Dear Cardinal McCarrick:
I am writing to ask you to let Msgr. Dillard preside over my confirmation, baccalaureate service and graduation. I know that another priest can confirm me, and perform the baccalaureate service and prayer for graduation, but I want Msgr. Dillard to do it because…
…he is like a father figure to me and the 8th grade boys. Actually, he is like the only father I had. My real father lives in New York and only visits once a year. Msgr. Dillard has always been there for me when I have had problems or been upset. He has shown me many times right from wrong.
…I have been at St. Augustine School since Pre-Kindergarten and he has watched out for me for all those years. He was always kind to other who needed help. He was there when you needed someone to talk to—he was there to listen. I’ve learned valuable lessons from Msgr. Dillard. He has helped kids with problems in school and helped with doing school work, including me.
…I have known Msgr. Dillard since I came to the school nine years ago. Whenever I see Msgr. Dillard, he always finds time to speak to me and asks me how I am doing. I would be honored to have Msgr. Dillard preside over my graduation activities because he shows special concern and caring for each of the students. He encourages me to do well in school and congratulates me when I do. He notices when something is wrong with me and tries to make me feel better. At the graduation of the class of 2000, Msgr. Dillard knew something about each and every student and that made them feel special. I am hoping that he will do the same thing for me at my graduation.
…I really miss him. He has been a part of my life since I was in Pre-K. Now I’m in eighth grade and will graduate in June. I have been looking forward to having Msgr. Dillard confirm me and speak at my graduation. If it is in your power to send him back, I would like for him to be at my confirmation and to be there for me and my class at our graduation.
…Father Dillard is a faithful African-American role model to all the students here at St. Augustine Catholic School and also to other students at different schools in the District of Columbia. I think Father Dillard is the perfect person for the activities which will occur during the eighth grade graduation in June.
…Ever since [the first day of school], Msgr. Dillard always smiled and said hello when he saw me, and when he noticed that I was sad he told me everything would be ok, just pray to God. If I had a problem, I could go to Msgr. Dillard and he would help me work it out. [At the class of 2000 graduation] I noticed how Msgr. Dillard had something good to say about each student, and we wanted that for ourselves.
… he puts his heart into his work and is always willing to help us with our problems and is understanding with just about anything.
…Father Dillard makes you feel special and important. He always gives great words of encouragement and says things to make you think. Everyone else got that chance [to have him speak at graduation] and I want to have that chance too. To have Father Dillard [at graduation] is a great honor.