Interview with Bishop-Elect Listecki

Q: What are one or two things that Catholics or anyone should know about you?

A: First thing is, what you see is what you get. I don't have hidden agendas. I am pretty straightforward and honest. Because I believe we are in this wonderful aspect of church together, we share in the joys and we share in the struggles.
The second thing is that I am committed to the church's teaching. I'm very convinced that if we follow what the church offers and what the church says, that we would be better individuals and a better society.

Q: Catholic bishops said Feb.18 that over the last year they received 1,092 new allegations of sexual abuse against at least 756 Catholic priests and deacons. None of the allegations occurred in the Diocese of La Crosse. The La Crosse diocese has not "fully implemented a 'safe environment' education program," according to the audit, but a program has been chosen and is scheduled to be in place by May. What is your plan to start the education program?

A: We will review what has been done before. And we will also take a look at what we can do to make sure that a safe environment program is instilled, so people do feel safe about their children. It's really a tragedy what's happened in society and the church. When I say that, I mean that there are larger questions of not only looking at clergy but beyond that to look at how we can create environments for children to be safe, to be children. I will review what's gone on before and those things that we can implement, I certainly will do that.

Q: In 2002, Bishop Raymond Burke directed Catholic parishes not to participate in the annual Crop Walk event because Church World Service, which organizes the event, finances family-planning services in developing nations and distributes condoms in AIDS-ravaged Africa. Catholic parishes in the Wausau area adapted by holding parallel events, but will Catholics in this diocese be able to participate in the Crop Walk event?

A: When you talk about supporting something, if it's ambiguous for what it represents and what it is doing, I don't think the church can send a mixed message - it upholds one thing and then supports something different. So, I think (Burke's directive) was a wonderful thing for the clarity of it. But I do believe that (Burke's directive) doesn't exempt you from doing a charitable act. (all emnphasis mine)

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