EDUCATION

How teachers deal with Bishop's plight

Allegations of misconduct against Bishop Howard J. Hubbard have placed teachers in Catholic schools in a complex situation: wanting to deal with a prominent story about the head of the Diocese while also wanting to be sensitive to children's levels of understanding.

Here is how some teachers resolved that problem:

"The kids have been very supportive of Bishop Hubbard. We pray for him [in class], and we're praying school-wide. They don't believe Bishop Hubbard would lie. Some of them and many of our staff have sent the Bishop notes."

David McGuire, principal and 11th-grade morality teacher, Christian Brothers Academy, Albany

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"We discussed how rumors start and what rumors do to people. I said the first thing to keep in mind is that the Bishop's a good man; [in cases where other priests were accused], he always tried to do what's right. I said we need to give our Bishop every chance we can; they've given it over to an independent counsel to do an independent investigation, and we should keep [the Bishop] in our intentions. This has got to be hurtful for him, to have his name connected to this.

"I think they've pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that this is just someone causing trouble, a person trying to make a name for themselves by attacking the Church."

James Buzon, eighth-grade teacher, St. Mary's School, Oneonta

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"Our tenth-grade morality class was reading The Evangelist, and a discussion arose as to how the allegations have affected Bishop Hubbard. The students had a big concern about the Bishop's name being damaged. They asked, 'How can you get rid of the damage done to your name?' We talked about the fact that words are very powerful. Once they are spoken, it is hard to take them back.

"Students expressed their own frustrations and anger with what has happened. They believe the Bishop is innocent and support him. They had a lot of questions with regard to his 'fighting back,' and his option to sue his accusers.

"In the seventh grade, students were having a difficult time understanding what was going on. They said they felt sorry for the Bishop. They wanted to know why this was happening now, at this particular time. We talked about other crises in the life of the Catholic Church over the years. We discussed how faith of the people often becomes stronger during times of crisis, such as this."

Barbara Joseph, head of Theology Department at Saratoga Central Catholic High School

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"In third, fourth and fifth grade religion classes, we learn about the Bishop and the work he does. Several third graders have approached me, asking; 'Did you hear what happened to Bishop Hubbard?'

"We decided that the best way to help Bishop Hubbard during this difficult time is to pray for him. Each class has chosen their own way to do this. The third graders will be praying the Rosary in class. The fourth graders decided that they wanted to plan a prayer service. The fifth graders are sending the Bishop a card that they will design themselves. They felt it was important to let him know that they will be praying for him.

"Our classes will continue to pray for Bishop Hubbard, as we always do at our liturgies and in class. We think it is important to continue doing so throughout this difficult time."

Sister Toni Ann Murphy, CSJ, St. Mary's Institute, Amsterdam

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"We use The Evangelist in the upper-grade religion classes. We can't ignore [the allegations against the Bishop]; after all, it's front-page news. The teachers speak about the Bishop's history in the Diocese and about how the abuse issue is a national one. We talked about ways of supporting people who have been wrongly accused -- in everything.

"In a seventh-grade classroom, we talked about the severity of a Church minister being accused, that it's not just an accusation that goes away. Even when it is cleared, there is always that doubt, and that affects a person's ministry. We really drill it into the upper grades that Church ministry is public ministry."

Brother Jason Lody, OFM Conv., principal, St. James Institute, Albany.

(This article was reported by Kate Blain, assistant editor; and staff writers Pat Pasternak and Karen Dietlein.)

(3/4/04)