Parish Resources to Assist in Providing Pastoral Care to Survivors and Parishioners
| Following the Announcement of the Attorney General Investigation On Thursday, April 22, 2021, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that State of Wisconsin Attorney General was launching an investigation of clergy sexual abuse involving Catholic dioceses and religious orders in the state of Wisconsin. As we have experienced in the past when clergy sexual abuse is brought up in headlines or news stories, the wounds of survivors and their families are again laid bare and our hearts ache for those experiencing the continued pain and trauma of abuse. As more information becomes available in the coming weeks and months regarding what this investigation will involve for our archdiocese, please know that the Safe Environment Office in collaboration with other Archdiocese of Milwaukee offices are aware that additional pastoral resources and support may be helpful to our clergy, parish staff, and pastoral volunteers as they respond to questions or feelings from parishioners or survivors. Some resources are available below in the event that you would need them in the immediate future. Please know that we encourage anyone with any concerns regarding abuse or misconduct to report those concerns to the appropriate civil authorities, or to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Stephanie Delmore, at 414-758-2232. The Department of Justice has also referenced that survivors of clergy abuse who need support can contact their Office of Crime Victim Services at 877-222-2620 from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. If there is anyone in your parish who is struggling with processing the feelings from this announcement or wishes to talk to someone, please contact Stephanie Delmore at 414-758-2232 to connect that person with resources or support. If we can help support you or your parish in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the Safe Environment Office for assistance. St. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. Suzanne NickolaiSafe Environment Program Manager 414-769-3449 nickolais@archmil.org Stephanie Delmore, MA, LPC Victim Assistance Coordinator 414-758-2232 delmores@archmil.org |
| Prayer for Victims of Abuse We would encourage our pastors, priests, and parish leadership to allow their staff and lay ministers the opportunity to discuss the feelings that the announcement may invoke. A prayer for victims of abuse has been included here for you to pray together as a staff or ministry or as an opening prayer for a group discussion or format. The USCCB Prayer for Victims of Abuse is available in English and Spanish. Sample Intercessions for Weekend Masses We would encourage each parish to acknowledge the feelings of those deeply effected by abuse, and to lift up in prayer the continued healing of our Church and survivors of abuse through the Prayers of the Faithful at this upcoming weekend’s Masses. Below are some sample intercessions for your consideration to assist you in the inclusion of these prayers in at least one of the parish’s Prayers of the Faithful. EnglishWe pray for all survivors of abuse around the world, within the church and beyond, that the healing Spirit of God move among them and within them. And that the Church – the People of God – be filled with the same healing spirit, we pray to the Lord… For the global Church, as we all strive to implement the teachings of the Holy Father in Vos Estis Lux Mundi to protect the vulnerable among us from harm, we pray to the Lord… We the church pray for its leaders, that they would practice new leadership by recognizing and repenting of sin and its consequences within the church, especially those sins which cause innocent children, families, the vulnerable and communities to suffer unjustly, we pray to the Lord… For civic leaders entrusted with upholding the common good and justice for all, that they may act in ways that show their commitment to the protection of all, we pray to the Lord… For those who have suffered abuse and their family members, that they may experience God’s profound love for them and God’s healing powers, we pray to the Lord… For those who provide help for the abused: counselors, therapists, and advocates that they may act with wisdom and compassion in their healing ministry, we pray to the Lord… For those affected by abuse in anyway, that they may have the courage to tell their story, to reach for healing, we pray to the Lord… If you feel that your parish would like an opportunity for prayer, a healing rosary via live stream may be a way for your parish community to provide spiritual and prayerful support for survivors and their families, parishioners, and our global Catholic Church. We have included a link to the USCCB Rosary Guide for Healing and Protection in English and Spanish. Resources for Clergy, Parishes, and Lay Ministers Meeting Survivors: Priests and Clergy-Abuse Survivors Speaking About Healing, Faith and Reconciliation from Healing Voices Magazine Tips for Effective Pastoral Care from Theresa Pitt-Green at SpiritFire.org Podcast from The Catholic Project Crisis: Clergy Abuse in the Catholic Church Archdiocese of Milwaukee Safe Environment Office Website Archdiocese of Milwaukee Clergy Abuse Response Website USCCB Bishop Accountability Website– Report Abuse by a Bishop USCCB Victim Assistance Coordinator Website-National List of Victim Assistance Coordinators |
Support for Individuals
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Listing of Virtual Support Groups for Survivors and Family Members