Witness and testimony

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Jun 08, 2005

A Boston Globe story about tonight's graduation ceremonies at Trinity High School begins with the announcement that one senior no longer goes to church. Later in the story, another senior at the New Hampshire Catholic school asks: "Would we be condoning [sexual abuse] if we went to church?"

About now you might be wondering just what they teach at Trinity High School. And your doubts won't be eased by this gem from yet another member of the graduating class: 'The ninth commandment says, 'Thou shalt not lie.'"

But let's be honest: It's not news that Catholic-school seniors don't know the Ten Commandments, and it's not news that many of them have ceased going to Mass. What's news about Trinity High School is the protest raised by the senior class when Bishop John McCormack was announced as the graduation speaker. After four years of spotty religious education and constant scandal, teenagers in New Hampshire don't think their bishop is a good role model.

'I feel like he lies about everything," says the young lady who has stopped going to Mass. Is it a coincidence that, having lost faith in the witness, she has lost faith in the message he preaches as well?

Does this all sound familiar?