The national headlines about the sins of priests and those in leadership have been upsetting. It is difficult to be a member of the Catholic Church and not feel hurt and shame over these events. Paul says this about the Church, the Body of Christ: “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it” (1 Cor 13:26). Thus, we are all suffering—with the victims of these abuses, with the priests or ex-priests who have brought this shame onto the Church by their actions, and with the leadership, which has failed to do enough to protect the people of God from these crimes.

An obvious question: How does this affect young men considering priesthood or brotherhood? I am going to offer my own reflection on this. But I certainly would appreciate hearing directly from you about what impact these headlines are having on your discernment about religious life.

Some men may now be less inclined to pursue the inner sense of calling towards brotherhood or priesthood. They may be deeply disappointed in the reality of the Church or fear being labeled negatively by association. For me, however, I see this as a challenge and opportunity for a new generation of priests (and brothers) to demonstrate a strong moral sense and reclaim the call to holiness.

In times of crisis we must rise to the occasion, muster all the strength of character we possess and help transform the hurts and wrongs of the world. When terrorists attacked the United States, people flocked to give blood, volunteered in many ways and even joined the military. Now our Church is under attack, largely from within, by the very men who were to guard and protect it—and us. Theirs are the actions of only a small minority, but so was the action that destroyed the World Trade Center.

We need good and brave men now to join the many faithful and courageous men already serving as priests and brothers in the name of Jesus Christ. If you know yourself to be a man of good character, if you are mature and sexually responsible, if you are brave and holy—this is the time for you to step forward and not shy away.

I personally continue to believe in our wonderful Catholic Church. The sacraments, especially Holy Communion, are the strength and hope of our spiritual lives. The great majority of the Church’s priests, brothers, bishops and cardinals are good and holy men. They are willing to sacrifice much for the love of Christ. Join them!

We cannot undo the past. The sexual misconduct of certain priests and the failure of leadership by some of our bishops will remain as a scar on our beloved Catholic Church. But the future is yet to be born. Our Church has risen from the ashes of papal schisms, selling of indulgences, inquisitions and the crusades. Our Church has survived the sins of its clerics and even its popes. (Read Richard McBrien’s Lives of the Popes to review this history.) Our Church will be healed by the power of Christ and recover from this time of sadness to become a more healthy Church.

You may be part of the new life and the resurrection of the Church.

Remember the words of Peter when other disciples stopped following Jesus: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69).

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