Denver Catholic

15 DENVER CATHOLIC | DECEMBER 8-21, 2018 Gala Beacon 2019 Hope of Gala Beacon Hope 8th Annual Benefit Dinner MARISOL SERVICES 4:00 Mass at Bishop Machebeuf High School 5:30 Cocktails, Marketplace Opens 7:00 Dinner and Program Begins For tickets, sponsorships or donations to the Marketplace please contact: Shelly Saeman at 720-799-9289 or ssaeman@ccdenver.org Register online at ccdenver.org/Beacon Saturday, January 26, 2019 ROOFTOP LOUNGE Formerly the YPL, the Rooftop Lounge returns with some fun changes including a silent auction perfect for the 21-30 year old attendees. A great and affordable way to experience the same compelling evening from the Mezzanine in a cool, hip lounge while enjoying a tasty buffet. Furnished by Celebrate the Joy of Life Special Guest and Beacon of Hope Honoree Suzie LaVelle Evening's Emcees JD & Kate Flynn SERVING THE DENVER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SINCE 1890. The heritage behind our mortuaries and cemeteries is one of history and tradition. For more than a century, Catholic families have trusted Olinger Mortuaries and Cemeteries to care for their loved ones. Respect for traditions, understanding the needs of the Catholic faith, and providing affordable options is at the heart of what we do. With over 87 years of combined experience, parishioners Harry Stevenson and Matt Whaley assist families with care and compassion. Their expertise combined with professional services in 11 Olinger neighborhood chapels is virtually unprecedented in serving the Denver Catholic community. (303) 455-3663 www.denverfuneralproviders.com Harry Stevenson 56 Years Matt Whaley 31 Years PRIESTS OF THE PEOPLE When the scandals broke in 2002, Father Chilson remembers that some of his brother priests withdrew from the people, stopped taking appointments and even stopped hugging people in response to what was going on. In such a time of uncertainty, they were afraid to extend pastoral care to their parishioners, for fear of giving the wrong impression. Father Chilson said that he doesn't think this behavior is healthy, especially as a priest. "We are still priests of the people, we need to engage with them and be genuine and authentic," he said. "I still try to be the engaging person that's present and available and reaching out, as the More Than You Realize conference talked about, [and using] those touchpoints.± "We need to be more present than ever and not be afraid to show people the goodness of the priesthood." Neither Father Chilson nor Father Fraley have experienced any ill-willed behavior toward them while wearing their clerics in public. They also say that, thankfully, Catholics tend to be very loyal to their own parish priest, and they've received nothing but support from their parishioners. DOING BETTER Both priests agree that the crisis has shaken the trust of the faithful in the pews and see this as an opportunity to re-evaluate their own priesthood and see how they can better be the servants the Lord has called them to be. "I am hardened in my resolve to be a good priest, and more determined to maintain those disciplines which will keep me from being a bad one," Father Fraley said. "Priests are poor sinners too, so we are of course in desperate need of your prayers, penances and personal support." Father Fraley also o¨ ered a request to the faithful to help priests remain resilient and faithful: "Demand that we be very holy." "As a priest, I feel so blessed, so hon- ored, so grateful for my vocation, for the opportunities to receive and to use all the Gospel virtues of love and care and service unabashedly and without hold- ing back, even despite this blow," said Father Chilson. "It's a moment to stop and re-evaluate, do better and regain the confi dence and trust of the people." Although he said that his heart sank with the current wave of scandals of sexual abuse in the clergy, Father Bert Chilson has not stopped engag- ing people to bring them to Christ and show them the goodness of the priesthood. PHOTO BY ANDREW WRIGHT

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