Sept. 23 to Sr. Helen- Clarification

----- Original Message -----

From: Edward&Wynette Sills

To: Helen Timothy

Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 1:37 PM

Subject: Re: The Diocese

Thank you very much for your note. It is so greatly appreciated. First, however, very respectfully, I must correct your understanding of this situation. After no response from Loretto to my email, I contacted [name withheld; family friend who also works at the Diocese], privately, at her home phone number, for what I fully intended to be a confidential, off the record conversation, hoping to get her advice on what a parent should do in a situation so grave. We ended that conversation with several options discussed, but in agreement that I would wait a little longer, praying that you were working on the issue and would contact me soon. However, on Wednesday morning, she, without my knowledge or consent, presented the details to the diocese.

This is very unfortunate and yes, I am surprised and even disappointed in her breech of confidentiality. However, the blame and responsibility does not rest with me or [family friend's name withheld] or the Diocese, but squarely rests upon Loretto. Surely, anyone can make a hiring mistake; I know we have had several hiring regrets in our own business. However, once such convincing evidence is presented, then we each have a second chance to do the right thing. As a parent all I needed was some indication that you had received the information and were concerned enough to investigate, but rather I received only silence until I took the initiative, called and spoke with Sister Barbara. I have already sent you her words, which were not at all reassuring.

I know this must be a very, very difficult and delicate situation, but I ask you to put yourself in my position for one moment and discern what you would have done....

Please believe me, Sister Helen, I do not mean to be a problem for you or Loretto. Despite this occurence, we still want our daughter at Loretto High School, the best college prepatory instituation in the region, and hope that our current eight grade daughter will have the same Loretto opportunities. I am very saddened by this entire incident and wish it had never happened, but at this point can only hope that we as a community of shared faith and values can find a timely solution, see God strengthening us by this experience, and be ready to move on.

I am so glad you are back on campus and truly trust that you will do what is best for all involved. Again, I sincerely thank you for your note. That is all I needed and now trustingly put the issue in your hands.