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	Healing Mass at Noon Today for Victims of Abuse By Steve Young Argus Leader December 5, 2007 http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/NEWS/712050316/1001 The Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese is holding a Mass of healing today geared to people victimized by abuse from within the church and from society in general. The service, which begins at noon at St. Joseph Cathedral, is meant to help foster spiritual, emotional and physical healing, Bishop Paul Swain said. In referencing victims of sexual abuse by priests or other people in the diocese, Swain said the church "must acknowledge our part in creating the need for this healing." In that vein, "I again offer my own apology to anyone harmed by a person in authority in the church," Swain said. "I would like to offer that apology, if possible, in person." This is the fourth or fifth time for this particular healing service, said Jerry Klein, chancellor of the diocese. It's important to continue having it because victims of abuse all have different points in their lives when they're ready for the healing process - if at all, he said. "We want to make sure that every chance we get to say 'We're sorry that happened,' that we do it with regularity and sincerity," Klein said. Today's service happens during a regular noon Mass, so those who come shouldn't worry about being identified as victims, Klein said. And it's not just meant for those who have been victimized by the church or its representatives, either, he said. Anyone who is a victim of abuse, whether by a stranger, family member of anyone else, is encouraged to attend, Klein said. The diocese has put a number of programs in place and has tried to increase sensitivity to the issue to ensure the victimization never happens again, Swain said. But through today's special Mass and prayer, the bishop hopes a healing takes place that restores hope for people and helps them to move beyond their victimization. He said he does understand that is a difficult process. "There were some priests and others in the church who violated the basic tenets of morality," the bishop said. "To accept responsibility for that is a way to help others to move on to whatever extent they can. Hopefully, what we do with this service can be part of that." Reach reporter Steve Young at 331-2306 or syoung@argusleader.com
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