By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/23/04)

When getting off the metro at McPherson Square, there are signs pointing toward the White House, the investment building and other significant locations. Although the Catholic Information Center isn’t listed, it is part of that D.C. neighborhood that thrives on government, business, law and the economy. The center, maintained by priests of the Prelature of Opus Dei since 1993, has been a special place for Catholics for many years.

Father William H. Stetson succeeds Father C. John McCloskey, the director for the past six years. He takes command at a time when the center is expanding and changing.

Father McCloskey was responsible for moving the center to its current location. Before Father McCloskey stepped down, Father Stetson helped with spiritual direction and worked as acting director.

Father Stetson has been a member of Opus Dei for 48 years and a priest for 42. He has had a number of pastoral assignments, including teaching at the Opus Dei-run University of Navarra in Spain, vicar of Opus Dei in Chicago, and consultant and secretary to the Ecclesiastical Delegate of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith for the Pastoral Provision for former Episcopal priests. He has been in the Washington area for the past four years as chaplain of the Heights School in Potomac, Md.

As the third Opus Dei priest to take charge of the center Father Stetson hopes to build on the foundation of his predecessors.

On Oct. 1, the center will open its online bookstore. Also, the center will begin a young professionals’ outreach program. Father Stetson hopes to invite representatives from the archdiocesan organizations, such as the Propagation of the Faith or vocations, to come celebrate the noon Mass and be available to present information and literature.

There are now three other priests who help by hearing confessions, celebrating Mass or helping with spiritual direction.

"The numbers of people receiving spiritual direction have gone up because of the availability of these priests," he said.

"We are the Catholic presence in the world of government and law and economy," Father Stetson said. This is done through the St. Josemaría Escrivá Chapel and through its well-stocked book store.

"We are a presence for commuter people," Father Stetson said, admitting that many of the people they serve are part of the dioceses of Arlington and Baltimore.

"People come here to deepen their Catholic faith in order to face the challenges of their work," Father Stetson said. The center’s main outreach is to working professionals.

"The priests of Opus Dei are particularly well-prepared to be involved in this work," said Father Stetson. "The whole message of Opus Dei is bringing the fullness of the Catholic faith to bear on a person’s work."

Opus Dei priests have all attended college and done some professional work before entering the priesthood. Father Stetson graduated from Harvard College and Law School.

The center’s other apostolate is promoting its books.

"Reading has made many saints," Father Stetson said. He hopes to expand the Spanish selection for the many Spanish-speaking professionals.

"Our collection entirely supports fidelity to the magisterium," said Katie Smith, head of sales. "We don’t want to lead anyone astray in any way." Smith said that customers appreciate that the salespeople have a love for the material and are not just after their money.

"It is a business and spiritual enterprise," she said.

The center is a busy place with many people coming in and out on a given day. The Knights of Columbus Potomac Council holds meetings there. The center regularly sponsors book signings for authors and seminars on topics such as "Theology of the Body" and "Love and Responsibility."

"We are making a greater effort, and we’re very busy," Father Stetson said.

Along with Catholics who come to get plugged into a Catholic world, the center also receives many Christians open to learning more about the Church.

According to Smith, there are several types of people the center attracts. The first type is the group of Catholics who are already practicing their faith and are excited to see the chapel and the priests on hand.

The second group consists of those who have fallen away from the faith. They come with questions and are interested to learn that their misgivings about the Church are unfounded.

"They usually find the Church far more compelling and attractive," Smith said.

Thirdly are the people who are not Catholic but are willing to learn more about the faith. They ask questions about the rosary, Opus Dei, the saints and teachings of the Church.

"Most people who come in are open," Smith said. "There is a childlike edge to them. They are not combative."

"What we have is the grace of God through Mass and sacrament of reconciliation, and we have the truth of the teachings of the Church and Christian faith through readings, seminars and lectures," said Father Stetson. All that boils down to the proclamation of the Word and the reception of the sacraments, he said.