The Valley Catholic October 8, 2019 | Page 2

2 IN THE DIOCESE October 8, 2019 | The Valley Catholic Statement from Bishop Oscar Cantú Regarding Presentation High School Announcement Presentation High School is an independent Catholic School for girls, which is sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and gov- erned by a board of directors. I commend the decision by Holly Elkins, the new school President, and its Board of Directors, to conduct an external investigation of historic reports of sexual misconduct and abuse that occurred and the handling of all such allegations. I hope this action will support victims, survivors, their families, and the Presentation High School community in taking the next step on the path of accountability, transparency, recovery, and wholeness. September 26, 2019 Dear Pres Family, During the past three months I have spent a good deal of time listening to many of you and learning about what makes our Pres family and this school so special. At the same time, I have also heard disturbing stories about past reports of sexual abuse and misconduct and learned of many unresolved questions that have divided our community the past two years. These reports of abuse and misconduct are very upsetting. As such, today I am writing to let you know that the Board of Directors and I have unanimously made the decision to launch an external investigation into any past reports of sexual abuse and misconduct and the handling of such allegations throughout the history of the school. While this is difficult to communicate, it is vitally important that we have a complete and accurate understanding of any employee misconduct that may have occurred in the past so that we can ensure this doesn't happen again and so we may best support and protect every former, current, and future member of this community. We are deeply sorry that any student was ever victimized during her time at Presentation and stand in support with all survivors of sexual abuse and misconduct. During this trying time, we hold all of our sisters in prayer and pray for healing for the survivors, their families, and friends. We apologize for the pain and divide these events have caused our entire community. We have retained a team of trained investigators led by Deborah Maddux from Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into any reports of sexual abuse or misconduct by any Pres employee against any student throughout the history of the school. Deborah is a founding partner of Van Dermyden Maddux, a firm specializing in investigations into allegations of misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Deborah's team specializes in conducting workplace and Title IX campus investigations and has decades of experience with similar matters for K-12 and higher education institutions throughout California. The firm has no direct connections with Presentation and has not been engaged by the school previously. Deborah will be assisted by Senior Associate Jennifer Doughty and Associate Lauren Becker. You can learn more about the firm and the investigative team on the firm's website, www.vmlawcorp.com. We encourage anyone who may have experienced, is aware of, or who may have any relevant information regarding any alleged sexual misconduct by any faculty or staff member to contact the investigators directly. You can leave a message for the investigators on a dedicated hotline number they set up exclusively for the Pres community at [phone], or you can send an email to Anne Maas, the Firm's Investigation Coordinator, at [email protected]. We want to assure everyone that upholding confidentiality will be a high priority. There may be instances where certain information must be shared, however, we will carefully assess these issues as the investigation The Valley Catholic Publisher Bishop Oscar Cantú Executive Editor and Communications Director Liz Sullivan [email protected] Business Manager Rosie Zepeda [email protected] Production Manager Yesenia Cabrera Hall [email protected] 1150 N. First Street, Suite 100, San José, CA 95112-4966 [phone] PHONE | [phone] FAX [email protected] | tvc.dsj.org The Valley Catholic (ISSN 8750-6238) is published for the Diocese of San José, 19 times a year: twice monthly except in August, December, and January (when one issue is published). The Valley Catholic is not published in July. Periodical postage paid at San José, CA and additional mailing offices. The Valley Catholic is dated and mailed to all registered households in the Diocese of San José. Subscriptions: $25 per year within Santa Clara County; $35 per year outside Santa Clara County Postmaster: Send address changes to: Diocese of San José, 1150 North First Street, Suite 100, San José, CA 95112-4966 Opinions, quotes, and views appearing in The Valley Catholic do not necessarily reflect those of The Valley Catholic and do not represent an endorsement by The Valley Catholic. Acceptance of advertising for publication in The Valley Catholic does not constitute approval or endorsement by The Valley Catholic. Address all letters, news releases, advertising inquiries, circulation, and/or subscription requests to The Valley Catholic at the address listed above, or e-mail at [email protected]. Appointments of Bishop Oscar Cantú October 7-9 Subcommittee Meetings of the International & Domestic Justice and Peace/Human Develop- ment, USCCB, Washington DC. 10 Thurs, 10:30 a.m., Annual Priest Retreat Mass, Jesuit Center, Los Altos. Thurs, 5 p.m., Inauguration Mass, Rev. Kevin O’Brien, S.J. Mission Church, Santa Clara University. 