Abuse is topic of two programs

One is designed to help women survivors of sexual abuse; the other is open to men and women who find themselves struggling to deal with the abuse crisis in general and events in the Albany Diocese in particular.

On August 13 at 7 p.m., Sister Carole Davis, OP, will present "Women of Light," which she said "is designed as an evening of conversation and healing for women who have experienced sexual abuse."

Extensive media coverage of the scandal, she said, has been a constant reminder to victims of past sexual abuse. Some women have had painful memories reawakened, she noted, and find themselves dealing with feelings of betrayal, anger, disappointment and grief.

"The evening will provide a safe place for them to come together to share their feelings and gain strength from each other," she said. "Our hope is that this will provide an opportunity for truth, strength and healing."

The second program -- "A Space for Grace and Truth" -- is a series of two-hour sessions offered in the afternoon by Sister Jean Kinney, OP, and in the evening by Sister Carole.

These sessions will give the larger community an opportunity "to pray, and share their thoughts and feelings about how they are being affected by the ordeal going on in the Catholic Church," Sister Carole said.

She explained that "these sessions are for anyone that feels himself or herself affected by the sexual abuse scandal issues. Some may know victims of sexual abuse or be victims themselves. Others may be from a parish that has recently lost its pastor. These sessions are for Catholics that attend church and those that don't. It is also for those that are not Catholic and may just want to understand what has happened. It is, simply, for everyone."

An afternoon session will be held August 8, 1-3 p.m. Evening sessions are scheduled for July 29 and August 20, 7-9 p.m.

"We are hoping that one of the graces that will result [from the scandal] is that people can experience true healing, not only from priest sexual abuse in the Catholic Church but also sexual abuse from other areas of society as well," Sister Carole said.

(The Dominican Spiritual Life Center is located at 1945 Union St. in Niskayuna. The fee for "Women of Light" is $15. The community sessions are free. Call 393-4169, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. or email [email protected].)

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