LETTER TO THE BISHOP

Dear Bishop:

     I am writing this letter to you concerning a disturbing problem which has recently come to my attention.  I realize you are engulfed with the many problems in running the Diocese of Orange, but I feel I must discuss this problem with you.

     My name is Margaret Zapala, and I have been a resident of Orange County since l960.  My four sons were enrolled in St. Anthony Claret Parish school many years ago, in the l960's.  One of them, Eric Zapala, was a member of a boys choir that was stationed at St. Anthonys. Father Richard Coughlin was the director of the choir. The choir was named the All American Boys Chorus, I believe.

My son Eric went on a European trip with the boys choir.

     At the time, I felt that my son had the unique opportunity to see Europe under the tutelage of a knowledgeable choir director.  He was approximately ten years old at the time.  He left the choir a short time later, and went on to high school, college and graduate school.

     Now I have been given information that Father Coughlin had molested some of the boys in his choir on this European trip.

     You can hardly image what devastating information this is to a parent.  My husband and I tried our best to raise our children, give them a Catholic background, as we had received, and a respect for authority.

      My husband, Ray Zapala, died last September, not knowing of this disastrous situation, for which I thank God.  He had been suffering from cancer for seven years, and this added burden would have lead to more suffering and grief.

      However, while I am trying to cope with my loss, I have the added burden of dealing with the information that my son was exposed to this child molester at a very vulnerable period of his life.  Eric has been in therapy for several months now.

      It appears to me that your path in this regard is also very difficult.  I would ask that you do the following:

      l. Confront Father Coughlin with this information

      2. Have some apology and healing and  reparation made by Father Coughlin to these unfortunate boys, who have been living with this burden of shame and guilt for many years.  This has affected their relationships with their parents, their siblings, their friends, their spouses, and, most significant of all, their future children.

      3. See that Father Coughlin gets treatment for his problem, and put in a situation where it would not come up again.  His continuing position as a choir leader would not help his problem, and has devastating potential.

      May I ask your consideration and prayers on the matters in this letter.  At a future time, I would like to discuss the matter with you in person, and what steps will be taken.

     May God guide you.

                                      Sincerely,

                                      Margaret M. Zapala