Wanted priest still in Philippines - Archbishop 'exasperated'

8/21/2015 1:13:00 PM el Fr. Ysrael Bien blesses a student during a 2013 school Mass at St. Francis Parish in Sherwood. The Archbishop's letter August 20, 2015 Dear Friends in Christ, I was as shocked and stunned, as I’m sure many of you were, when I found out Tuesday (August 18) that Sherwood Police had issued an arrest warrant for Fr. Ysrael Bien. Until the news of the arrest warrant, the Archdiocese’s only information from the Sherwood Police was that there was an ongoing investigation. We only learned about the specific charges when the arrest warrant was issued. Subsequent news reports have added disturbing details. It is gravely troubling to find out that one of our priests has been charged with criminal misconduct. To our knowledge, the police have not identified anyone who may have been recorded on the hidden camera. Certainly anyone in the parish or school community who has any information to help investigators should contact Sherwood Police Detective Debbie Smith at 503-925-7117. The Archdiocese and the parish owe a debt of gratitude to the young man and his family who discovered the hidden camera and were persistent in ensuring it was investigated by police. We are also grateful for the diligence of the Sherwood Police department. When I placed Fr. Bien on administrative leave, he told me that he would be living with a priest friend in Portland. It was not until July 29 that officials at the Archdiocese first became aware that Fr. Bien was in the Philippines. On August 6, I wrote to Fr. Bien and asked him to return to Portland as soon as possible to be present in Portland pending the resolution of the investigation in which he was involved. Fr. Bien declined my request, citing reasons of his own health and well-being should he return. In an August 13 follow-up letter, I urged Fr. Bien to reconsider his decision, directed him to return, and assured him that whatever would be helpful to his health and well-being would be made available to him here. To date Fr. Bien has not responded. Fr. Bien’s lengthy absence from the Archdiocese without my permission is violation of canon (church) law. Police investigators placed no restrictions on Fr. Bien’s activities, nor did they ask for his passport so far as we know. In fact, the police made public statements that Fr. Bien was not a suspect. I'm as exasperated as you are that Fr. Bien is not here to answer the very serious allegations he faces. I share your frustration that the nature of the investigation meant that the parish community and the Archdiocese had precious little information about its progress. Some have asked whether Father Bien remains an active priest. The simple answer is no. When Fr. Bien was placed on administrative leave it meant he may not function in a ministerial role. Whether Fr. Bien returns to Oregon or not, a canonical proceeding will take place, the results of which will determine what his ultimate status will be with the Archdiocese and the Holy See. We will continue to provide updates to the parish and school community when new information is available to us. In the meantime, I hold you in my prayers at this difficult time. The strength of the parish and its school is evident in the community’s willingness to address these unsettling circumstances openly. I appreciate your support of Fr. James Herrera, Principal Kim Fadden and the rest of the school and parish staff. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample Archbishop of Portland in Oregon Ed Langlois Of the Catholic Sentinel Archbishop Alexander Sample on Thursday sent a two-page letter updating members of St. Francis Parish on the case of a priest being sought by Sherwood Police. In the letter, the archbishop said the Archdiocese of Portland and the parish in Sherwood owe “a debt of gratitude” to a teen boy who discovered a spy camera in a bathroom used by altar servers, and to the boy’s family, who diligently made sure police knew about the incident. Records uncovered by the Oregonian showed that Father Ysrael Bien purchased the $295 camera, which was disguised as an electrical outlet. Archbishop Sample says he was “shocked and stunned” when he heard the warrant had been issued. Until that time, police had told the archdiocese only that there was “an ongoing investigation.” Father Bien, 34, has been charged with invasion of privacy, tampering with evidence and initiating a false report — all misdemeanors. Without telling anyone, Father Bien returned to his native Philippines in June and has stayed, despite repeated requests by Archbishop Sample that he return to Oregon. When the archbishop placed the priest on administrative leave in June for failing to report the camera discovery promptly, Father Bien said he would be living with a priest friend at Holy Family Parish in Southeast Portland. The archdiocese did not become aware that Father Bien had left for the Philippines until July 29. Legal authorities had put no restrictions on Father Bien’s movement and had made public statements that the priest was not a suspect, the archbishop said. On Aug. 6, the archbishop wrote to Father Bien, asking him to return to be part of the pending investigation. The priest declined, saying for his health and well-being he would stay with family. In an Aug. 13 follow-up letter, Archbishop Sample said whatever the priest needed for health and well-being would be offered to him in Portland. So far, Father Bien has not responded. The archbishop noted that the priest’s long absence without permission is a violation of church law. “I’m as exasperated as you that Father Bien is not here to answer the very serious allegations he faces,” Archbishop Sample wrote. “I share your frustration that the nature of the investigation meant that the parish community and the Archdiocese had precious little information about its progress.” While he is on administrative leave, Father Bien cannot function in a ministerial role, the archbishop wrote. Whether the priest returns to Oregon or not, a canonical proceeding will determine his status. The archbishop said he will continue to provide updates to the parish and school community.

