Stunned by Paul Kendrick’s revealing commentary (“Maine Voices: New pope must stand up for sexual abuse victims, survivors,” May 13), detailing the Jesuits’ abysmal nonresponse to these issues, I was reminded of a very different experience some years ago.

In 2006, I visited the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery in Kentucky.

At that time, parish priests and church employees were under direction by diocesan officials to avoid all discussion of sexual abuse and cover-ups; even simple questions or well-meaning expressions of concern were to be ignored.

The monks at Gethsemani took a different approach.

A special Sunday Mass just before Thanksgiving was held for these victims of sexual abuse. This Mass was publicized beforehand; all church officials, clergy and parishioners were invited to attend. During the Mass, special prayers were offered, apologies tendered and select victims invited to speak.

The Mass was followed by a traditional Thanksgiving dinner/reception, where the camaraderie and fellowship continued into the afternoon.

Advertisement

It was a day filled with love, compassion and healing. As the victims explained, it was the first time the Catholic Church had reached out to them and acknowledged their painful suffering.

I don’t know if Kentucky diocesan officials still adhere to the avoidance/denial policies of 2006, but I do know these Trappist monks, unlike the Jesuits, taught an important lesson that day. By offering food for both body and soul, they demonstrated the need for us to be catholic to one another, whether we call ourselves Catholic or not.

The spiraling complexities of continued denial and cover-up are no longer acceptable.

While we wait to see if Pope Francis follows the example of these American Trappist monks in dealing with this festering sore, let us be mindful of the Prayer to St. Francis, which begins: “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.”

Ruth R. Covell
Gorham

Teacher’s success tied to that of her many ‘workers’

Advertisement

The measured success of my job as supervisor of approximately 70 workers is dependent on their productivity.

I have no choice in which workers are assigned to me, but I am held accountable for the motivation, training, competency and output of each worker.

If they do not show up for work, it is my responsibility to make sure that they make up all missed work and training. In fact, if they show no interest in producing any meaningful output, I am held accountable.

It does not matter how many absences accumulate, what little regard is shown for completing required tasks, whether they display poor attitude, blatant disrespect, or counterproductive behavior — I cannot fire them.

If they are unprepared to tackle the high expectations required for their work, I cannot dismiss them or reassign them to a more appropriate setting.

Although I give honest feedback when I evaluate them, unfavorable reports cannot result in termination; I own the failure.

Advertisement

Some arrive hungry, some improperly dressed and some are just learning English. Others have mental illness, social problems or addictions.

Our building and furniture are old and overused, the budget is tight and many of my essential supplies come from my own wages. What I cannot afford, we do without.

High productivity is still expected. I spend many extra hours, without added pay, trying to structure for success.

I tolerate these working conditions because I care deeply about each of my workers and want to help them thrive. I am a public school teacher, and I love teaching.

Claire Crocker
Windham

Event reminds ex-legislator why democracy is a blessing

Advertisement

On May 9, it was Welcome Back Day in Augusta for former members of the Legislature.

I was a member of the House of Representatives in 1957. It was the 98th Legislature, and the Honorable Edmund S. Muskie was governor. This was a great experience for which I am thankful.

We arrived in the capital city very early, and after registration details and security clearance, we enjoyed a cup of coffee and the comfortable surroundings.

At 10 a.m., we proceeded to the House Chamber for appropriate ceremonies. We were warmly greeted by the speaker and clerk of the House. It was a most enjoyable day.

A buffet-type luncheon was served in the Hall of Flags by the Lewiston Regional Technical Center Culinary Arts Program. These bright and industrious young people did an excellent job.

As we traveled along a scenic highway headed for home, I was reminded of a great American citizenship and the blessings of living in a free country, and I paused to appreciate the natural wonders to be found right here in our beautiful state of Maine.

Advertisement

Russell H. Day
Shapleigh

Healthy Kids Bill will help grandmother protect family

As a grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters, I am very concerned about toxic chemicals in everyday products, and I feel like I need to be a chemist to figure out what products are safe for my family.

There are so many untested chemicals, and companies often refuse to tell us what is in their products. I am tired of hearing about the bombardment of chemicals that our families are unwillingly and unnecessarily exposed to on a daily basis.

Last year, Maine named 49 chemicals of high concern, proven through strong scientific evidence to cause serious health problems including cancer, learning disabilities and reproductive harm, but no action has been proposed to reduce exposure to these chemicals until now.

The Healthy Kids Bill, L.D. 1181, will identify which products contain the 49 “worst of the worst” chemicals and set priorities for action to get these chemicals out of household products Maine children encounter every day.

It would also close the loophole in current law that leaves pregnant women and older children exposed to toxic BPA in their food and give Maine the authority to consider phasing out BPA in all food packaging.

L.D. 1181 is currently before the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. I urge members of the committee to vote in favor of the Healthy Kids Bill and protect our children and grandchildren from harm.

Sandra Cort
Westbrook


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.