Hey media; have anything to say about Catholic response to oil spill

I realize I run the risk of being called uncaring because of the comparison I'm about to make. But here goes anyway.

With the crisis growing daily in the Gulf of Mexico; as many Louisiana fishermen and others see their way of life and financial security in jeopardy, the Catholic Church is on the ground, assisting with financial support, food donations, and good old prayer and pastoral care. Catholic Charities, Second Harvesters, volunteers, Priests and other Catholic leaders have responded in typical Catholic charity. The local pastors in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish have been there to tend to their flock. The entire Archdiocese of New Orleans is uniting in lending a helping hand and sending up prayers for a quick end to the crisis.

In a revered Catholic New Orleans tradition, the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor is being invoked. Seems a little like hurricane season.

Locally, our media has reported minimally about the outreach by the local Catholic Church. Almost no mention, however, by our local radio giant. I guess this is not as exciting about going on and on about clergy sex abuse. Again, read this in context, I and no other Catholic wants to sweep anything under the proverbial rug. But it truly is open season when the Church is vulnerable but where is the media to truly report on a Church that has the ability to respond. And respond she has!

I ask in this column tonight that all reading this pray for a satisfactory outcome of this man made disaster. We must pray for those working so hard to help with the fight against the spreading oil slick. We must pray for all those fishermen and their families who have so may worries during these difficult days and weeks. And we must pray for the protection of the environment and all God's creatures in harm's way. And we certainly must continue to pray for the souls of the deceased men from the oil rig and their families and those still recovering from their injuries.

And perhaps we can add a prayer for some fairness in the local media and their overall treatment of the Catholic Church.