Goal1
To Support Those Who Have Been Abused
Our Goal is to support victims of sexual abuse or exploitation by a bishop, priest, deacon, nun or other vowed religious, trusted person, or lay employee of the Catholic Church, and also to support victims’ families.When people are victimized, many suffer—the victims themselves, and also, over time, their families, friends, business associates, and other Catholics who wonder how this could happen in their Church.
The experiences as victims of sexual abuse in the Church, or as family or friends or associates of victims, are as unique as the individuals themselves. What one person finds helpful in healing the pain may not help another at all.
Victim/Family Resource Group
Starting in 2006, the Twin Cities Voice of the Faithful chapter has focused energy and resources on the Victim/Family Resource Group as our primary initiative in supporting victims and those who care about them. Click here to see more details on V/FRG.We keep an open mind and a compendium of options for all to consider in finding healing and wholeness from this horrific pain, no matter how long ago it may have happened. What options are we talking about? Counseling/therapy individually or in groups, support groups, support from a caring listener, journaling, spiritual direction, prayer or healing services, legal action, reading or watching videos, or doing nothing. We are continually adding to our wisdom about the various options via input from people who have tried them. We share this wisdom and empower the victims and family to make an informed choice of what action(s) make sense or feel right to them.
Healing/Apology Services
Since 2003, we have held an annual apology service for those hurt by sex abuse in the Church, usually in November or December. They feature some readings, soothing music, face-to-face individual apologies by ordained, religious, and/or lay members of the church, and fellowship/refreshments afterward. They are not conducted in a church sanctuary, so that those in need of healing who are estranged from the church, are comfortable with the surroundings.Click here to see the text of the apology service.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome your involvement in supporting victims of sex abuse and those who care about them. We are particularly looking for those:- who have firsthand knowledge/experience working through pain and healing from abuse in the church.
- who would like to be responders to V/FRG care receivers (training is required and will be provided).
- who can organize and carry out events such as healing services or hospitality events.
- who have communications skills/expertise.
- who have professional skills pertinent to dealing with and healing the pain of sexual abuse in the church (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, substance abuse specialists, attorneys)