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	SNAP Group Gathers to Discuss Abuse By Kim Norvell St. Joseph News-Press June 16, 2011 http://www.newspressnow.com/localnews/28266313/detail.html A national group reached out to St. Joseph parishioners Thursday to offer support for those affected by a former local priest who was recently charged with child pornography. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priest (SNAP) held a confidential meeting Thursday evening at the East Hills Library in order to lend a hand to victims of clergy sex crimes as well as those who are simply looking for someone to speak to. About 20 local Catholics attended to share their feelings on the case against the Rev. Shawn F. Ratigan and the subsequent response by Bishop Robert Finn and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. “I just came to hear how others were reacting to the whole situation,” a local parishioner, who wished to remain anonymous, said. Rev. Ratigan was charged in May in Clay County with three counts of possessing child pornography. He was the parochial administrator for both St. Mary Church in St. Joseph and St. Joseph Mission in Easton, Mo., from July 2005 to June 2009. He also worked at Bishop LeBlond High School. While both the court case and the diocese are located in Kansas City, SNAP’s director said it is important to reach out to all parishioners and potential victims who feel betrayed or confused by the case against Rev. Ratigan. “There was a lot of hurt, a lot of concern. There were lots of questions about the bishop’s role in this and why he didn’t come clean and act sooner,” said David Clohessy, executive director of SNAP. He said there were a lot of questions on how parishioners could ensure clergy crimes like these don’t occur again as well as how they could help hold any wrongdoers responsible. “We strongly and repeatedly beg people to call authorities — police and prosecutors — with any information or suspicions no matter how small or secondhand or seemingly insufficient,” Mr. Clohessy said. “It’s our job as citizens to provide information and it’s their job as law enforcement to decide what’s relevant.” He also suggested that parishioners remember the Parable of the Lost Sheep — to reach out to others who may feel lost or who may be suffering in silence and offer their support and love. More SNAP support group meetings will be held in St. Joseph while the Rev. Ratigan case is ongoing. To receive information regarding SNAP or to speak to someone anonymously, contact Mr. Clohessy at (314) 566-9790 or SNAPclohessy@aol.com. Kim Norvell can be reached at kim.norvell@newspressnow.com
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