KANSAS CITY (KS)
The Leaven [Archdiocese of Kansas City KS]
April 4, 2025
By Moira Cullings
Leawood – When Jane walked into the Mass of Atonement at Holy Angels Church in Basehor on April 26, 2023, she had hopes for continued and deeper healing.
What she didn’t expect was the outpouring of support from the Catholic community there.
“As I sat there before Mass observing, I was moved to tears,” she said. “It became clear how important it was for the community to recognize the harm that was done so many years ago.
“For so long, there was little acknowledgment of the harm inflicted by sexual abuse by representatives of the church.”
Jane, whose name has been changed for anonymity, is a survivor of abuse by a representative of the Catholic Church.
For the third year, the archdiocese invites survivors and supporters to a public Mass of Atonement on the Annual Day of Prayer in Atonement for Sexual Abuse in the Church, celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.
This year’s Mass will be held on April 11 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood.
“This is particularly relevant because St. Michael’s duties align closely with protecting God’s people from evil and bringing the souls of men to judgment,” said Melanie Savner, client support for the archdiocesan office for protection and care (OPC).
After Mass, members of the OPC will introduce themselves and share about the office’s ministry. The evening will include refreshments and the opportunity to ask questions.
For a number of years, parishes have been asked to pray for survivors on the Day of Atonement, said Savner, and the Mass has become an important way for Archbishop Naumann and the wider community to pray for people who have been harmed.
“The people of the archdiocese are invited to offer this Mass in atonement for the sins of abuse,” she said. “We hope the survivors recognize how much we care for and support them, that each one matters to us and we, as members of the church, are remorseful for the harm done to them.”
Jane, who attended the 2023 Mass with her sister and a friend, was moved by the experience.
“Archbishop Naumann’s homily was sincere and heartfelt,” she said. “He acknowledged the abuse and that mistakes were made in how the church responded to victims.
“This acknowledgment had no strings attached.”
The OPC works to prevent abuse and care for survivors like Jane, providing individual support and resources and responding to what they believe will help atone for the harm done to them.
“It is an honor to hear their stories, build these relationships and let them know how much they matter to us,” said Savner.
“However, we think it is powerful for the larger church community to gather in support of those who may have lost trust in the Catholic Church as a sign of our compassion and care,” she added.
Some survivors lose their faith due to what was done to them, said Savner, and it may be difficult for them to enter a church.
She hopes those who are able to attend the Mass of Atonement will experience healing.
“We hope the survivors who come will leave feeling recognized, feeling the church’s remorse and are lifted up by the prayers and care from those in attendance,” said Savner.
“Should they want to disclose their abuse to any of our team, we would be honored to hear their story and offer our support,” she added.
Reach out
The OPC team encourages anyone who has experienced abuse by a representative of the Catholic Church to reach out — no matter how long ago the abuse took place.
The confidential report line is (913) 276-8703, and the victim care advocate can be reached at (913) 298-9244. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.
For more information, visit the website at: archkck.org/protection-and-care/office.