Dear Parishioners,
I pray that this letter finds you well. As you have probably seen on news coverage over the last 24 hours, Archbishop Thompson made the tough but correct decision of stripping Brebeuf Jesuit High School of their Catholic title. A bishop has ultimate say in what is Catholic or not in his diocese.
Archbishop Thompson worked with Brebeuf for 2 years in a pastoral effort to find a peaceful solution. The school and the Jesuits that oversee it have refused and been defiant.
The school and the Jesuits have clearly marshaled every available media avenue at their disposal to try to reign down shame upon our Archdiocese and Archbishop Thompson. But they do not know our Archbishop very well. He is EXTREMELY kind and patient, but he also acts when it becomes clear that definitive that action is needed.
I am asking you to consider writing him a note of support. Something along the lines of thanking him for requiring Catholic employees to uphold key Church teachings or however you think it is best to say it. Also, I would recommend throwing in at the end something like "please do not write back, as I understand your schedule."
Sometimes, in his kindness, he tries to correspond with all hand-written notes.
The forthcoming Criterion edition will contain the press release from the Archdiocese as well as the decree promulgating the decision of Archbishop Thompson.
If you do write a letter of support, it can be sent to
Archbishop Thompson
(letter of support)
1400 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN, 46202
If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. And thanks for the prayers for Archbishop and the Archdiocese as well.
Peace,
Fr. Dustin Boehm