life-after-RC

Speaking of the Regina Apostolorum

A kind Brother wishes to explain what the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum is all about:

Let me give you a quick explanation and then explain our athenaeum.

“Athenaeum” comes from a school in ancient Rome for the study of the arts but the Church adapted this name for an institute of a certain level. The Vatican grants the title “Pontifical” to four levels of institutions: institutes, faculties, athenaeums, and universities.

• A faculty is just what you and I would think of at any university.
• An institute
• A pontifical university has to have 3 ecclesial faculties, a certain number of students, longevity, and an intellectual reputation based on published articles and having eminent professors.
• · From the time a second faculty is opened until it is a full university, it is an athenaeum.

Now for a little history: we started back in 1993 and got definitive canonical status back in 2004. We started with Philosophy and Theology but then added the world’s first – and still only – faculty of bioethics to confront the problems of today. We have the main requirements for becoming a Pontifical University but we have to work on some of minor things and an official decree.

These things take time, for instance the Salesians got their decree from the Vatican in 1940 but were not a University until 1973; we got the equivalent decree in 2004. Hopefully, in a few years we will be able to say Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum.

What does he mean that they have the only bioethics faculty in the world? And if the Salesians took 33 years to become a University, why would the Legion have one in a "few years?" Furthermore, "eminent professors," "longevity," and "reputation" don't sound like minor details, but perhaps I'm a "glass half-empty" sort of girl.

Nothing says "management" like the Legion

Who knew that they could prepare college kids to be business managers, capable of taking home mad skill--by means of spending 89 days in Rome with Legionaries as personal leadership coaches?

As a Pre-University student at SSM, you will attend classes that have direct applications in the workplace. A Swiss School of Management program stands for much more than excellence in education, as our goal is to nurture leaders that can inspire others, demonstrate oustanding skills, and work in global environments. Take a look at our Pre-University Leadership program, and you will walk away with an experience to last a lifetime.

You'll be gratified to know that one of the five pillars of leadership is authenticity:

An authentic person says what they think and acts according to what they believe. There is no room for duplicity in a leader. We live in a century when distrust of leaders abounds, founded on demonstrated insincerity and duplicity of public officials, business leaders, and media stars.

By definition, a leader is someone that influences others in a distinct direction. When leaders are not true to themselves and true to others, they foster a culture of insincerity and duplicity. An effective leader must be able to instill trust and confidence in others.

And the cost?

11,000 € + 4,000 for lodging, 8 tours, insurance, weekday lunches and two weekend getaway leadership training sessions. The summer semester is 7,000 € for tuition, lodging, 6 tours, 1 weekend getaway trip to Tuscany and weekday lunches.

For college kids. Really. To learn Italian and Western Civ, and sip wine in Tuscan villas. My own children are too busy working multiple jobs and scraping together their FAFSA forms for the coming semester to dream of such things.

Aquinas Academy question

From a reader:

I would like assistance, please, in gathering information from you and your readers about Aquinas Academy in Menomonee Falls, WI. I am aware of possible(?) former LC/RC roots - and also perhaps a different name in its early years - but cannot confirm any strong LC/RC ties today.

While there is one (1) LC priest associated with the school (among many others who aren't LC), and while the school uses the NCE curriculum (not necessarily an absolute proof that they are connected or officially affiliated with LC), all other indications do NOT point to Aquinas Academy as a Legion school, at least not today.

Note that I am aware of basic, general telltale signs of LC/RC infestation, and after touring the school twice, see none. Still, I am having a hard time pinning down the history of the school, which is 20 years old. I need to know sooner than later if I am possibly getting my family into an LC/RC mess BEFORE we enroll there.

I am hopeful that your readers can provide me with actual, real information about this school, rather than general admonitions ala "NCE curriculum is proof positive of LC/RC control."

Thanks in advance for your help. I really like this school and really want it to be what it presents itself to be.

Perhaps someone from the administration of this school could offer information to explain the NCE link, and to clear the air about affiliation with the Movement. Perhaps all other apostolates could take note of the toxicity that affiliation creates in the mind of the lay faithful. We all love the Church and take our parental vocations seriously, but at present we cannot risk joining endeavors that may cause problems later.

Economics + Turmoil = Restructure

From the Sacramento Bee:

The Legionaries of Christ is closing two schools in the Sacramento region, the latest setback to the troubled order that has had a prominent presence in the Sacramento area for the past decade. Church officials confirmed Sunday that the University of Sacramento and the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School, a seminary for teenage boys contemplating the priesthood in Colfax, are closing. The university president said the school will end its academic programs when the last class ends in August. He cited the recession and a change of focus for the order.

