how they love one another," they catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God that Jesus announced and are drawn to it as by a magnet. In a world so torn apart by rivalry, anger, and hatred, we have the privileged vocation to be living signs of a love that can bridge all divisions and heal all wounds. Henri Nouwen

Deacon Ron Forino, Pr e-Cana Prep (973) 887–2963 / [email protected] Deacon Joe Harris, Social J ustice (973) 984-7913 / [email protected] Deacon Vic Lupi, (973) 538-4642 / [email protected] Deacon Joe Quinn, Car e of Sick (973) 476-8562 / [email protected] Parish Trustees Joanne McHugh: (973) 428-1228 Will Fernandez: (973) 515-9039 Sacristan

:[email protected]

Jean Pankow, Pastor al Associate Ext. 122 / [email protected] Ext. 100 / [email protected] Cristina Folan, Communications Ext. 105 / [email protected] Jim Keefe, Music Dir ector Ext. 109 / [email protected] Ivette Valori, Dir ector Faith Formation [email protected] Diane Byrne, Faith For mation Coordinator PreK-5th, Ext. 111 / [email protected] Gavin Bozza, Dir ector of Ministry to Youth Ext. 102 / [email protected] Jenny Benitez, Ext. 106 / [email protected] Jimmy Steiger, Facilities Manager Ext. 120 Pastoral Council President Dick White: (201) 280-8943

Please see inside for a list of ministries and contact information. Visit our website for further details!

Finance Chair Michael Critchley: (973) 725-4665

THE HIGHEST LAW From time to time, newspapers and magazines will offer, as an item of "filler," various laws that are still on the books but seem silly to us in our day and age. In one California city, it is illegal to have two indoor bathtubs in one house. Clean water, a precious commodity when the law was written, is now readily available, so the law seems silly. But the human value of protecting and preserving precious resources is still around, evident in many conservation laws that seem sensible to us. So it is with the laws of religious tradition. What Jesus scorns today is others' attitude toward ritual laws, an attitude that becomes nearly idolatrous when laws are observed for their own sake. Jesus teaches that observation of external ritual laws is of value only when they are emblems of our internal disposition toward the will of God. Our whole lives must follow the one ultimate law of God: to love God completely and to love neighbor entirely. Roman Catholicism is a tradition rich with customs, traditions, and even laws. As we continue to listen to the voice of Christ, we must always look into our own hearts and underneath our ritual practices to make sure that love of God and love of neighbor are what we prize above all.

This Week... Mass Intentions SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018: First Saturday 12:10   Theresa Viglione by the Polizzano Family     Liz Dolch by the Valori Family  5:00   Eleanor Albanese by Peter DeNigris     Margaret Broyer by Fran Wagner     

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2018: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30   Josephine Kuhlman by Barbara & Peta Mitsaelides     Kevin Sheridan by Mary Cameron  9:00   Stephen Falche a by his family     Linda Falche a by her family  10:30   Ann Tobia by Sal Iannacone     Babe Hand by Be y & Bob Swetz  12:15   Mike Guarino by Mary Ann & George Johnston     Margaret Kelly by Doug & Melissa Acree  MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2018: St. Gregory the Great 12:10   Frederick Rudolph by his children      Antoine e Menella by Victoria Bozzi  TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2018: Weekday 12:10   Josephine Kuhlman by Melissa & Dave Cio one     Sandra LaStella by Fr. Paddy & Fr. Jhon  5:30  Josephine Kuhlman by Jane & Jordan Greene    Mike Santora by Jim & Marlene Ruvo  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2018: St. Teresa of Calcu a 12:10   The deceased members of the Campbell Family     Elizabeth Dolch by Fr. Paddy & Fr. Jhon  5:30  Valerie  Torrisi by Nina & Richard Kovacs    Josephine Kuhlman by the Vagell Family  THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2018: Weekday 12:10   Vincent James Vizzone by Louise Juliano     Josephine Kuhlman by Fr. Paddy & Fr. Jhon  5:30  Rose DeFilippo by Louise LaStella     Kevin Sheridan by Maureen & Sean Gill   

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON AND A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN

