Church members rally support for clergymen at St. Mary's
Confidence unwavering despite recent reports
Ilse files suit for 'Does'
By Gloria I. Wang
The recent news of sexual molestation by two Los Gatos Jesuits has led local Catholics to affirm their support of the church. Many members of St. Mary's Catholic Church say their confidence in their clergy is unwavering and that the publicity may be beneficial to the community.
On March 23, it was reported that two clergyman at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, in the hills overlooking Los Gatos, had sexually abused two mentally disabled residents of the center for up to three decades. Their superiors had allegedly obtained confessions from both officials but did not report the crimes to law enforcement authorities; a friend of the victims alerted police to the abuse. The case has been in settlement negotiations for the past year.
The Rev. Justin Zawadzki, pastor of St. Mary's, first read about the allegations in the newspaper. His first reaction, Zawadzki said, was, "Oh, no, not again."
"We all know theoretically we're not perfect and we all make mistakes," Zawadzki said. But hearing the news "brought it home to us."
At Mass, Zawadzki emphasized, on behalf of the other St. Mary's clergy, that "we're committed to making sure that the ministry of the priests here is honorable and respectful," Zawadzki said.
"He has broached the issue and he made it clear to us that this is something that hopefully won't continue," said parishioner Carrie Kaufmann of Zawadzki.
"I like the way his Christian attitude has been, 'Protect the victims, forgive, move on,' " added church member Molly Rhine.
At the same time, Zawadzki took a strong stance against sexual abuse in the church and said, "The kind of thing that happens in Boston is not going to happen here." In fact, Patrick McGrath, bishop of San Jose, had issued a letter on March 11 that underscored the church's position.
"We will never simply move a priest, deacon or layperson who is found guilty of any form of abuse to another assignment," McGrath wrote, referring to what had happened to Los Gatos Jesuits Charles Leonard Connor and Edward Thomas Burke.
"The gravest and tragic breach of trust occurs when one who is charged to protect the innocent violates that trust. This is a real tragedy, it is sinful, and it is a crime," McGrath wrote.
Kaufmann said that while her parents and friends were shocked to hear about the Los Gatos Jesuits, she was not. "I think this has kind of been a problem for quite some time," Kaufmann said. "Any person that does this kind of conduct, in any vocation, has to face the consequences."
Parishioner Maureen Tabari said the news could potentially strengthen the community. "In a weird way, I guess it's a good thing that it's come to light--not that it happened, but that it came to light," Tabari said.
"It may be a good thing that the situation was exposed," Kaufmann said. "People will be more open and more vigilant."
According to Rhine, sexual abuse among the clergy can be fully addressed now that "it's out of the closet," and discussing the issue of celibacy among the clergy now has a greater sense of urgency. Rhine also said that additional screening for the priesthood must be considered.
St. Mary's member Emmett McGrath said that, although there is a separation between church and state, priests should be held to the same standards as leaders of other institutions, such as schoolteachers. "There needs to be checks and balances. The higher-ups need to be held accountable," McGrath said. For example, there should be some sort of psychological testing for those wanting to enter the priesthood.
Although this sort of sexual abuse can happen in any other profession and Christian sect, McGrath said, "It seems to be just a little out of control in the Roman Catholic sector"--perhaps because of the celibacy factor.
Zawadzki said that one of the impacts on church officials is that it will cause them to become more humble and take more notice of any negative or destructive behavior around them.
Despite the reports coming out of the Jesuit Center, parishioners say they trust the St. Mary's clergy and will continue to send their children to the school.
Tabari, who has two cousins who are Jesuit priests, said, "I really, really respect priests. I think they are incredibly giving. If I thought that this was a problem that was pervasive, or even significant in the church, I would not send my kids to Catholic schools."
"It would be sad if you label all priests potentially as molesters of kids or of mentally retarded people," church member Tony Bozzini said. St. Mary's is a place where the parishioners support and interact with each other and the clergy on a regular basis. The clergymen at the Jesuit center, on the other hand, "isolate themselves from the community" and are very remote physically, Bozzini said.
McGrath said that, unfortunately, some will look at the clergy differently and stereotype them, but he personally does not. However, he added, if there are any more events like this, "we're going to think twice."
"Does it waver my trust in the Catholic church? No, it does not," Rhine said.
Holly Ilse, owner of downtown clothing store Nuance, first reported her suspicions of abuse to authorities in 1997, after befriending victim John Doe 15 years ago. Investigators looked into Ilse's complaints but nothing happened, and it wasn't until 2001, after Ilse kept pursuing the case, that law enforcement took action.
John Doe, 56, is a familiar face to Los Gatos business owners because he frequents downtown and stops by several Main Street stores a few times a week. James Doe, 50, also goes into town often, but usually rides his bicycle.
Ilse is now suing Connor and Burke on the behalf of the victims. Connor was convicted of committing a lewd act on one of the men last year; now, their lawyers are negotiating for a monetary settlement.
"I think [Ilse] was really brave. I really do," Rhine said. "That was an act of courage and compassion."
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
