Diocese of Altoona-johnstown Holds Second of Three Prayer Services for Healing

By Sara Small
WJAC
May 17, 2016

http://wjactv.com/news/local/diocese-of-altoona-johnstown-holds-second-of-three-prayer-services-for-healing

The faithful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown gathered Tuesday night to continue the process of healing.

This is the second of three prayer services the Diocese is holding to pray for victims of child sexual abuse at the hands of religious leaders.

Victims, as well as their families, attended the service at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.

"There are no words to express the sorrow and the hurt for those who have been harmed in our church," says Tony DeGol, Diocese spokesman.

While there are few words that may help in the healing process, Bishop Mark Bartchak is trying to assure the faithful.

He apologized again Tuesday to the victims of sexual abuse by clergymen of the church.

More than 50 people gathered for the service to begin the process of healing and commitment to helping those abused by religious leaders.

"Hopefully people walk away from these [services] feeling a little more comforted, a little more reassured in knowing the church is there to help victims and will continue to be there to help victims," says DeGol.

The service Tuesday garnered attention from protesters, specifically those with victim advocacy groups who call the prayer services "a publicity stunt."

"Not all of us are here to fight the church," says Pam Erdely, supporter of child abuse victims. "But we do want to get our message across to the parishioners. There's two sides to the story here."

County-wide counselors were on hand at the church as well as priests to talk with those who are victims or those who may be struggling with the findings of the Grand Jury report into the Diocese.

While these services are meant to help victims and their families, advocates question the church and why they're doing this now.

"It's just another ploy from the church to brainwash the parishioners," says Erdely.

"This is a genuine effort on the part of the bishop and many of our faithful to come together for prayer and healing," assures DeGol. "The bishop is committed to the protection of all children in the Diocese."

The third and final prayer service is on Thursday at Our Lady Victory parish in State College. The parish is on Westerly Parkway and it begins at 7 p.m.