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Last September, I asked Judge Barbara Jones, a much-respected former Federal Judge and prosecutor, to review, evaluate, and recommend improvements to the Archdiocese of New York’s response to the sexual abuse crisis that has been confronting our Church. Now, after an intense year in which Judge Jones and her team have conducted an exhaustive examination of our policies, procedures, and protocols, a complete review of every priest file, and held countless hours of interviews with archdiocesan staff, including me, Judge Jones has provided me with a summary of her findings and recommendations.

One of the oldest churches in Manhattan, Saint John the Baptist is the second Catholic Church built by German immigrants.  The first, St. Nicholas Church, had been erected in 1836 to serve the Lower East Side. Those living farther north on the West Side were eager to have their own church, where Mass would be said in their native language. In 1840, a small wooden church was constructed on 30th street near Seventh Avenue and was known as the German Roman Catholic Church of St. John.

The pandemic and resulting economic impact have dramatically reduced the number of parents who can afford to make tuition payments for the upcoming school year. Two weeks ago, I shared the sad news that 20 of our schools, already facing soaring deficits, would not be able to re-open this Fall due to steep declines in enrollment. Without assistance to our parents and children from the Federal government, many more of our Catholic schools may have to close permanently. These closures will harm thousands of students from our archdiocese, and across the nation.

As part of it's pastoral mission to promote ethical and responsible citizenship, the Church is a voice advocating for free, fair, and transparent elections throughout Africa. |  Como parte de su misión pastoral para promover una ciudadanía ética y responsable, la Iglesia es una voz que aboga por elecciones libres, justas y transparentes en toda África.

On this July, the fourth weekend, we do well to consider how yoked we have become – individually and as a nation – to arrangements, assumptions, actions and antagonisms that hinder and destabilize our historic challenge to “build a more perfect union.” In celebrating Independence Day, we do well to reflect upon the Declaration of Independence written in 1776:

Even amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the United States in recent days has experienced profound reminders of the legacies of its interconnected histories of lynching and brutal, racially disparate policing, histories that span American regions. In February, several white men in Glynn County, Georgia, shot and killed Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old African American jogger whom they claimed may have committed burglary. Local authorities initially failed to charge Travis and Gregory McMichael in Arbery’s death. After media coverage and national scrutiny, Georgia authorities brought charges in May against the McMichaels and a third man, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., who had filmed Arbery’s killing.

Ten years ago, things weren’t looking so great for this organ. Holy Cross was ramping up to start a massive redecorating project. At the last minute, contractors decided that the organ had to be removed. When we removed its hundreds of components from what was to have been short-term storage, we found that more than the original water damage was now visible.

On June 24th, 2020, our parish of Holy Cross—St. John the Baptist celebrates one of our two patronal feasts. This represents 180 years of life and mission in the Roman Catholic tradition, as the first eucharist at St. John the Baptist church was celebrated on the 28th of June in the year 1840. A multi-generational witness in the heart of Manhattan to the light coming into the world.

At the inception of the year 2020, evidence mounted rapidly of a novel and lethal virus spreading throughout the globe. Possibly an inter-species contagion involving bats and humans, its origins likely traced to China. However, as of this writing, there remains much to learn of its murky origins and baffling transmission. Likewise, our grasp of the vital knowledge required for the development of satisfactory treatment and prevention yet evolves.

For those of a certain age, this feast is one steeped in pomp and pageant.  Elaborate the choreography.  The eucharistic Body of Christ solemnly carried through the local neighborhood announcing the depth of Catholic faith and practice in Holy Eucharist.   Alas, we are not yet in a healthy enough environment to enter into the eucharistic assembly for the celebration of Sunday mass.  Given the uncertainties surrounding the transmission of this virus bedeviling us all, we must forgo our participation in the communion procession.  Forestall our reception of the Body and Blood of Christ.  Delay our AMEN of assent and belief.

Due to Covid – 19 and the uncertainty of the five Phase Reopening Plan for Manhattan from the Archdiocese, our celebrations this year will be modest if we are able to have Mass by June 24. Please check our website frequently to get the most up to date information on our ability to return to our full worship schedule.

This is not the piece I set out to pen.  That one shelved.  Sidelined in light of present reality. 8 minutes, 46 seconds.  A knee crushing the neck of a handcuffed black man.  Pressed to the ground, restrained by multiple officers.  Between life and death?  An eternity. 2 minutes and 53 seconds.  That same knee still pressed against the neck of a black man who had grown unresponsive.  Found to have no pulse.  Limp.  Between life and death?  An eternity.