Sr. Mlocek

January 11, 1994

PERSONAL

Sr. Frances Mlocek, IHM, CPA

Director of Finance

United States Catholic Conference

3211 4th Street N.E.

Washington, DC 20017-1194

Dear Sr. Mlocek:

Thank you for responding to my recent correspondence concerning my ongoing efforts to bring an adequate level of security to our Church's Sunday collection system.

In your letter of January 3, you indicated the matter of security for the Sunday collection system is not a topic you can or should address, as that topic "lies within the domain of local bishops and diocesan fiscal managers." While I accept your judgement as reflective of the way things are, I can't help noting how awkward it must be for you to apply the principles of your profession in and for an entity that obstinately clings to antiquated methods and organizational structures. Can you picture Sears or Pennys giving their district managers carte blanche to receive, retain and dispose of revenue in whatever manner they, as individuals, deemed appropriate and adequate?

Don't misinterpret what I'm saying, Sr. Mlocek; of all the Church officials I have interacted with over the past several years, you have definitely been the most open and responsive! That confirms my earlier observation that you're not enmeshed in "the Church's 'good 'ol boy' network." And from my vantage point, that's much to your credit and your good fortune.

I appreciate the referral information you provided. I intend to contact the named individuals before departing from the chain of command, as I truly believe efforts to obtain media interest are the court of last resort. I leave you with a follow-up to the syllogism included with my Christmas greetings.

"Jesus said to his disciples,

'Things that make people fall into sin are bound to happen,

but how terrible for the one who makes

[or knowingly allows?] them happen!'"

LUKE 17:1

Sincere thanks and best wishes,

[signed] M. W. Ryan

RESPONSE SUMMARY

Sr. Mlocek's response to the letter which preceded the above made it very clear that, between the date of her first acknowledgement and her 1/3/94 letter referred to above, one or more of her superiors had let her know that, contrary to her initial position and response, Sunday collection security is not a matter that will be dealt with nationally.