Sister Agnes Burrows said study groups have been formed in different deaneries, as a result of a recommendation of the pastoral plan of the Diocese of Antigonish.

Burrows said in Glace Bay, about 23 people are meeting at Holy Cross Church Mondays at 7 p.m.

Other groups are being held in Antigonish, Sydney and North Sydney.

“We’re going to have six sessions. We finished three and will have three more to go.”

She said the sessions include a facilitated study of the book: Healing the Church:  Diagnosing and Treating the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis.

Burrows said the sessions are all about rebuilding trust and hope:

"Many have been affected in some way by this sexual abuse and sense of betrayal," she said.

This workbook helps groups who want to understand how this crisis occurred.

Burrows said participants have an opportunity to talk about the lessons learned from the sexual abuse scandal, who they are as church, and the need for continued dialogue between clergy and laity.

"Hopefully the sessions - in the midst of a loving and supportive community - will guide participants as they move forward in their journey through anger, pain and breach of trust, a journey from brokenness to healing," she said.

"Included with the monthly Holy Hours to pray for the gifts of healing, renewal and reconciliation, these sessions are part of our preparation for the Diocesan Reconciliation Service on Pentecost Sunday in June."