"The Legionaries of Christ are faced with other priorities and challenges that simply do not permit it to proceed as planned," said university President Robert Presutti. The University of Sacramento opened in 2005 and was the only Legion-run university in the United States.

Closing the two schools is the latest blow to the religious order that has been active in the Sacramento diocese and runs day-to-day operations at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which has more than 5,000 parishioners.

The once fast-growing and influential religious order, a favorite of Pope John Paul II, has been in turmoil in recent years. The Legion's founder, the Rev. Marcial Maciel of Mexico, was forced to leave public ministry in 2006 following accusations that he had sexually abused men studying for the priesthood decades earlier. In 2009, church officials acknowledged that he had fathered a daughter. Maciel died in 2008 at the age of 87.

Later that year, Pope Benedict XVI announced that Vatican officials would visit all schools, seminaries and churches run by the Legionaries of Christ. Last year, the Vatican announced that it would take over and overhaul the order. In January, the Legionaries of Christ handed over control of a school in St. Louis to a lay board. The decision to close the two Sacramento-area schools is part of the order's ongoing restructuring, according to Legion leaders.

"It's a combination of economics and certainly the turmoil, which has had an economic impact as far as donations are concerned," said Jim Fair, communications director for the Legionaries of Christ in North America. Enrollment at the schools dropped in recent years. About 50 students attended the program for master's degrees at the university, and hundreds of others attended non-degree programs, according to Presutti. Only 17 students were enrolled at the minor seminary last year, Fair said. Parents and students have been informed of the school's closing.

In addition to overseeing Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, the largest church in the diocese, the priests ran the minor seminary and the university. "We are grateful for their efforts and thankful that they will continue to serve the community through their work at Our Lady of Guadalupe," Sacramento Catholic Bishop Jaime Soto said in a statement.

Priests for the order now either have been reassigned or have left the order, according to Presutti. Five years ago, 10 Legion priests worked in the Sacramento area. That number has dropped to five and is expected to change in the coming months as more priests, including Presutti, are reassigned.

In 2007, Presutti announced plans to build a permanent campus and said the Catholic university would be part of the Cordova Hills housing development north of Jackson Road. "Unfortunately, that won't happen now," he said.

"We are saddened by the departure of the University of Sacramento," said Ron Alvarado, Cordova Hills managing partner, in a statement. "We believe in the vision they have outlined and are confident that we will have a premier college or university as an integral amenity to this project." Presutti said the turmoil has been difficult but that the priests are committed to their work. "Frankly, we love what we do; we love working with the community," he said. He said the closing of the two schools does not mean the order is leaving Sacramento. "It's really our need to restructure."

Friends: do not doubt the power of your prayers. That's the part of the equation that no one sees.

CA Apostolic School closing

From the comment box:

Dear Fathers, Brothers, and Consecrated in Christ,

Greetings to all of you. My prayers are with you all as you prepare for your summer camps, conventions and of course a little well deserved rest. It is never easy sharing difficult news. Over the years, we have been accustomed to regular and uplifting announcements of some apostolic advance for the Legion and the Movement. It has been a challenge to try to embrace the God’s providence when it expresses itself in ways that run counter to our expectations. Nevertheless, we need a deep faith that embraces the setbacks as well as success.

With deep regret, I need to inform you that  Immaculate Conception Apostolic School in Colfax, California will be closed at the end of this school year. This is a great sorrow for the students and their parents, as well as for all the Legionaries who work there. I have attached Father John Curran’s letter to the families making this announcement. Let’s keep all of them, students, parents and the Legionaries in our prayers during this very trying moment.

While we cannot minimize the sadness this causes for us, we need to understand that these decisions —difficult as they are—come as the result of the very challenging circumstances the Legion is living through right now, as well as the very tough economy. But I believe that we are setting the foundation for a healthier Legion in the future. 
I want to thank personally, and before the Legion, Fr Bannon, and the ICAS team: Fathers Curran, Fazio, and Doyle, and the religious: Brs Loch, Peiret and Castañeda (and the priests and religious in previous years) who have worked to make the school work under difficult circumstances. Such selfless dedication has to be acknowledged with respect and gratitude.

Let’s continue to pray for the Legion and Movement as we strive to make our way forward. Even though it has involved the pain of consolidation, having stronger communities will mean stronger religious life, and that is the solid foundation for lasting growth that will serve the Church more effectively.

Sincerely yours in Christ and the Legion,
Fr John Connor LC

And a second letter:

Thy Kingdom Come!

June 15, 2011
 
Dear Families,
 
It saddens me to have to share a very difficult piece of news with you, one that reflects a recent decision by the Legion in light of the challenging circumstances facing our order.
 
