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Top Resources
The Pennsylvania Sex Abuse Scandal
Fr. Mike Schmitz - Ascension Presents
This talk is difficult for Fr. Mike to give, but sadly, it is also necessary. Since the Pennsylvania Report was released, practically every headline with the word “Catholic” in it has been about the report, which covers seventy years and gives accounts of three hundred priests who allegedly abused over one thousand minors. Indignation is not the main message Fr. Mike wants to express here—although he feels that too. More than anything, he wants his viewers to know that now—more than ever—we need to live virtuous and holy lives and become the saints the Church needs.
Ezekiel and the Sex Abuse Crisis
Bishop Robert Barron - Word on Fire
Fr. Barron and Word on Fire comment on subjects from modern day culture.
CCCB Resources
Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation
Entitled Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation, this document of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) was unanimously adopted by the Bishops of Canada on September 27 during their 2018 annual Plenary Assembly. Since then, Bishops have taken time to familiarize themselves with its contents and to consider with their diocesan/eparchial staff how to ensure its implementation in their dioceses/eparchies as well as how best to inform and educate clergy, members of religious communities and lay personnel.
Recommended Resources
Bishop Barron’s Resources on the Sexual Abuse Crisis
Many people have asked for resources and commentary from Bishop Barron on the recent sexual abuse scandals involving Archbishop McCarrick, the Pennsylvania grand jury report, and the recent report from Archbishop Viganò.
To address all of these scandals and suggest a way forward, Bishop Barron released a candid Q&A about the Sexual Abuse Crisis on August 27. He also wrote an article earlier in August titled “The McCarrick Mess.”
Here are four other resources he’s produced on the Church’s sex abuse scandals over the years:
Videos
- Bishop Barron on Ezekiel and the Sex Abuse Crisis
- Belief, Faith, and the Church Sex Scandal w/ Dave Rubin (starts at 21:02)
Articles
- Wise Words from the Bishop of Rome Concerning the Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal
- Biblical Wisdom for Troubled Times
More resources from Bishop Barron
National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) Youth Protection
The vast majority of those who are called to ministry or ordained for service in the church live a committed effort to follow in Christ’s footsteps. It is NFCYM’s hope that the publication and integration of these practices and policies into the life of our organization will allow us all to continue to serve as a community of faith, living the love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It is NFCYM’s expectation that each person who reads these practices and policies will accept personal responsibility for adherence to them. It is our belief that God’s goodness and grace supports this work and those called to service as our partners in ministry.
Four Courageous Conversations
Courageous conversations to have about the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis
These resources were developed by Dr. Dobie Moser and Dr. Sean Reynolds (Mustard Seed Consultants) to assist in processing the crisis with small groups
Download the guide Download the participant worksheet
Resources from Tom East and the Center for Ministry Development
How to lead and attend to the children, youth, adults, and families that we serve:
The busyness of the Fall along with extra work that may be needed could be taxing our time to stay in prayer. We need this time with the Lord in prayer more than ever. Pray for victims of abuse and their families. Pray for the perpetrators of abuse. Pray for clergy. Pray for ministry leaders. Pray for all children, youth and families who are confused and disillusioned at this time. Pray for a healing of our Church. Pray for peace.
When you are on an airplane they instruct you, that in an emergency, you should attach your oxygen mask prior to assisting others. In this situation, take time to process your feelings and concerns about the crisis and be attentive to caring for the ministry leaders that you work with. As ministry leaders, it is critical that we take care of our needs to vent but not at the expense of those with whom we minister. We cannot burden children, youth, adults, or families with our anger, frustration, or disillusionment. When we discuss, listen, and pray with our communities we can be honest about our feelings, but we need to be centered and focused on caring for those who have been entrusted to us.
People expect us as ministry leaders to be present in this moment, to acknowledge this crisis and to provide opportunities to listen and pray. This will look different with children, youth and adults. As a ministry team, take the time to think through and provide an appropriate ministry response in your setting.
Our communities expect us to model transparency as we continue to implement the policies and processes designed to keep children, youth, and adults safe in our ministries. Parents are likely to be especially cautious and will need reassurance and patient explanation of our safe environment precautions.