…

… a time to be born Quinn, daughter of Nicholas & Angela Colin Jackson, son of John & Christine Gatti Lucas, son of Carlos & Kristen Rivera ... a time to heal … Julie Amitrano, Dcn. Al Fanelli, Rose Fladzinski, Michael Giglio, Lina Gerbino, Pat Guarino, Ray Harold, Carole Howell, Jodi Hendrickson, Bobbie Hernet, Mark Karney, Avery Kilby, Margy Kramer, Michael & Reid LoSapio, Bill McLellan, Pat Madden, Susan Nicoll, Margaret O’Connor, Karen Davis O’Connor, Nancy Perkalis, Lonnie Perryman, Tina Reilly, Teresa Roccanova, Russell Salon, Elisa Scarpino, George Scripture, Lorraine Steinsberger, Mary Synodis, Carl Tongring ... a time to die

 Peter Wallburg, father‐in‐law of Lisa

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2018: First Friday 12:10   Carolina Yap by her husband & children     Mary Cooney by Theresa & Bob Kerekes  5:30  Gertrude Dillenberger by the DiGeronimo Family   Michael Santoro by Anthony & Carolyn Tortorello     SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018: Na vity of the BVM 12:10   Lesley Dalton by her family     Valerie Torrisi by Stefania Bonfiglio  5:00   Rocky Terreri by the Terreri Family     Rich Magnusson by the Alpha Table 5 Friends    

   

SUNDAY, SEPEMBER 9, 2018: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30   Lorraine Dolan by Marilyn Dolan & Family     Nancy Rynearson by the Meggiolaro Family  9:00   Teri Stahl by her family      Maria & Spina Pellegrino by the Aquino Family  10:30   Edmond O'Connell by Margaret & Michael     Ted Charvaze by Joanne Brashier  12:15   Mike Guarino by Rich & Kim Ziemski     Julie e Moynihan by Paul Cocco 

... a time of great joy

God’s Gift for Giving Collection August 25 & 26, 2018: Collection August 26 & 27, 2017:

$14,233.07 $17,186.29

Altar Linens: Agnes Loughlin

Lamp Intentions Mother of Compassion Lamp will burn for   Bety Lazur by Janice & Michael Carrubba   Sanctuary Lamp will burn for   Susan Glawe by Angela & Tony Moschella St. Benedict Lamp will burn for  Dolores Gross by Liz Laverty   

For The Journey...

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t has been a very difficult summer for the Church with the  revela on of misconduct and abuse by a former cardinal and  the shocking grand jury report released a few weeks ago by  the a orney general of Pennsylvania. As a young priest, I was  le  shocked, confused, frustrated, bewildered, heartbroken,  and deeply saddened by the systema c cover‐up of clergy  sexual abuse by the so many leaders of our Church.  However, amidst this  me of crisis we need to remember that  the Church is not just an ins tu on of fallen men in need of  God’s grace, but also a servant. The Church is the Church only  when it exists for others. As a community of faith, this is  something  we have  done during  this summer  in West  Virginia and  Guatemala.  As  missionary  disciples,  we took  care of  those on the margins of life. These outreach ministries were  opportuni es to bring the joy of the Gospel and hope to the  least in the world. During challenging days, we tend to forget  our iden ty, mission, and vision. Let us remember Jesus’s call  to be the servant of all if we want to be the first.   It is amazing to see the pictures and memories from  Appalachia and Guatemala. What a humbling experience.  Some mes  we think we  need  money,  power, and  status to live  a be er life,  maybe to be  a be er  disciple. The  poor in  Preston  County, WV,  and Guatemala teach us to live in the moment, not to worry  about tomorrow, and to have faith in God who always  provides for His children. Through every moment of these  trips, I could see God working and His presence among us. 

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Going to these  places is more  than fixing a  roof or building  a house for a  poor family. It  is about sharing  our gi s and  abili es God  gave us –big or  small‐ and  using them to  further His kingdom. It was great to see that He was the  center of everything we did. He was there at daily Mass, in our  work site, during meals. As we formed rela onships with  those on our team and the residents, we saw how God used  them in miraculous ways. A welcoming every morning, the joy  of a kid ge ng a soccer ball, the humility of people and the  love and generosity of our people showed us that God was  among us. He is s ll with us, with our Church.   These summer  adventures in  Appalachia and  Guatemala  definitely took  us out of our  comfort zone,  opening our  eyes to so much  more and  transforming our  lives. I know that  these experiences helped us forward in our walk with Christ  even more. We learned that every day of our lives can be a  mission field. Whether at school, at home, at work, in West  Virginia or Guatemala, God can use us in great ways when we  uncondi onally trust Him. 

