Monsignor Siffrin discusses bishops conference

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops tackles important issues.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- As diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Youngstown, Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin has attended two annual sessions of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The most recent took place earlier this month in Baltimore.
"It's remarkable experience to meet with the men who are genuinely interested in the church and service to Christ," Monsignor Siffrin said. "I represent the diocese and have the right to vote," he added.
Monsignor Siffrin served as vicar general under Bishop Thomas Tobin, who was installed as bishop of the Diocese of Providence, R.I., on May 31, 2005, and he was named diocesan administrator June 2, 2005. The diocese is waiting for a bishop to be named.
Monsignor Siffrin commented on the major issues discussed at the conference attended by some 240 bishops and diocesan administrators. They included pastoral guidelines for ministry to people with homosexual inclination, marriage and natural family planning, and better preparation for the sacraments of penance and Holy Communion.
Monsignor Siffrin also noted that Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., issued a statement on the war in Iraq. An excerpt reads "Our nation needs a much more substantive civil and non-partisan discussion of ways to plan and secure a responsible transition in Iraq."
Other items on agenda
Also on the agenda was the restructuring of conference committees that will result in a smaller staff. "It will be more efficient and less expansive," Monsignor Siffrin said. He noted the Diocese of Youngstown underwent a similar restructuring in the mid-1990s, when the staff was downsized. "We have to be more concerned and reflective on how we are using our resources."
The four-day session also included a day of prayer and reflection. "It focused on the pastoral life of the church," he said.
Addressing the guidelines on pastoral care of those with homosexual inclinations, Monsignor Siffrin said, "We don't have an expansive ministry in this area." He added, however, "We respect the people but respect the teachings of the church. We want to help them live the Christian faith. We understand they face challenges."
Monsignor Siffrin also noted the conference stressed the idea of making these Catholics feel welcome in the church.
Preliminary information on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Web site, www.usccb.org, on the issue notes that, "The guidelines begin with a statement of general principles, including the fundamental dignity of each person as created by God. The document says the Church teaches that persons with a homosexual inclination 'must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity,' and it condemns all forms of violence, scorn and hatred, whether subtle or overt."
Monsignor Siffrin noted that the final version of the document will be posted on the Web site. It does not support same-sex partners, he added.
Description of marriage
Monsignor Siffrin described marriage between a man and a woman as "beautiful and sacred" and as a "loving and committed relationship, open to life." He continued that marriage is a "sacrament of commitment to each other and Christ."
"We encourage natural family planning but realize it is so counterculture," he said. When the method is used, he continued, it can have a "profound effect" on the relationship.
"It works both ways," Monsignor Siffrin said, noting that "couples struggling with infertility" can use natural family planning to conceive a child.
The conference also addressed guidelines for "examination of conscience," he said. "It's reflecting on the spiritual expectations pertaining to confession."
On a personal level, Monsignor Siffrin said the conference has been a forum where he has come to know a number of bishops. "It's a nice opportunity to see authentic love, concern and enthusiasm for the church."
The Diocese of Youngstown is in Region 6 and includes Michigan. "We get along well," he said, but noted they didn't talk sports, a reference to the recent Ohio State-Michigan football game.
On another issue, Monsignor Siffrin said he was involved in the Catholic Conference of Ohio, which meets four times a year. The conference recently established a counseling fund to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse by clergy.