Catholic Trends
April Catholic Trends

by Sr. Kathleen Bierne

Conversion stories are often only noticed when they are dramatic and perhaps even a bit sensational. Saul becoming St. Paul and Augustine eventually and quite reluctantly responding to the lifelong prayer of his mother, are interesting. In reality, however, conversion is intrinsic to the human need for order with self, with others, and with God. Catholic Christians believe that both a longing for good and a propensity to evil reside within each person. It is the grace of baptism that enables the choice of good because of the very life of Jesus.

Conversion must precede reconciliation, and the latter often requires assistance from others before it can happen. How often do parents, spouses, friends, and business partners need outside help to bring about reconciliation once their hearts are converted to desire it?

"Sacred Scripture urges us to settle our disagreements within the Church community, taking care that our efforts are imbued with the spirit of love and forgiveness. The adequate protection of human rights and freedoms is a matter of concern to all members of the Church. These rights and freedoms are most effectively guaranteed when persons and institutions have a moral conviction of an individual’s right to be treated fairly and with dignity...Two basic methods of insuring justice through due process are conciliation and arbitration...It is our belief that persons of good will committed to the Gospel spirit of reconciliation can usually resolve problems with the aid of a third party also committed to the spirit." (Due Process Policy, p. 1)

It is for this reason that the diocese of New Ulm adopted a Policy for Due Process in August of 1992. It is the responsibility of the Conciliation Director to process petitions in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Due Process Policy.

Disputes which are appropriate for conciliation or arbitration are those in which someone who exercises responsibility on behalf of a parish, school or diocesan office has either violated, or failed to act, according to "Church law, formal policy or natural equity." Even under optimum circumstances, it is a common human experience that family members, Church employees, pastors and parish volunteers misunderstand and misjudge one another. When those situations occur, an outside, objective mediator can assist the Parties toward clarification of the issues and a mutually agreeable solution. However, because the Due Process Policy in the New Ulm diocese is voluntary, both Parties need to agree to try to work out their differences with a third person.

Unfortunately, in the eight-year history of implementing the Due Process Policy, the process often failed because the person against whom the allegations were brought refused to participate. When that happens, the Church loses credibility and an opportunity for a "change of heart" is thwarted.

Conversion, as the first week of RENEW 2000 notes, is about a willingness to risk. During this Lenten season each person is invited in a particular way to conversion, to change whatever blocks relationship with God and with one another.

Are we willing to take a chance on God’s unconditional love? Are we willing to say ‘yes’ to a deeper spirituality? The Church of New Ulm has a policy in place, which can be utilized when objective assistance is needed to move from inner conversion to outward reconciliation.

The Office of Conciliation is a tool that can be utilized for personal and systemic conversion.

If you have questions, call the Director of Conciliation, Sr. Kathleen Bierne, PBVM, at 507-233-5329.