Even when we feel abandoned,  betrayed, heartbroken, He is with us  and con nues calling us, especially  during this  me, to serve, be served,  and experience the joy of being the  hands and feet of Jesus.  

Fr. Jhon

For The Journey... “For all our searching in life, it’s rare to ind time to think and talk about the big questions; about faith and reason, and about God and meaning. But exploring is good; we are built for it...”

What is Alpha Starting Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 6:30 PM

Here at Notre Dame 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ

Register online at www.ndcarmel.com  

I ,

…

The Surviving Divorce series was created to bring hope and healing to those who have experienced the pain and loneliness of a broken marriage. Register online at www.ndcarmel.com.

Our Regular Daily Mass Schedule Resumes THIS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 Monday - Friday: 12:10pm & 5:30pm

Join us for our

9/11 Memorial Services Tuesday, September 11 at our

Join us for HANOVER TOWNSHIP DAY An afternoon of fun, food, games & prizes!

Saturday, September 8th, 1-5pm, Malapardis Park Come join your fellow parishioners for this great event and be sure to stop by our Notre Dame table, where we can shine the light of faith on this wonderful celebration of community! Whether you're a family with children, a single adult, a youth of our parish, or one of our treasured seniors, all are invited to join in the fun and camaraderie at the park. For more information, please contact our parish office at 973-538-1358, ext. 100.

World Trade Center Memorial Plaza Saint Pio comes to the Diocese of Paterson St. Peter the Apostle Church 179 Baldwin Rd., Parsippany, NJ

Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 (from 8:30am-6:30pm) For information about the public veneration, please call 973-3342090 or send an email to [email protected]. Come and venerate the official relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his passing. A mass in honor of Saint Padre Pio will be celebrated at 7pm by Msgr. Herbert K. Tillyer, P.A., Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Church.

Missionary Discipleship... IN NEED OF PRAYER?

TO THE PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN, MAY WE SUGGEST…

Our parish's Healing Prayer Ministry extends a caring and prayerful presence to those who feel they would benefit from having faith-filled, compassionate ministers pray over and with them. Next Sunday (and ever y 2nd Sunday of the month), following the 10:30am Mass, Healing Ministry members will be available for 1 hour in the Upper Room off the Gathering Space. Stop by for prayer, or bring a friend in need of it.

Relax, God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome! Sit toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on. They tire of seeing the backs of others’ heads. Quietly explain the part of the Mass and actions of the pastor, ushers, choir, etc. Sing the hymns, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.

THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS The Compassionate Friends, a self-help group for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents will meet Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 7:30pm at St. Christopher's Church, 1050 Littleton Road (Rt. 202), Parsippany. We welcome guest speaker Lisa Athan. MA, Director of Grief Speaks and a national speaker/ grief specialist. For more information please call Lily Capriglione at: 973-568-4164.

If you have to leave Mass with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Remember the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship. Please note that our 9am Sunday Mass is intentional in addressing our little ones through Children’s Liturgy of the Word. It will be much easier for children to be engaged during that liturgy. We are also blessed by Shepherd’s Call, whose ministers provide loving and faith-filled care to little ones (1-4 years of age) in the Youth Ministry Room, while parents attend the 9am or 10:30am Mass. Simply stop by the Youth Ministry Room before Mass to meet our ministers and find out more!

Rosary Coast to Coast ‐ Sunday, October 7, 2018 The  me is now to call upon God,  through the powerful intercession of  Our Lady of the Rosary, to heal our  country and return it to holiness.  Americans across the country are  invited to pray Rosary Coast to Coast wherever they can  gather; along the US coasts and borders; in front of state  capitols, in other public areas; in parish churches; or as  families while viewing he live‐stream of the Na onal Rosary  Rally.  Rosary Coast to Coast will take place at 4 pm Eastern,   3 pm Central, 2 pm Mountain, 1 pm Pacific. 

