The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) met in Baltimore November 12-14 during their annual meeting. They chose to dispense with their regular agenda to focus on the clergy abuse scandal that continues to plague the Catholic Church in the United States. Immediately before the annual meeting began, the Vatican asked the USCCB to discuss the problem, but to hold off on voting on proactive steps to address it until a worldwide meeting of Catholic Church leadership this winter where the issue will be addressed. Below are statements and articles that have come out of the USCCB's annual meeting.
Opening Address by Cardinal DiNardo
Survivors of clergy child sex abuse tell U.S. bishops of rejection, pain
Statements and Articles
If One Member Suffers, We All Suffer Together With It ; Letter from Pope Francis
U.S.C.C.B. Chairman Response to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports ; United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Church Sex Abuse Crisis: What You Need to Know ; News and articles on the clergy abuse crisis compiled by America Magazine
The Darkness of Scandal and the Light of Christ ; Leah Murphy, LifeTeen
Dear Catholic Bishops: This is Not The Time to Play Defense ; Katie Prejean McGrady, America Magazine
Bishop Frank Caggiano's Statement on Crisis to his Diocese ; NFCYM Episcopal Advisor, Diocese of Bridgeport
The Virtues of Catholic Anger ; Fr. James Martin, S.J.
Youth Ministry: Addressing the Sad Reality of Sexual Abuse ; Center for Parent / Youth Understanding
Grieving with You: On the Clergy Abuse and What We Can Do ; Blessed is She
U.S.C.C.B. National Review Board Calls for Lay Leadership Amid Sexual Abuse Crisis ; United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Pastoral Resources in Response to Sexual Abuse ; Diocese of Grand Rapids
Address to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Reports ; Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension Press, Video
Why Remain Catholic? (with so much scandal) ; Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video
Q&A about the Sexual Abuse Crisis ; Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire, Video
Talking with Children and Teens
Courageous Conversations to Have About the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis ; Dr. Dobie Moser and Dr. Sean Reynolds (Mustard Seed
Consultants) to assist in processing the crisis with small groups.
Having Critical Conversations on the Church Sexual Abuse Crisis ; a Facebook Live recording with Dr. Dobie Moser and Roy Petitfils.
Talking To Young People About the Scandals in the Catholic Church ; Roy Petitfils, LPC offers tips for parents, teachers and ministers on
how to discuss the recent scandals in the Catholic Church with young people, Video
Defend Innocence ; Age appropriate information to share with children & teens
The Clerical Sex Abuse Scandal: What Parents Can Do & How to Talk to Your Kids ; Jerry Windley-Daoust, Peanut Butter and Grace
Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse and Cover Up ; Lily Hannann, Life Teen
How to talk to children about the Church sex abuse scandal – Catholic World Report
www.catholicworldreport.com
http://www.catechist.com/parents-talking-children-church-scandal/
For Parents: Talking to Children about the Church Scandal - CATECHIST Magazine
https://www.catholicnh.org/assets/Documents/Child-Safety/Articles-Parents/Brochure-TalkingwithChild.pdf
At the beginning of September, SJTW held a listening session for parishioners to come together and express their concerns about the recent news of reports of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and how it was dealt with in the church.
We began the evening by praying in song We Sing for Those Whose Song is Silent. Barry Shay, SJTW staff member and parishioner, led the open forum of the evening giving those present an opportunity to share honestly from the heart. We heard voices of frustration, concern, irritation and sadness. We heard voices of anger, confusion and discouragement. But we also heard voices of reassurance, resilience, and conviction of faith.
People truly listened to each other respectfully and thoughtfully. Even those who did not speak, were able to listen to others and understand how others are feeling.
During the break halfway through the evening, people were given the opportunity to talk with one another one on one, pray alone, or pray with healing prayer ministers who were present and available. Throughout the evening, people voiced thankfulness of being given the opportunity to come together to express their thoughts, but also concern of what to do going forward.
St. Joseph the Worker is committed to continue the conversations and move forward with action.
We will communicate with the larger community about upcoming opportunities to gather information and express concerns.
We will share resources to allow people to start a conversation with children, family members and friends.
We will publish where letters can be sent, if individuals would like to do so.
We will work on a letter from the parish at large. A group of 5-6 parishioners have shown an interest in composing a letter to send to church leaders with our concerns, frustrations and call to action.
We will work with and support anyone coming to us looking for resources or help.
We will continue to be dedicated to safe environment training for all our staff and volunteers.
We will invite people to come to the next Restorative Justice Healing Circle on Oct 23 at SJTW.
We held a training for Healing Circle keepers on Sept 25 lead by Dr. Mark Umbriet from the U of M Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking.
Our hope is that some healing circles will be created after October 23rd with some of the circle keepers leading them.
This listening session was a first step in helping us all support and listen to each other.