August 13 - While I'm not in the business of promoting books, I ran across this today and found it interesting to watch.

August 5, 2008

I knew it would happen eventually.

And it happened today.

Before I get into what “it” is, you need some history.

Several months ago Jack Lessenberry, the ombudsman for Toledo’s daily newspaper The Blade, and I both participated on a panel presentation, and afterwards we had a brief conversation about David Yonke’s personal blog. (David Yonke, for those of you who aren’t local, is the Religion Editor for The Blade) I told Lessenberry that I didn’t think it was very professional, or ethical that Yonke was offering his personal opinions on the same stories he was writing as religion editor. I wondered how Yonke could truly be an objective journalist. Lessenberry asked that I send him some copies of the blog entries I was talking about, so I did.

A few weeks ago, Lessenberry wrote in The Blade that while he found some of my concerns without merit, he did write…

 In your ombudsman's opinion, The Blade needs to develop an official policy for its editorial employees and their personal blogs, one that recognizes the right to self-expression while making sure we do nothing to take away from the perception that we can report any story fairly, without prejudice or bias.

He also writes that he thinks Yonke did cross the line in his blog…

Mr. Yonke also said he hoped his articles "will serve a purpose in reminding priests and seminarians and ministers of their higher calling and deter them from even thinking about committing such crimes or indiscretions in the future."  Here, I think Mr. Yonke went over the line. Journalists ought to be in the position of reporting and perhaps analyzing what happens. It isn't our job to be the thought or moral police. Some might argue that this was something done on Mr. Yonke's private space during his own time and that The Blade has no right to raise any objections to it. But in fact, he is doing it in a public space. 

I don’t know if an official policy will ever be developed at The Blade about personal blogs, but for what it’s worth, I’ve read that the New York Times and the Washington Times do have such policies.

Let’s get back to what happened today. Two women came to Yonke’s defense with two separate letters to the editor in today’s Blade. As I said at the beginning of today’s entry, I knew this would happen eventually. One letter attacked some of my actions and words in my role as diocesan communications director. The author of the other letter claims to know when I’m upset and when I’m not.

I knew I was going to write about the two letters in this blog today, but much to the surprise of many, I’m not going write anything defensive, I’m not going to write anything sarcastic, and I’m not going to challenge any of their criticisms of  me as diocesan communications director, or their comments about me personally. I’ve made this decision not because I think they are correct, but because I know what is right, and what is true.

R.I.P. Dad
11/12/26 -8/5/93
I miss you.
 Sally

July 29 -A few things that have caught my eye this week...

Yesterday on the final hour of NBC's Today Show, which tends to be what some would call "fluff", hosts Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford and style contributor Bobbie Thomas talked about "Jewish Rosaries", which are handmade and sold by comedian Carlen Altman in Brooklyn, New York. The ladies described Altman's Chai Maintenance necklace, her Oy Vey Lucky Charm prayer bracelet, and the glow-in-the-dark Olympic Star rosary that features a Noah's Ark connector and a silver-plated star cast from an original pendant owned by her grandmother. The Jewish Rosaries retail for $25-$40 and Altman's website says that "A portion of all Jewish Rosaries proceeds will go to the Jewish rosaries Fund, which is donated annually to amazing charities."

I think what really struck me as odd is Altman's comment that “Rosaries are a vivid way to show your religion, ...“This is a good way for people to show they’re proud of being Jewish.”

Hmm, I've never thought about my rosary that way. I honor it not as a piece of adornment, but as my devotion to Scripture-based prayer and the faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The tragic news from Knoxville about the out-of-work truck driver that has been accused of opening fire at a Unitarian church and killing two people is just so very sad. According to news reports, the shooter left behind a note suggesting that he targeted the congregation out of hatred for its liberal policies, includuing its accepance of gays, authorities said yesterday. The news story also reports that last night an overflow crowd of more than 1000 people attended a memorial service at the Second Presbyterian Church next door to the Unitarian church where the shooting occured. "We're here tonight to make sense of the senseless, " the Reverend William Sinkford, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, said.

I can't imagine how these people feel, and how difficult it must be to make sense of this tragic shooting.

July 24, 2008 - Some days in this job are very difficult, but for the most part, I frequently tell people what a great job I have. A perfect example is an event I attended yesterday, the rededication of Madonna Homes, a property that sits on the fringe of a crime filled neighborhood in downtown Toledo. Madonna Homes serves the community by providing safe and affordable housing for individuals who are elderly, have a disability or a handicap. The property is managed by the Vistula Management Company and part of Mareda, Inc., the Catholic diocesan low income housing corporation.

Until recently, this property could not claim to provide safe housing. The 30 year old property was poorly lit inside and out, did not have a security staff, and residents were fearful to leave their apartments when the building staff left on the weekends. It was embarrassing to the diocese that this property had fallen into such disrepair and that the residents were fearful. Fortunately things have taken a turn for the better. Much better. But it wasn’t easy. It was 2 and ½ years of federal funding beauracacy, tight deadlines and residents who were relocated in the building while construction took place around them.

It took a team of wonderfully dedicated people to turn things around. As Tracey Franklin, property manager said yesterday in her remarks, “This is proof that if you have a dream, and you believe in it, you can make it happen.” Bishop Blair offered prayers and blessings, and both he and Mayor Finkbeiner recognized the hard work of the construction workers, the Madonna Homes management team and board of directors, the diocese, and the residents.

The dark, poorly lit hallways are now bright and fitted with handrails and carpeting. Sunshine pours through windows into a community room that people used to avoid. A field of dirt and weeds is now a beautifully landscaped courtyard filled with flowers, outdoor seating and a fountain. The property is now secure with attractive perimeter fencing, 24 hour surveillance cameras and security guards. The residents feel safe. Yesterday I spoke with residents who couldn’t say enough nice things about their home, and I could see the pride in the faces of the staff, the residents and the many people who believed in this dream.

As I left the building I silently gave thanks to God for all that I have, for the wonderful people I have in my life, and the many people who have touched my heart and soul during my journey in this job. I thank God for opportunities like today’s event where I see joy and pride in the eyes of those who struggle daily--and in the eyes of those who make a commitment to the disadvantaged.

During a conversation with Paul, the project superintendent from Willson Builders he talked about how much he enjoyed working on this renovation project, and getting to know the residents. “I thank God for giving me the heart to work with the disadvantaged.”

Paul, I think it’s safe to say that God thanks you back.