TO THE MEMBERS OF OUR CHURCH

Rosary Coast to Coast will be anchored by the Na onal  Rosary Rally in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington in  Washington DC on Oct. 7 featuring na onally renowned  Catholic speakers. A end or view live streams: details coming  soon on novenaforourna on.com. 

The presence of children is a gift to the Church and they are a reminder that our congregation is growing. Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents.

Join us! Newark Cathedral Christmas on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Departure at 6pm & Return approx. 10:30pm Departure/Arrival: H ilda le Presbyterian Church, 85 Ridgedale Ave., Cedar Knolls  

Now in its forty‐eighth consecu ve year the Carol Sing has become one of the most significant  Christmas concerts in northern New Jersey. Please note that no meal is included, eat before  departure. Seats are not reserved.  If weather prevents trip from going, the trip will operate on  Thursday, December 13th.  For more details please visit our website at ndcarmel.com or   pick up a flyer in the Gathering Space. Space is limited, so register soon!   For ques ons call Michael Holland at Longs Travel at 973‐538‐1700. 

Dates to Remember Sunday September 2

Sunday Masses: 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am & 12:15pm 9 am & 10:30 am Shepherd's Call

Monday September 3

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm Labor Day (Parish Offices Closed) 7 pm Rosary/Novena

Tuesday September 4

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm & 5:30 pm 7 pm ACTS: The Spread of the Kingdom series 7 pm Centering Prayer 8:30 pm AA

Wednesday September 5

12:10 pm & 5:30 pm 6:30 am MGD Group 7 pm Alpha Fall 2018 Training Session 7 pm Women’s Cornerstone Planning Meeting

Thursday September 6

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm 7 pm Healing Prayer Ministry Planning Meeting 7:30 pm Family Support & Recovery 8:30 pm AA & Al-Anon

Friday September 7

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm Adoration: 7am-7 pm 11 am Overeaters Anonymous Daily Mass: 12:10 pm. Reconciliation: 12:40 pm Sunday Vigil Mass: 5 pm Women’s Cornerstone Pulpit Talks 9 am Make Up: Alpha Fall 2018 Training Session 10 am Knights of Columbus Faith Sharing 1 pm Hanover Township Day (Malapardis Park) 1 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry Sunday Masses: 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am & 12:15pm 9am Mass: Children’s Liturgy of the Word Women’s Cornerstone Pulpit Talks 9 am & 10:30 am Shepherd's Call 11:30 am Healing Prayer 1:30 pm Antioch 74 Advisor’s Meeting 6 pm Youth Mass Meeting (Teen Team)

Saturday September 8

Sunday September 9

SAVE THE DATE: WOMEN'S CORNERSTONE XIX Planning is in full swing for our Women's Cornerstone XIX retreat “FILL MY CUP, LORD,” scheduled for Friday evening, October 19 and Saturday, October 20, 2018, here at Notre Dame. We invite all women 25 and older who have never attended a Cornerstone retreat to join us for this awesome spiritual opportunity! Registration opens September 8. If you have any questions regarding our Cornerstone retreat, please visit us on our website at www.ndcarmel.com (click on Discipleship and select Women's Cornerstone).

Ministries

Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Cedar Knolls, NJ

Join us!

Inviting and welcoming our young people with great joy and intention to encounter and celebrate Jesus in the Eucharist!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 6 PM_ Here at ND

All are welcome! While this Mass is being offered with the special intention of welcoming our youth, all are welcome to join us!

We have a small team of parish teens and adult leaders planning this wonderful celebration, one we hope to offer monthly this ministry year. We’d love to have your support and involvement! If you want to be part of the planning team, please contact our Youth Minister, Gavin Bozza at 973-538-1358, ext. 102 / [email protected].

Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Cedar Knolls, NJ

MARRIAGE MINISTRY KICK-OFF EVENT

ROAD TO EMMAUS: A MEN’S RETREAT Presented by The Men’s Ministries of Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel & Assumption Parishes

Friday eve. October 5 to Sunday Noon, October 7, 2018

At St. Mary’s Abbey Retreat Center, Morristown, NJ

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Have you attended Cornerstone (or some other spiritual retreat) and asked the question “What’s next?” Does your spiritual life seem like a rudderless ship? Do you sometimes struggle to separate the wheat from the chaff?

