ARLINGTON (VA)
Catholic Herald
Herald Staff Report
(From the issue of 9/15/05)
For more than a year the Diocese of Arlington has offered programs of support and healing to those affected by clergy sexual abuse through Pat Mudd, victim assistance coordinator. Healing Masses and prayer services will continue to be offered throughout this year and into 2006. Support groups for Arlington and Fredericksburg are being developed for implementation in the fall. A minimum of six participants is recommended for the 10-week support groups to be formed.
The above healing programs are in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the Catholic bishops in 2002, which requires that dioceses reach out to victims and their families. Since June 2004, Mudd said that approximately 700 victims and their families have taken advantage of this opportunity for healing and renewal.
The diocese continues its schedule of monthly Masses to pray for the healing of sexual abuse on Saturday, Sept. 24, at St. Elizabeth Church, Colonial Beach, 11 a.m.; Thursday, Oct. 13, at St. Francis de Sales Church, Purcellville, 7:30 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 7, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Vienna, 7:30 p.m. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will preside at the Sept. 24 and Nov. 7 Masses, and Father Patrick Posey will preside on Oct. 13.