Arrest warrant issued for priest

Until judge's action, Fr. Ysrael Bien was not listed as official suspect in spy camera case Fr. Ysrael Bien   Ed Langlois Of the Catholic Sentinel SHERWOOD — Police now say Father Ysrael Bien, on administrative leave from his role as pastor of St. Francis Parish in Sherwood, purchased a spy camera later found in a church bathroom. Records uncovered by the Oregonian newspaper show the 34-year-old priest logged onto a spy gear website in March to buy the $295 camera, which was disguised as an electrical outlet. A Washington County judge on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Father Bien on charges of invasion of privacy, tampering with evidence and initiating a false report — all misdemeanors. “It is gravely troubling to find out that one of our priests has been charged with criminal misconduct, but we appreciate the diligence of the Sherwood Police Department in pursuing its investigation of the incident,” says Archbishop Alexander Sample. “We will continue to cooperate with authorities in the resolution of this matter. Our prayers are with parishioners of Saint Francis Church, Sherwood, and all who have been affected.” Meanwhile, Father Bien has left the country to visit family in The Philippines. Archdiocese of Portland officials did not know Father Bien was departing until after the fact. Archbishop Alexander Sample has sent emails to Father Bien, asking him to return. Father Bien answered an initial email saying that it seems best for him now to be with family. Father Bien so far has not responded to a second request from the archbishop. Before the warrant issued Tuesday, Sherwood Police never listed Father Bien as an official suspect and did not seize his passport. David Renshaw, communications director for the archdiocese, says that after the camera was found, the archdiocese followed all child protection protocol. The archdiocese also operated with the guidance of Sherwood Police regarding progress in the case and Father Bien’s status. “When we discovered something we let people know,” Renshaw said. A teen boy discovered the camera last spring and brought it to the priest. The camera disappeared and Father Bien never went to the police, though he promised the boy and his family he would. The family later notified police about the situation.

#PPSellsBabyParts PLANNED PARENTHOOD ABORTED BABY’S HEART STILL BEATING IN LATE-TERM ORGAN HARVESTING CASE

August 19, 2015

Human Capital – Episode 3: Planned Parenthood’s Custom Abortions for Superior Product

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

#PPSellsBabyParts PLANNED PARENTHOOD ABORTED BABY’S HEART STILL BEATING IN LATE-TERM ORGAN HARVESTING CASE

Whistleblower Who Harvested Aborted Baby Parts Inside Planned Parenthood Clinics for StemExpress Describes “Most Difficult Experience I Had There” In Latest Documentary Episode

Contact: Peter Robbio, probbio@crcpublicrelations.com, 703.683.5004

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19–The third episode in a new documentary web series and 7th video on Planned Parenthood’s supply of aborted fetal tissue tells a former procurement technician’s harrowing story of harvesting an intact brain from a late-term male fetus whose heart was still beating after the abortion.

The “Human Capital” documentary web series, produced by The Center for Medical Progress, integrates expert interviews, eyewitness accounts, and real-life undercover interactions to explore different themes within Planned Parenthood’s sale of aborted fetal tissue. Episode 3, “Planned Parenthood’s Custom Abortions for Superior Product,” launches today at: 

 http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/2015/08/human-capital-episode-3-planned-parenthoods-custom-abortions-for-superior-product/

The series focuses on the personal narrative of Holly O’Donnell, a former Blood and Tissue Procurement Technician for StemExpress, a biotech start-up that until last week was partnered with two large northern California Planned Parenthood affiliates to purchase their aborted fetus parts and resell them for scientific experimentation.

O’Donnell describes the harvesting, or “procurement,” of organs from a nearly intact late-term fetus aborted at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte’s Alameda clinic in San Jose, CA. “‘I want to see something kind of cool,’” O’Donnell says her supervisor asked her. “And she just taps the heart, and it starts beating. And I’m sitting here and I’m looking at this fetus, and its heart is beating, and I don’t know what to think.”

The San Jose Planned Parenthood does abortions up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Referring to the beating heart of the aborted fetus, O’Donnell remarks, “I don’t know if that constitutes it’s technically dead, or it’s alive.”