We will be closing the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School in Colfax at the end of this current school year. I deeply regret the sadness and the shock of this news. We have been working to avoid closure, but have exhausted all our options. The Papal Delegate himself had to review and approve our final decision.
 
Our hope is that after the economy stabilizes we can reopen, but timing for that is yet to be determined. We will be consolidating our resources to strengthen the other two apostolic schools in Indiana and New Hampshire. In the upcoming days the Legionaries at ICAS will receive our new assignments. However, we plan to continue our youth work in on the West Coast and are evaluating how we might use the Colfax site.
 
Of course, your sons are welcome to transfer to one of our other U.S. apostolic schools in  Rolling Prairie, Indiana, or Center Harbor, New Hampshire – or one of the schools in Mexico -- if you and they discern this is best. I can discuss this with you more personally and send you information on these apostolic schools.
 
Our Colfax boys are outstanding and over the years several have entered the seminary. All of us are deeply happy with their growth; the boys give such hope to so many people. The Legionary and lay staff are privileged to work with these young men -- the Church needs priests! And the mountain setting in Colfax is ideal for the boys’ formation.
 
At the same time, we have an operational deficit of $450,000 – and every year we have been deeply in the red and dependent upon our territorial administration. On top of this, the buildings at ICAS are in need of major repair. We lack key lay staff members and three of our Legionaries - Fr Doyle, Br Loch and me - have exceeded our assignment terms. While none of us is indispensible, the Legion is strapped to find men to replace us.
 
So many love and support us – starting with you and our staff. In the upcoming days I will speak personally with you – as many as I can. I don’t know how to say thank you. 
 
And at the same time I need to say, “We are sorry.” We shouldn’t spring such bad news on anyone – especially our family: you, the boys, the staff, our dear friends. But we are dealing with an unpleasant reality.
 
Let us realize Mary’s closeness and allow her to take us by the hand. And let’s ask Mary to help us respond to the Holy Spirit with our own “Fiat” peacefully accepting God’s will. May you and your families experience His fruits in your lives and in your homes: “charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity”. Please pray for us.
 
With the assurance of my prayers, and my deepest gratitude,
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Fr John Curran, LC
Rector

Oaklawn information

From Trastevere:

Last Friday, an employee who is in the U.S. Oaklawn Academy of men abused a child. The academy was half empty for leaving the children to certain skills, and the abuser took advantage of this situation. He called for help and several teammates wanted to help, but could not remove the above type. The abuser and the police took him away.

A good friend of mine has a son there and he told him everything. I can assure you that this information is accurate.

I think you should spread the word to all who have known with children at the academy, because they must know also that I hope they are not threatening to children not to tell their parents (at least my son friend could say yes, I know the others). I hope the parents of the abused child and have been told and have already gone to pick up your child.
I am really sad and shocked, but does not surprise me that this has happened.

UPDATE:

A staff member at a private Catholic academy near Edgerton was charged Tuesday with child sexual assault for allegedly having sexual contact with a 14-year-old student at the school.

Christopher A. Gonzalez-Garay, 19, who is described in a criminal complaint as an assistant dean at the Oaklawn Academy, was charged with sexual assault of a child for an incident that occurred in a dormitory area at the school.

Oaklawn is a religious boarding school for boys on Lake Koshkonong that caters to international students. It moved to the Edgerton area in 1986. Its dormitories hold 216 students.

According to the complaint, Gonzalez-Garay admitted he had touched the boy, but said he had apologized to the boy and asked him to forgive him and pray for him.

"I felt disgusted with myself," Gonzalez-Garay told police, the complaint states.

Gonzalez-Garay, who is from Mexico and was scheduled to return there next month, was jailed on $10,000 bail after appearing in Dane County Circuit Court. Court Commissioner Todd Meurer barred him from leaving Dane County and said that if he posts the bail he also must turn over his passport.

Gonzalez-Garay was a volunteer who assisted as a youth counselor at the school, said Oaklawn principal Javier Valenzuela, but will no longer be a part of Oaklawn's staff. Valenzuela said he has been in close communication with Dane County Human Services, police and the Diocese of Madison since the incident came to his attention on Saturday.

"Ensuring our students' safety is our number one priority here at Oaklawn," Valenzuela said.

