LISTENING, LEARNING, LOVING, LEADING

An update on the work of the diocesan Hope and Healing Committee

The Diocese of Albany recognized National Child Abuse Prevention month — designated annually in April — with a window display and pinwheels in the front yard of the Pastoral Center, all the work of Ann Marie Carswell, process coordinator for Diocesan Review Board and Assistance Office and a member of the Hope and Healing Committee, and Erin Muir, associate director for the Office for Discipleship Formation. In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel reminds us of the joy and playfulness of childhood, something all children deserve. (Mike Matvey photos)

Every so often there’s a song that seems to play nonstop in my mind, and sometimes it’s good enough to play nonstop in my car too. Most recently, it’s been an old Methodist hymn called “He Leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought” with the refrain going:

“He leadeth me, he leadeth me;

by his own hand he leadeth me:

his faithful follower I would be,

for by his hand he leadeth me.”

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reflect on how God is leading us, our Diocese, to continue to help heal those who have been harmed by abuse, continue to increase our prevention and protection measures, and continue to listen and learn from those who willingly share their stories with us.

The Hope and Healing Committee of the Diocese of Albany is active and growing. In light of April’s theme, this article details the work of the committee over the past year, our recent efforts, and the direction of where we’re headed next.

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

Each time we gather for Mass, we know that there are people in the congregation who have experienced abuse and the effects of abuse. Knowing this and with the goal of preaching the healing power of Christ, the committee facilitated Hope and Healing Masses across the Diocese, one in each geographic vicariate. These were regularly scheduled weekend Masses with a homily on the healing presence of Christ and mental health professionals available after Mass. Committee members and the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator offered diocesan and local resources to help people who may have experienced abuse in their life.

And what happened? We heard from people who were hurting, and we reached out with an invitation for them to share. The committee meets at least once a month and many of our meetings are solely devoted to listening and learning as people share their stories. Many of our conversations are summarized and published on our website with permission of the contributors.

WHERE WE ARE NOW?

Our meetings continue to prioritize listening to those who have endured abuse, and we remain in contact with those who have shared with us before. And since the first round of Hope and Healing Masses has concluded, efforts are underway to continue these in each vicariate. The committee has presented at several vicariate meetings to share our progress and listen to what is needed from parish communities. We have recognized the need to expand the committee to include representatives from each vicariate to facilitate more local efforts.

WHERE WE ARE GOING?

To answer this question, my mind goes back to that refrain: “He leadeth me.” The Lord has placed people in our path who help to guide the future directions of these initiatives. From our vicariate meetings, we’ve learned that priests and parish leaders are looking for assistance with various topics of abuse. From listening to survivors share, we’ve learned about what they would like to see in future Hope and Healing Masses, so we’re paying close attention to preaching, resources and follow-up with parishes. We’re continuing to recognize the far-reaching impacts of abuse on all members of the Church, including people in the pews, those who may have left the pews, our clergy and our seminarians.

WHY?

I’m reminded of a phrase written by a survivor: “When you meet one survivor, you’ve met one survivor.” Each person has a unique story. Although there may be similarities in situations, each person is affected in a different way. I would encourage everyone reading this article to visit our Listening and Learning webpage to learn more about what survivors have shared with us: www.rcda.org/offices/safe-environment/survivors

I would like to personally apologize to anyone who has experienced harm from abuse and its effects. You should not have had to endure that. I would also like to personally thank those who have shared with our committee. I admire your courage and honesty, and there is always an open invitation for anyone to share their story with us and help us to learn.

As members of the Body of Christ united in faith, we all experience, in our own way, the pain of abuse, and we are all responsible for helping to heal. Just as Christ’s wounds were visible after the resurrection, the wounds of the Church are still visible and it takes each person to listen, learn, love and lead. The Lord does indeed lead us, so let us be followers of our loving God and treat every month as abuse prevention month and treat every person with the respect, care, dignity and love that they deserve. Thank you.

Father Matthew Duclos is a parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar, St. Matthew’s in Voorheesville, St. Lucy/St. Berna­dette in Altamont, and Christ the King in Guilderland. He serves on the diocesan Hope and Healing Committee and is involved with national and international safeguarding initiatives.