7:00pm - 9:00pm in Rm. 201

This retreat can help you find direction!

Join us for an introduction to the ministry, its leaders & the calendar of events. Listen to a witness talk by Shirley and Jim Bergen. Enjoy refreshments & fellowship. Whether you are married 5 months or 50 years, we have something for everyone! Come to learn more about The Marriage Ministry and how it can help feed your marital soul!

Coming This Year: Monthly Marriage Enrichment Meetings NEW Couples Bible Study “Marriage Oneness” Series Winter Couples Retreat Holiday and Year-End Dinners In support of Family Life’s “Weekend to Remember” Retreat Let us know you will be joining us! RSVP online at www.ndcarmel.com. For information, contact Debby Kispert at 973-945-0456.

The Road to Emmaus Retreat is designed to build on the foundational work accomplished by Men’s Cornerstone. The purpose of this retreat is to help men who have completed Cornerstone continue on their faith journey and deepen their relationship with God. It will offer perspectives drawn from sacred scripture, spiritual writings, our Catholic tradition, and the personal experiences of the presenters. The Road to Emmaus is divided into 4 sessions. Each will begin with a thesis to establish the topic for the session, followed by a presentation/personal sharing and discussion. Participants will be introduced to a variety of Spiritual Practices and ceremonies to aid them along the journey.

Register online at www.ndcarmel.com! Retreat Fee: $195* (Includes retreat materials, meals & sleeping accommodations) *Please do not allow financial concerns to prevent you from attending this retreat. Please contact Paul Cocco at 973-271-2623 / [email protected] for discreet financial assistance information. For further information regarding Emmaus Retreat contact:

Paul Cocco at 973-271-2623 / [email protected] Dennis Bloshuk at 973-229-9245 / [email protected]

PROMINENT CATHOLICS SEE LARGER ROLE FOR LAITY IN CHURCH'S ABUSE RESPONSE by Dennis Sadowski – Aug. 28, 2018

Washington — An independent layrun board that would hold bishops accountable for their actions, a national day for Mass or prayers of reparation, and encouragement to parishioners to become more involved in their diocese are among steps suggested by prominent lay Catholics to right the U.S. church as it deals with a new clergy sexual abuse scandal.

Francesco Cesareo, chair of the National Review Board, speaks June 13 during the U.S.

"We went through the crisis in 2002 and had good policies and procedures in place, and allegations and current abuse have gone down," he said. "But when we see the bishops don't get it, that there's still the notion of selfpreservation at the expense of the victim ... it just begs for lay leadership to come forward and to address this and help lead to healing.

Conference of Catholic Bishops' annual spring assembly in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In the Those contacted by wake of the U.S. church's clergy sexual abuse crisis, he suggested that a new body be Catholic News Service established to handle allegations of sexual abuse against bishops. (CNS/Bob Roller) said that it was time for laypeople to "I really think to develop the processes and oversight boost their profile within the church and that it's a cultural change that has to take when these kinds of allegations occur, help begin to dismantle long-standing place. We can have all the committees, particularly holding bishops clericalism that has sought to preserve all the structures and all the policies, but accountable," Cesareo said. the reputation of offending clergy at the there has got to be a cultural shift in the expense of the safety of children. In a presentation at the U.S. Conference mindset of the bishops that they too are of Catholic Bishops' spring general accountable, that they cannot be held to "Their credibility is gone and the trust of assembly in June in Fort Lauderdale, a different standard," continued Cesareo, the faithful is gone," Francesco Cesareo, Florida, Cesareo cautioned the prelates president of Assumption College in chairman of the National Review Board, against complacency in meeting the Worcester, Massachusetts. said of the U.S. bishops as they worked to charter's requirements. He said that develop steps to promote greater Cesareo was not alone in calling for a auditors preparing the 2016-2017 annual accountability on abuse. separate body to be established to report on the charter's implementation handle accusations of abuse involving The National Review Board, established nationwide discovered signs of bishops. While details varied, the basic by the bishops in 2002, oversees complacency in some dioceses and premise envisions that such a board compliance by dioceses with the "Charter eparchies. would review abuse allegations or for the Protection of Children and Young "I've been addressing the body of bishops complaints of improper handling of an People." It has no role in oversight of four, five times. I've driven the point that abuse claim by any bishop. bishops. they can't be complacent, and here we Just such a body has been sought since "The bishops have to put their trust in lay are again with another crisis," Cesareo 2002, when the abuse scandal arose in leadership and allow that lay leadership said.

