I spent the morning in the Juvenile Court serving on the citizens review panel. The panel, composed of citizens from the community, has the responsibility for reviewing cases regarding abused or neglected children to determine the best course of action for them: whether to recommend to the court the removal of parental rights and adoption, or to return the child to their parents.
Following these hearings, I am never fully myself, for I always feel that no matter what we decide that we have let someone down, that we have not truly "heard" the pain of the parents or the child. And I wonder how much my own middle class values get in the way of being able to purely look at particular situations preventing me from seeing (perhaps) the love the parents actually have for their child. And then, of course, there is always the question of defining "abuse" and neglect." Sometimes a definition comes easily when there is a clear legal matter; but sometimes it is rather subjective, and I feel as though I sit in judgment of those less fortunate who are struggling with what they have, or don't have, to make things all right.
Reflections of a parish priest
These reflections are offered to you, dear reader, for the nourishment of your soul and spirit in this time of political, religious, and cultural confusion. It remains to be known what topics will be covered in this missive, but I am hopeful that whatever comes forth from my hand or the reader's will inspire and aid you on your journey to the Cross.
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