Church

Tim grew up Catholic, which means at least two things. One, you can guilt him into doing just about anything, and two, he's got a lot of stories to tell. 

Most noteworthy is the story he told in 2006 about his personal involvement with the Church priest sex-abuse scandal. Tim's columns during that period gained him a lot attention and a couple of writing awards. But he didn't write them to get noticed. He wrote them because he was so fed up with church leaders' failed stewardship of an instutution that has had an overwhelmingly positive effect on his life and that of his family.

Four hundred people--including many of you--wrote and e-mailed Tim their messages of support. Tim's columns helped cement pubic opinion against Bishop Joseph Imesch's failed leadership of the Joliet church, and he's proud of them.

Tim's years in Catholic school gave him a great education and a set of friends he's known since the first grade. They also gave him a talent--singing and playing piano and organ--that has been one of his life's great blessings. For more than 25 years, he's played, sang and directed choirs at various churches in the Joliet area. He's performed at more than a few of your families' weddings, funerals and other gatherings.

Despite the influence of a few bad seeds in Tim's youth and teenage church experience, he's been blessed to know some great priests, sisters and, above all, fellow church members who do great things in this community and on this earth. His perspective on the church is born out of respect for those people, even when the institution has fallen short.

Here are some of Tim's columns about his experience growing up--and being--a Catholic.

Prey For A Sinner-- Bishop's failure to acknowlege a priest's involvement in sexual abuse causes Tim to break his silence. Winner of the 2007 Peter Lisagor Award for column writing.

A Call For Imesch To Leave. Now-- The feedback from Tim's column depicts a church community that's fed up.

The People Speak About Abuse-- A selction of the e-mails and messages Tim received.

In the End, Imesch's Failure A Matter of Trust-- On Imesch's final day, a look at the damage he left behind.

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Blame It On Bernadette-- An old movie can convince you Mary is everywhere!

Missing Sr. Football--The closing of the Motherhouse causes Tim remember a nun who wasn't a big football fan.

Father McPeter Confronts the Potty Parade-- The "wee" ones are driving Father to the brink.

Finding God's Voice-- A priest has an uncomfortable confession to make from the altar.

What Would Jesus Do?-- We've all heard the saying "WWJD." But if Jesus were here, what would he really do?