WHAT WOULD JOHN XXIII DO?
According to an article in the Californian, a Salinas-based newspaper, a Monterey diocese-based ministry, called the Pope John XXIII AIDS ministry, passes out every month 14,000 clean needles as well as “sex kits,” including lubricants and condoms. The website for the ministry states that it is dedicated to providing housing services and emotional support for those infected with HIV/AIDS. When asked by the Faith if the ministry has the support of the diocese of Monterey, Katherine Thoeni, executive director for the ministry, responded that although Bishop Sylvester Ryan seems committed to helping those suffering with HIV/AIDS, he has not explicitly endorsed the group. The diocese, however, seems to give at least tacit approval to the ministry by listing in the calendar section of the diocesan newspaper, The Observer, a John XXIII AIDS Ministry event (a deadline to turn in food baskets). When asked why the ministry is named after Pope John XXIII, Katherine Thoeni responded that the pope
