National Media Watch

Priesthood Is on the Rebound

DES MOINES REGISTER, Sept. 11 — Citing a forthcoming survey by Catholic University of America professor Dean Hoge, the Iowa daily reported that after four years of focus on the priestly sexual abuse scandals, Catholic priests have a “new sense of hope and accomplishment.”

“Priests today have higher morale than even 15 years ago, when we did the last survey,” Hoge said.

Priests, the survey indicated, have found great comfort in the support of their parishioners.

Another of the survey's findings is that priests most appreciate being relieved of parish administrative duties.

In related news, Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan told a priest's symposium that the priesthood is “on the brink of a genuine renewal.”

New York Judge Takes Leave From Diaconate

JOURNAL NEWS, Sept. 13 — New York Judge Charles Devlin has taken a leave of absence as deacon of the Church of St. John and St. Mary in Chappaqua, N.Y., since Cardinal Edward Egan issued a ban on deacons holding public office, said the Westchester County, N.Y., daily.

Deacon Devlin, who was appointed a judge this spring, is running for a 10-year term. He has been a deacon at the church since 2000.

Cardinal Egan, the archbishop of New York, became the first U.S. bishop to apply a prohibition against Catholic clergymen holding public office to deacons.

“The new [canon] law created a very difficult and conflicted situation, because of my ministry and my desire to be a judge,” Deacon Devlin said. His leave will allow him to remain a deacon in good standing, so that he will be able to resume his service as a deacon once his judicial term ends.

Cardinal Egan is considering exemptions from the ban on a case-by-case basis. One exemption he granted has allowed a deacon at St. Anthony's in Nanuet, N.Y., to run for a ninth term on the Clarkstown Town Board.

9/11 Firefighter Finally Laid to Rest

NEWSDAY, Sept. 8 — Four years after Gerard Baptiste was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the firefighter was laid to rest, reported Newsday. The New York Fire Department lost 343 of its members when the twin towers collapsed.

A memorial service had been held for Baptiste Nov. 16, 2001. Baptiste's remains were identified earlier this year, making a Sept. 7 funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral possible. Lt. Bob LaRocco, Baptiste's supervisor, hoped that the funeral would help Baptiste's family take another step toward moving on.

Baptiste was one of four firefighters from Ladder Co. 9 who perished. He reportedly died on the 33rd floor of the north tower while helping rush people to safety.

“He was driven,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, “by an unbridled passion to help others.”