State and federal law require that the same treatment be given to an infant born-alive after an abortion as to a normally delivered baby (1 U.S.C. 8, CA Health and Safety Code 123435). California law also prohibits any kind of experimentation on a fetus with a discernible heartbeat (CA Health and Safety Code 123440). StemExpress has been cited in published scientific literature as a source of fetal hearts used for Langendorff perfusion, which keeps a heart beating after it is excised from the body: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2015/730683/

O’Donnell also tells how her StemExpress supervisor instructed her to cut through the face of the fetus in order to get the brain. “She gave me the scissors and told me that I had to cut down the middle of the face. I can’t even describe what that feels like,” she says.

The video also features recordings of Dr. Ben Van Handel, the Executive Director of Novogenix Laboratories, LLC, and also of Perrin Larton, Procurement Manager of Advanced Bioscience Resources, Inc. (ABR). Novogenix is the company that has harvested fetal organs from abortions done by Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s Senior Director of Medical Services, Dr. Deborah Nucatola, in Los Angeles, while ABR is the oldest fetal tissue procurement company and works with Planned Parenthood in San Diego and other clinics around the country. Van Handel admits, “There are times when after the procedure is done that the heart actually is still beating,” and Larton describes abortions she has seen where “the fetus was already in the vaginal canal whenever we put her in the stirrups, it just fell out.”

CMP’s Project Lead David Daleiden notes, “Today’s video contains heartrending admissions about the absolute barbarism of Planned Parenthood’s abortion practice and baby parts sales in which fetuses are sometimes delivered intact and alive. Planned Parenthood is a criminal organization from the top down and should be immediately stripped of taxpayer funding and prosecuted for their atrocities against humanity.”

#5 - Intact Fetuses "Just a Matter of Line Items" for Planned Parenthood TX M...

Archdiocese of Portland is looking for a Director of Catechesis and Faith Formation

   

 O God, who made Saint Thomas Aquinas outstanding in his zeal for holiness and his study of sacred doctrine, grant us, we pray, that we may understand what he taught and imitate what he accomplished. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.






From Catholic Jobs On Line

The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon is searching for a qualified director for its Catechesis and Faith Formation Office. The Director is responsible for promoting and enhancing catechesis and faith formation at the parish and diocesan levels. The successful candidate will embrace the teachings of and be faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. The director will be a resource for and excel in supporting, training and forming catechetical and faith formation leaders in the Archdiocese of Portland.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES:

• Assists the archbishop in his role as chief catechist of the archdiocese.

• In consultation with the archbishop, develops and implements a vision and plan for catechesis and faith formation that is centered on the Person of Jesus Christ and faithful to the teachings of the Church.

• Assists parishes in developing and implementing catechesis and faith formation programs for all ages that build a solid foundation for mature spirituality, genuine Christian living, fruitful ministry and generous outreach.

• Assists and supports parishes with sacramental preparation programs.

• Develops, implements and provides ongoing training, education and formation for religious educators, catechists, and faith formation staff.

• Collaborates with other pastoral offices to provide catechetical resources, training and instruction that will serve the faithful.

• Plans and organizes an annual in-service for directors of religious education.

• Plans and organizes an annual catechetical conference.

• Reviews and recommends catechetical materials and formation programs for use in the archdiocese.

• Advises pastors and catechetical staff on the training of parish catechetical leaders and volunteers. Recommends ways of implementing the principles of catechesis in parish programs. Provides resources upon request. Serves as a resource for clergy, religious education, sacramental preparation, RCIA, and faith formation leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Theology and a minimum of 6-8 years' experience as a parish Director of Religious Education or Faith Formation, including service on diocesan committees; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the required work and responsibilities.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Catholic catechesis and faith formation, including the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

• Thorough knowledge of Catholic ecclesial life and structure, along with knowledge of church organizational and operational procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally (including oral presentations) and in writing; able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, parishes, schools, vendors, and the general public.

• Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, decision-making, use of discretion, teamwork, negotiation, public relations, fostering the Church's mission, independent judgment/action, presentations/teaching, supervising, problem analysis, theological/pastoral analysis and ability to handle multiple projects/priorities.

• Proficiency with computer and basic office software.

• Practicing Catholic required; valid driver's license required.

• Bilingual Spanish strongly preferred.

For consideration, please email your resume and a cover letter detailing how you meet the above qualifications to hr@archdpdx.org with Director of Catechesis and Faith Formation in the subject line.

About the Employer

The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon is the second-oldest Archdiocese in the United States, consisting of 124 Parishes, 22 Missions, 1 Seminary, 39 Elementary Schools, 10 Secondary Schools, and 2 Universities.

Posted:	July 31, 2015	Terms:	Full Time Employee
Expires:	September 29, 2015	Experience:	5-10 years
Location:	Portland, OR	Education:	Graduate Degree
Category:	Pastoral Ministry	Base Pay:	Salary

Send applications or inquiries to: hr@archdpdx.org

Apply by Email