Good news for Saint Louis

From the outside, this looks like a fantastic initiative, to be called St Austin's School. Stepping away from the NCE "proprietary" materials is key to shaking off the toxic methodology, and (as an Oblate of Saint Benedict myself) I couldn't be happier for its prospects:

The Benedictines are an established order that has been part of the Catholic Church since the 6th century...that's right...over 1400 years of experience and stability are within our reach! All that is needed is for you to consider the possibility that this could work for your children. We realize that you may have concerns about certain aspects of this school. For example, the thought of combined classrooms may give you pause, but please consider the following: Prior to World War II and the Baby Boom, combined classrooms were the norm. For most of us, the concept of combined grade levels is a foreign concept, but it actually allows brighter students to work ahead and others to proceed at a more reasonable pace. The small class size and individual attention from our teachers will insure that students are working at the right pace. In fact, we have discovered that many GA parents are the product of combined classrooms. Just ask yourself if our schools have improved or deteriorated over the past 50+ years before deciding whether or not to explore this concept just a bit further. For some of us issues like this require a leap of faith, for others it's just a small hop, and yet for others it's tantamount to jumping across the Grand Canyon.

Our hearty prayers for every success!

Is Woodmont closing?

A reader informs us:

Just wanted you all to know that Woodmont Academy, a Legionary owned school in Maryland, is shutting down at the end of this school year. Cover ups, lies and manipulations have their end result but they will never admit to any of it. One hundred and ten kids and all their teachers and administrative staff need a place to go to school in the fall. Please pray for them.

This may seem abrupt to some on the outside, but perhaps there have been problems inside that have not been obvious. Indeed we pray for all affected--especially that the students transition to other good schools and that the staff find employment in the coming year.

This may have the usual explanation ("It's the economy!") but we know that vocations are down, the congregation is hemmorhaging and that this is the necessary fallout from a group in crisis. God be with all those involved always.

News about Mater Ecclesiae in RI

Their school is making progress with NEASC:

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Parents in Christ,

I am very happy to share the good news that we have been granted initial regional accreditation by NEASC (the New England Association of Schools and Colleges), allowing us to confer degrees!  To receive this news on a First Friday, a day dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, has been just one of many confirmations of how much we owe to God’s Providence.

This is an extremely important historical moment for all of us and I can’t begin to share my joy and my gratitude to God and Our Blessed Mother for all their support and assistance.  When we began to work towards accreditation, we placed the entire project under the protection of the Sacred Heart, asking him to make it happen if this is what he wanted.  Some of you may not know that it was on June 18th, 2004, the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart, that the State of Rhode Island Legislature passed the special bill that we needed to remove ourselves from the Catch-22 that was preventing us from seeking both state and regional accreditation.  Now, with regional accreditation secured we will soon receive final approval at the state level as well.

I'm quite certain that they've been touting the school as accredited for a very long time (just as they previously told the 3gf's that their statutes were all kosher, and they told the members of RC that everything they did was personally signed off by the pope). Now that real approval may be pending, amnesia will take care of the complication and instead it becomes a timely indication of divine support for their mission. Ah well, keep up the prayers.

[Btw, does it matter that the president of the college got her degree at an on-line university? Seriously, just wondering...]

Final chapter for GA

Just received:

Dear Faculty, Staff, Parents & Friends of Gateway Academy,

It gives us great sadness to announce that Gateway Academy will close at the end of the current school year.

This decision was not easily reached. It comes after exhaustive efforts to secure sufficient financial resources to continue. Unfortunately, a combination of the current economic environment and the diminished financial capacity of the Legion of Christ proved to be more than we could overcome. 

Specifically, the Legion has determined that it cannot provide the building to Gateway Academy rent-free as had been expected. Therefore, the decision to close is final.

We are deeply grateful to the time and hard work so many people have devoted in an effort to preserve Gateway Academy, and we are thankful for the many prayers offered by our supporters and friends. 

At this moment it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of loss, but the closing of Gateway does not negate the amazing achievements of the academy during nearly two decades of strong academic training and truly Catholic spiritual formation. Gateway Academy has been a positive force in the lives of hundreds of families and thousands of students, and in each of us associated with the school, a bit of Gateway will live on in our hearts and minds.

We know that this announcement triggers many practical questions, so we want to assure you that the school administration will be working to ensure a smooth transition to other schools for all our families. We will also assist as much as we can with placement efforts for faculty and staff.

Please keep everyone associated with Gateway Academy in your prayers, and know that all of you are in ours.

Yours in Christ,

Gateway Academy Board of Directors

ADDENDUM: A well-connected reader explains the background:

The modus operandi for the Legion was to take all the donations from parents and donors to buy properties, including schools and seminaries like Thornwood, then to refinance them to the hilt, taking out cash and transferring the cash to Grupo Integer in Mexico. After 45 years in America not a single property has been paid off! Not one! Not even Cheshire! All properties have huge mortgages, which accelerated over the past few years when the top dogs must have known that the jig would soon be up, so they took the money and ran.

[Readers will note a lot of pious thoughts on the GI site, dedication to "team" and "integrity" but no real definition of actual projects beyond the self-serving apostolates that raise money for ... Grupo Integer. "Trust us...!"]