11 Fri, 11 a.m., Presidential Inauguration, Rev. Kevin O’Brien, S.J., Santa Clara University. Fri, 6 p.m., Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial, Dinner for priests, Christ the King Parish, San José. 12 Sat, 9:30 a.m., Mass & Reception, Members of the Society of St. Joseph Legacy, SCCCF, Holy Cross Parish, San José. Sat, 6 p.m., “Men in Black” Benefit Dinner, Legionaries of Christ, San José. 13 Sun, 11:30 a.m., Sunday Mass & Feast Day, Santa Teresa Parish, San José. Sun, 5 p.m., Pastor’s Installation Mass, Rev. Jeff Joven Fernandez, Queen of Apostles Church, San José. 14-19 Ecclesia in America Symposium, JP II Exhortation, Theologians’ Presentations at Pontifícia Uni- versidad, Católica do Rio de Janeiro em Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 20 Sun, 9 a.m., Mass in Spanish, MFCC, Holy Cross Parish, San José. Sun, 1 p.m., Reception for Women and Men Religious, San José. Sun, 6 p.m., Dinner benefiting St. Nicholas School, Los Altos Hills. 21 Mon, 9 & 10:30 a.m., Internal Office Meetings, Diocesan Offices, San José. Mon, 1:30, 3 & 4 p.m., Internal Office Meetings, Diocesan Offices, San José. Mon, 7 p.m., Healing Mass (from OPCVA), St. Martin of Tours Parish, San José. 22 Tues, 9 a.m., Internal Office Meetings, Diocesan Offices, San José. Tues, 11 a.m., Parish Day Mass & Lunch, Presentation High School, San José. Tues, 1 p.m., Retired Priests Roundtable meeting, Chancery Offices, San José. Tues, 3 p.m., Catholic Cemeteries Board meeting, Los Altos. Tues, 5:30 p.m., Legacy Donors Reception, Monte Sereno. Spiritual Autobiography Group – John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua October 10 @ 7 p.m. - November 7 @ 8:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish, 13716 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga. John Henry Cardinal Newman is probably the most influential Catholic theologian between the Reformation and Vatican II. Join Sacred Heart’s Spiritual Autobiography Group as we delve into his defense of his conversion from Anglicanism to Catholicism and learn about his vision for the Church. Sessions will take place at Sacred Heart, Saratoga in the Parish Center on alternating Thursdays (October 10; October 24; November 7) in the morning (10-11:30 a.m.) and the evening (7-8:30 p.m.). For more information, visit http://parish.sacredheartsaratoga.org. Rosary Lunch and Faith Talk: Confession October 11 @ 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Santa Maria Hall, 2211 Shamrock Drive, Campbell. Father Andrew C. Nguyen will lead the Rosary for the unborn and present a faith talk on Confession. Lunch will be served by the Knights of Columbus. There is no charge to attend but seating is limited. To reserve your seat contact [phone], [email protected] or visit https://rosarylunchoctober11.eventbrite.com. Evening with Mary October 11 @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Saint Elizabeth Parish, 750 Sequoia Drive, Milpitas. Theme: “Mary, Model of the Servant of the Lord.” All Are Invited: Please invite your family and friends to join us. Let’s Celebrate together. Celebrating a Life “Planning a Liturgy” October 12 @ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Saint Nicholas Parish, 473 Lincoln Avenue, Los Altos. Learn the basic elements of planning a funeral or memorial Mass for yourself and your loved ones. We’ll consider scripture, song, and liturgical elements that celebrate the unique life of each person. A worship aid template and basic resource guides will be provided. For more information, visit www.catholiccemeteriesdsj.org. Growing Your Faith – Women’s Cursillo Weekend October 17 - October 20, Saint Christopher Parish, 2278 Booksin, San José. A great opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus happens this October. Consider going on a Cursillo weekend. Described as a short course on Christianity, Cursillo combines prayer, learnings, heartfelt talks, good food, and fun. Father Chris Bennett is the Spiritual Advisor for the San José Diocese and will be attending the Women’s Weekend. Leaders and speakers have a passion for the Faith. For more information, Contact Jeff and Irene Jacobs at [phone]. Deadline for the November 5, 2019 edition of The Valley Catholic is Friday, October 18, noon. Please submit to: [email protected]. ADDRESS CORRECTIONS To make corrections to your subscription, email us at: [email protected] Or cut out and mail to: The Valley Catholic 1150 N. First Street, Suite 100 San José, CA 95112 Questions? Call [phone] Please correct my name Please correct my address We are receiving two copies. Please cancel this subscription. Please cancel this subscription.