September 23, 2018

I am grateful to you for praying for the victims of sexual abuse from priests. Prayer and listening is the beginning of what we can do for all those who have been abused. May our prayer lead us to deeper conversion of the heart and greater holiness in living.

It takes great courage to speak of the unspeakable. As victims tell their story, it is important that they be acknowledged with respect for what they have come forward to say.

If there is anyone in our community who has been abused by a priest and needs to talk this through, I am willing to sit and listen. Please come to me so that I can make an appointment with you. If you know of a person who has been abused, please encourage them to talk with me or a professional who can assist them.

There is a process in our Archdiocese for listening to people who have been abused by priests. The Office of Safe Environment sent out a newsletter with the Archbishop’s letter explaining the Review Board and Advocate for people who have been abused. I can assist anyone who would like to speak with the Advocate.

The Virtus training program, that all Church employees and Church volunteers in the Archdiocese of Hartford take, is very helpful in identifying signs of abuse. I encourage all parishioners to attend a Virtus workshop even if you will not be volunteering. Knowledge of abuse is one powerful way of stopping it.

While we are not through this crisis moment in the Church, we need to listen to those who have been abused and work through this whole situation with patience, quiet prayer but directly and firmly with mercy, justice and a peaceful heart. Jesus has given us an example, may we follow his example.

As the United States Catholic Bishops face this issue over the next few months, let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit that there is greater transparency. Through this process may trust in the Catholic Church be restored.

Please feel free to talk about this with me. We will have listening sessions and information sessions as the need arises

Fr. Joe