Marek Bozek to Propose Deal to Archbishop Burke?

St. Louis (AP) -- The priest at a Roman Catholic parish involved in a long-running dispute with the St. Louis archdiocese will propose a plan of reconciliation at a meeting next week.

Actually, it cannot be called a "Roman Catholic" parish - it lost that privilege when the parish was supressed.

But because the meeting was called as Archbishop Raymond Burke has begun the process of defrocking the Rev. Marek Bozek, it's unclear if church leadership will consider Bozek's ideas. Bozek plans to release details of his proposal after his meeting at archdiocesan headquarters Tuesdsay morning. Bozek wasn't certain if he would meet with Burke or a representative of the archbishop....

Numerous proposals have been advanced and the Archbishop has been mnore than generous with the parish which has rejected every offer and accomodation. What can Bozek offer? Repentrance and a return to his diocese and bishop? Isn't that the first step? Anything less would be rewarding his obstinbance and disobedience both to retiring Bishop Leibrecht and to Archbishop Burke.

Bozek said he will offer a brief prayer before the meeting, and asked supporters to come and pray the rosary outside the archdiocesan headquarters while he's inside.

Staging a "prayer vigil" outside the chancery? Is this not yet another sign that there is problem with this man? Why do they not have a prayer vigil at St Stanislaus during this time? Could it be that there would not be sufficient media attention given to the "event?"

In an e-mail to supporters, he wrote: "It will give me strength of spirit to know that you are praying for me right there, just outside the windows, while I face my accusers."

While he faces "his accusers?" Sure, he shifts the blame like many children do when caught with their hands in the cookie jar. It is his own actions and words which convict him. But rather than face the consequences for his own words and deeds, he looks for sympathy and support for his own misdeeds. Sad...

Bozek hopes his situation will encourage Catholics who disagree with the positions of church leadership to speak up.

His scandalous and schismatic rebellion only encourages others, including some Catholics, to share in this rebellion and defiance. It becomes a source of disunity, a furthering of an unnecessary scandal.