For the church in 2011, there were moments of great joy and happiness that instilled in us a great sense of hope for the future. But, there were also moments of great struggle that forced us to seriously take a look at ourselves and think about where we could make improvements so that we can continue spreading the message of Christ’s salvation throughout the world.

This year’s Top Catholic Stories debuts with numbers ten through six.

10. Questions of Pope’s Health

In the last few months, the secular media went into a frenzy of sorts when Pope Benedict XVI began using a mobile platform during the processions at celebrations in St. Peter’s Basilica. Those within the media almost immediately started questioning whether Benedict XVI’s health was deteriorating.

The platform was first used by Benedict in October of this year. In advance of the Mass, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi issued a short statement informing the public that the platform was being utilized to reduce fatigue. For now there is nothing more to the story. However, that hasn’t stopped some from speculating about possible successors to Benedict. People need to relax, this is not that big of a deal. Popes are people and people get old–there is not much more to this story than that.

9. Vatican Use of Technology

This year, we saw the Vatican embrace new technology like it has not done in several years. From the launch of the Vatican’s news portal through the use of an iPad, the first ever tweet by a Pope, and to the revolutionary blogger meet-up, the Church is beginning to embrace the ever changing world of the internet and social media. But, is it too little, too late?

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Catholic Church has fallen behind churches of other faiths, who have been embracing new technology for decades. There is a lot of ground to make up. Hopefully the new evangelization will furthermore inspire and empower Catholics around the world—clergy and laity—to spread the Gospel message of Christ into cyberspace. However, if officials at the diocesan and parish levels refuse to venture into this world, we will lose an entire generation of people who rely on the internet and social media for news and information.

8. The Indictment of Bishop Finn

Bishop Finn | Credit: AP

On October 14th, Bishop Robert Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph was indicted by a county grand jury on the charge of failing to report the sexual abuse of a minor. The charge stems from the May arrest of a priest from the diocese, Father Shawn Ratigan, for possession of child pornography. According to several reports, diocesan officials knew Fr. Ratigan had such pictures in his possession and, rather than removing him from ministry immediately, moved him to a retreat center where he continued to have access to children. Following an independent review of its actions in regards to the Ratigan case, the diocese was found to be negligent in following its own guidelines in such cases. The review also disputed the claims made in media reports that Bishop Finn possessed any knowledge of the presence of child pornography by Father Ratigan.

Bishop Finn was able to avoid the indictment by entering into an agreement with the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office. According to the terms of the agreement, Finn must meet with the prosecutor every month for the next five years and provide details to what steps the diocese is taking to prevent sexual abuse of minors.

In a statement released after the agreement, Bishop Finn wrote: “I am grateful for this opportunity to resolve this matter and to further strengthen our diocesan commitment to the protection of children.” He added, “The children of our community must be our first priority. Each deserves no more and no less. I stand ready to do all within my power not only to satisfy this agreement but also to ensure the welfare and safety of all children under our care.”

7. Archbishop Chaput named head of Philadelphia Archdiocese

Credit: Charles Fox, Philly News

On July 19th, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Justin Cardinal Rigali and named Denver’s Archbishop Charles Chaput as the ninth archbishop of Philadelphia. The move, which had been widely speculated in the weeks prior, is being called the biggest news maker for episcopal appointments the United States has seen in years and rightfully so. In the months leading up to the appointment, the Philadelphia church had been rocked by new allegations of sexual abuse by priests and a grand jury investigation into the mishandling of abuse cases.

Dealing with difficult situations is not foreign to Archbishop Chaput. Throughout his tenure as shepherd of the Denver Archdiocese, Chaput developed the reputation of being swift, tough and no-nonsense. Based on the current situation in Philadelphia, a shepherd with this kind of reputation is what is needed. As our good friend over at Whispers in the Loggia put it, Chaput’s appointment as Philadelphia archbishop represents “nothing short of a hurricane.”

After his first few months on the job, Archbishop Chaput has already begun making quiet but substantial changes within the structure of the Archdiocese. As one person put, the place has been in bad shape for years and whatever Chaput does to change the current culture is welcome. My prayers continue for the people of Philadelphia and Archbishop Chaput.

6. World Youth Day Madrid

Credit: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe

On August 16th, World Youth Day 2011 officially kicked off its ceremonies in Madrid, Spain with an opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela. World Youth Day was started by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Since then, the event has evolved into a week-long journey of spiritual growth and a massive celebration of global Catholicism.

This year, Pope Benedict came together with several hundred thousand youth from around the world to celebrate faith. At last count, over 2 million people participated in World Youth Day activities this year, making it the third most attended in history. Among those in attendance were 14,000 priests and 800 bishops who concelebrated the closing Mass with Pope Benedict XVI

During the event, pilgrims from around the world were given a special gift from the Holy Father–the YouCat. This particular book is a small catechism that provides young adults and youth with answers to the basic questions of our Catholic faith.

