The Walk Humbly Podcast – Episode 19

St. Francis, opioid addiction, lay leadership, helping students with special needs, Respect Life Month and more

October 4, 2018

Today is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Bishop Burbidge shares his long list of “connections” to this popular saint.

Recently passed opioid addiction legislation is headed to the president’s desk. Meanwhile, the Diocese wrapped up its first opioid conference a few days ago. Bishop Burbidge explains why this legislation is significant.

In the midst of the current sex abuse crisis, Bishop Burbidge is often asked, “Why can’t the laity be more involved in the management of the Church?” Bishop Burbidge explains the essential role lay people already play in the management of the Diocese.

The Diocese is reviewing all clergy personnel filesand plans to publish a list of priests and deacons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. Why Bishop Burbidge says the publication of this list is to help the victims.

A program within the Diocese for students with intellectual disabilities was recently honoredby the National Catholic Educational Association. Bishop Burbidge talks about his passion for this program and the important role it plays in Catholic education in our Diocese.

This weekend, the Diocese will host a retreat for people facing serious illnesses. Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Mass and spend time with participants. Learn why he considers it a privilege.

The Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment is happening right now in Rome. It seeks to understand how the Church can better approach the needs of young people and respond to their needs. Bishop Burbidge discusses his expectations from the meeting.

October is Respect Life Month. The theme is “Every Life: Cherished, Chosen, Sent.” Bishop Burbidge discusses a critical ministry that helps those who have had an abortion, as well as how the Rosary is a powerful tool in pro-life ministry.

Bishop Burbidge also answers questions from the faithful. If you are interested in submitting a question, please email info@arlingtondiocese.org and include your first name and parish.

Topics discussed:

• 1:14 – Bishop Burbidge shares his long list of “connections” to St. Francis of Assisi.
• 1:58 – Bishop Burbidge discusses recently passed opioid addiction legislation and our very first opioid conference that took place just last weekend.
• 6:11 – Bishop Burbidge talks about our Diocese’s continued response to the sex abuse crisis.
• 6:40 – “When I'm going out to the parishes into the schools, for the most part, what I'm hearing from the people is, of course, we all share, is our sadness and even our anger that the fact that this is a reality. We don't want this to be part of our Church, and our concern for victims, of course.”
• 8:06 – “We are truly listening. So, people writing to me, your voice is being heard.”
• 10:49 – Bishop Burbidge explains the essential role lay people already play in the management of the Diocese.
• 12:09 – “I hope our listeners understand the amount of lay leadership in our Diocese, and the lay leadership and advice and counsel and wisdom and expertise that surround me each and every day in every single area, whether it be finances, or building and real estate, whether it be education or charitable works, I am surrounded. Thank God. Because I could never do this alone. Thank God, with lay leaders who participate actively in the decision-making process.”
• 13:29 – “We only have two full time priests working in the Chancery, the rest is all laity. That includes in leadership roles, seven laymen, and six lay women in those roles. …I can't even dare to participate without lay involvement.”
• 14:54 – In a measure of due diligence, Bishop Burbidge and the Diocese plan to publish a list of priests and deacons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. Bishop Burbidge explains why the publication of this list is to help the victims.
• 15:53 – “In light of the time that we're in, which is requiring transparency, which is requiring action, I thought it was most prudent to hire two outside agents, former FBI agents with background in doing such reviews to come in and to do all the files of any priest who has ever served in the Diocese. And then that will give us the opportunity to make sure that all those names are published. Since 2002, they have been, but not as a list. This will be a list, and it would also convey where these priests have served.”
• 16:48 – “Part of the reason that we would do such a list is for victims. …We hope it's also a service to victims.”
• 19:38 – Bishop Burbidge talks about his passion for the Porto Charities program and the important role it plays in Catholic education in our Diocese.
• 21:37 – This coming weekend, Bishop Burbidge hosts a retreat for people facing serious illnesses, celebrating Mass and spending time with participants. He talks about this “privilege.”
• 23:01 – Bishop Burbidge discusses his expectations from the Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.
• 26:42 – Bishop Burbidge discusses a critical ministry that helps those who have had an abortion, as well as how the Rosary is a powerful tool in pro-life ministry.
• 28:39 – “It's also a very important time to remind those mothers and fathers who have participated in an abortion that the Church stands ready as instruments of God's love and mercy, because there is no sin greater than God's love and mercy, but we stand ready to help them in the healing.”
• 30:17 – Bishop Burbidge answers: “Should Catholic parents discourage our children from playing violent video games, such as the popular game Fortnite? How do we do this when they are everywhere and it seems to be a big part of this generation’s social scene?”
• 33:58 – Bishop Burbidge answers: “When Our Blessed Mother appeared at Fatima, she instructed the three children to pray the Rosary daily – versus, say, attending Mass daily or some other daily devotion. Why? And what are the implications for Catholics today?”