The church needs our young people. But we elders cannot nurture them in the faith if we repel them.

The bishops of Virginia's two Catholic dioceses said in a joint statement Oct. 24 that they wanted to assure Catholics in the state and the public "we are cooperating with the attorney general's office."

The archdiocese also is reeling from news earlier in October that the pope accepted the resignation of its leader, Cardinal Wuerl, who has been under fire after a mixed report on his handling of abuse cases.

During a synod of South American bishops next year, the question of ordaining married men of proven virtue is expected to figure on the agenda.

Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the papal household, will direct the Ignatian style retreat, the U.S.C.C.B. announced Oct. 23.

Sexual orientation by itself is irrelevant to child sexual abuse. The risk factors include impulse control problems and substance abuse, and offenders take advantage of situations in which they are trusted.