Voice of the Faithful Focus – A brief update highlighting issues and successes as we work together to Keep the Faith, Change the Church.

Ireland abuse reports begin …
The Irish religious orders named in the Ryan Report said on Wednesday they will consider paying more compensation to victims of abuse. The 18 orders had first refused calls to reopen the deal that limited their payments, but pressure from the public, Irish government officials and church leaders—including the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady—is building. The Ryan Report released on May 20th detailed the abuse of children in institutions that were run by religious orders between the 1930s and 1970s. A report on abuse by diocesan priests is expected in June.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE54P4GP20090527

Boston begins adjusting priest pensions …
Cardinal Sean O’Malley in Boston is taking steps to shore up priests’ pension funds in the Archdiocese. Without these steps, the Archdiocese says the clergy pension system will run out of money by 2011. In a written decree, Cardinal O’Malley detailed cuts in the benefits that reportedly affect 40 priests on health leave. This has brought up some concern for sick priests in the Archdiocese who fear they will lose their benefits. The diocese next plans to make changes in the housing and benefits available to retired priests.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/05/26/dioce...

Other stories we are following…
The Supreme Court in Connecticut has decided to open the legal files of 23 abuse reports in the Bridgeport diocese.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/22/Conn-court-opens-priest-abuse-fil...
Australia’s top Catholic cleric vows action on abuse.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/australias-top-c...
Fr. Donald Cozzens is interviewed on CNN about mandated celibacy.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/15/cozzens.celibacy.discussion/index.html