Over please…

the Archdiocese of Boston, by the church reform group Voice of the Faithful, said Donna Doucette, executive director. "Having accountability from the bishops is absolutely the key. It is not possible for the bishops to police themselves. We as an organization believe that there must be an independent lay-led and dominated board," Doucette told CNS. "It's heartening that finally after all these years, and we hope it's more than just verbiage, that the very things that the bishops attacked us for saying, they're saying it now," she added. The USCCB continued working on a series of measures Aug. 23, nine days after a Pennsylvania grand jury detailed more than 1,000 claims of alleged sex abuse in six dioceses in the state over 70 years and identified 301 priests and church workers who may have committed the crimes. The report also singled out some bishops for their improper handling of accused abusers. Prior to Cesareo's comments, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, called for laypeople to take a greater role in addressing the "moral catastrophe" of the latest abuse scandal. He said Aug. 16 that the "substantial involvement of the laity" from law enforcement, psychology and other disciplines will be essential to the process of developing a comprehensive plan that was expected to be presented at the bishops' fall general assembly in November in Baltimore. F. DeKarlos Blackmon, secretariat director of life, charity and justice in the Diocese of Austin, Texas, urged laypeople to "step up and speak up" to address the catastrophe described by DiNardo. He called on the bishops to heed the advice of laity in areas in which the bishops may not have expertise, particularly when investigating abuse claims. "We as laity need to be able to walk with the leadership. Pope Benedict stated the church can never be without the dedicated laity. I think it's really

important that we keep that in mind. We have a place at the table," said Blackmon, an adviser to the bishops' Subcommittee on African American Affairs. Teresa Tomeo, host of a syndicated radio talk show, said it is the laity's job to convince the bishops that more oversight of their actions is good for the church. She suggested that the new scandal will "wake up a sleeping giant" as laypeople "respectfully and lovingly" address the bishops about the issue of clergy sexual abuse and help set a new course for the church. "We need to come together as a group and ... work with the hierarchy to come up with the steps that need to be made," Tomeo said. "We need to stay, pray and get organized and be willing to make a difference for the sake of the church." By working together, laypeople can "help church officials catch up with the laity" in addressing sexual abuse, said Elizabeth Scalia, who blogs at The Anchoress. "If we want to remain a Eucharistic church, we're going to have to help shape the leaders. We have to help them bring about a church wide metanoia," she said. Scalia urged Catholics "to become really, really noisy" and begin writing "firm but respectful" letters to their bishop about their concerns. She said a presence or vigil outside of bishops' residences also may be fruitful. "There's no reason not to go get a little protest group outside the bishop's residence and say, 'Bishop, we're going to stay here and pray our rosary until you come out and talk with us,'" Scalia told CNS. As a cornerstone of Catholic life, prayer can begin to set the proper tone for action and repentance, Tomeo and Scalia said. Both called in addition for a nationwide day of Masses or holy hours for reparation. "The priest or bishop can lay prostrate before the Blessed Sacrament to ask for forgiveness," Scalia proposed, hoping for more than a one-time "theatrical performance."

The blogger advocated for additional steps as well in calling on bishops to "put some actions behind their words" by, for example, selling their residence and using the proceeds for the benefit of abuse survivors. "You can give me all those words, but until you put actions behind that, I can't judge the reality of that. It needs to be an impressive action," she added. John Carr, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought at Georgetown University, recommended "a structure of accountability and responsibility and ways of collaboration" among the bishops and laity that advances the church's mission. "This is a time for mission, not just apology and reform," he told CNS. "The only way forward is mission and laypeople have an essential role in carrying that mission forward." And while laypeople have an important role to play in response to the abuse crisis, Carr didn't exempt them from contributing to the church's troubles. He pointed particularly to attorneys, who advised bishops to refrain from commenting on abuse claims and decline meeting with victims, and therapists who "thought they could fix this (penchant for abusing young people) and gave terrible advice" to the bishops. In addition, the church needs priests who set aside clericalism, he said.