The most important realization that emerged from WYD Madrid was the vision of so many young people embracing and celebrating their faith in the public square. The youth of today are not afraid of standing up for their beliefs, displaying their faith to anyone they encounter. The youth are no longer the future of the Church…the youth ARE the Church. After seeing the images from Madrid this year, we can all be filled with tremendous hope and joy because Christ is working wonders throughout the world.

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Cathedral

UPDATE: It’s almost official, guys and gals. Tomorrow, Pope Benedict XVI is expected to name Archbishop Charles Chaput as the ninth archbishop of Philadelphia. I’ll have more later. Stay tuned.

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Sometime this week, possibly as early as tomorrow, Pope Benedict XVI is expected to name a successor to Cardinal Rigali in Philadelphia. Over the last several weeks, as news of a possible replacement began to reach fever pitch, many media outlets began offering some interesting speculation as to who the Pope will appoint. Allow me to throw some names in the hat.

• Archbishop Charles Chaput (Denver): Archbishop Chaput, a Capuchin friar and the only Native American to be ordained an archbishop in the United States, has served the people of the Archdiocese of Denver since 1997. Since his appointment to the Mile High City, Chaput has become one of the most outspoken critics of Catholic politicians who support legislation which the church strongly opposes. Previous to Denver, Chaput served as bishop to Catholics in Rapid City, SD.
• Archbishop Joseph Kurtz (Louisville): Archbishop Kurtz, current Vice-President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, was named archbishop of Louisville on June 12, 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to his appointment, Kurtz served as bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville. Kurtz was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania on March 18, 1972 upon graduating from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. As the current Vice-President of the USCCB, Kurtz is poised to become president of the conference once Archbishop Dolan’s tenure comes to an end in a few years. Philadelphia would give him a rather large platform in that endeavor.

Cathedral Basilica of Peter and Paul | Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Over the past few weeks, our Catholic brothers and sisters who call Philadelphia home have literally been going through hell. As I am sure most of you are aware, news has emerged in recent weeks of sexual abuse against minors by priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

On February 10, 2011, a Philadelphia Grand Jury released a report after investigating allegations that priests and a teacher sexually abused minors. The report recommended charges be filed against those being investigated. It also called for charges against another priest for allegedly covering up the instances of sexual abuse. Furthermore, the Grand Jury advised the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to review and overhaul its procedures for assisting the victims of sexual abuse by priests and removing accused priests from ministry.

As we celebrate the Eucharist this weekend in our parishes, let us remember the Philadelphia church—Cardinal Rigali, priests, deacons, religious, laity—in our thoughts and prayers. Most especially, pray that the victims of sexual abuse may find peace and comfort. Pray for those priests who have been accused of carrying out these heinous acts, that they may realize the hurt caused by their actions and ask for forgiveness.

We pray to you, Lord,
with honest hearts, in tune with one another,
entreating you with sighs and tears,
as befits our humble position — placed, as we are,
between the spiritually weak who have no concern for you,
and the saints who stand firm and upright before you.

We pray that you may soon come to us,
leading us from darkness to light,
oppression to freedom,
misery to joy,
conflict to peace.

May you drive away the storms and tempests of our lives,
and bring gentle calm. We pray that you will care for us,
as a father cares for his children.

Amen.

–Saint Cyprian of Carthage

Below is the full text remarks made by Bishop-elect Michael Fitzgerald at this morning’s 10 a.m. press conference in Philadelphia.

Bishop-elect Fitzgerald | Source: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Praised be Jesus Christ!

With humility, joy and gratitude to God I accept the nomination of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to become an auxiliary bishop to Cardinal Justin Rigali, the Archbishop of Philadelphia. In accepting this nomination I am conscious of the great responsibility that has been entrusted to me but I am even more aware of the providence of Almighty God in calling me to the priesthood and sustaining me happily in the priesthood these past thirty years. It is in that Providence that I continue to place my trust as I answer a new call of the Church to serve the People of God as a bishop.

I thank Pope Benedict XVI for the honor of calling me to the episcopate. As he daily leads the Church in wisdom, faith and charity I pledge to him my complete fidelity and loyalty, and thank God for the gift of his selfless pastoral ministry on behalf of the whole Church and indeed, of the whole world.

I thank Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy Father to the church in the United States of America for his wise counsel and fatherly support. When he called to inform me of my nomination he told me that my life would change when I become a bishop, but that I must follow the example of the first

Source: Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Another result of this morning’s Pennsylvania double, Monsignor Michael Fitzgerald has become the newest Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The bishop-elect graduated from Temple University in 1970 and received his Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law in 1973. Fitzgerald graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1980 with a Masters in Divinity.  He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 17, 1980.

Until this morning, Bishop-elect Fitzgerald has served as the Judicial Vicar for the Archdiocese, a position he was appointed to in 2007. Previously, Fitzgerald has served as Vice-Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, a Judge on the Metropolitan Tribunal, and a member of the College of Consultors and Priests’ Personnel Board for the Philadelphia church. For a better look at Bishop-elect Fitzgerald, check out Rocco’s post. More to come after the 10 a.m. presser in Philly.