FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2018
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org
Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org
DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO SPONSOR MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING
WITH SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE
On Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00 PM, the Diocese of Brooklyn, in partnership with survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, will hold the fourth annual Mass of Hope and Healing. The Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 150-75 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, Queens is offered for all those affected by sexual abuse. The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant.
The Mass is organized by the diocesan Office of Victim Assistance Ministry along with survivors, who have come together to pray for the ongoing healing of sexual abuse survivors, for their families, the Church, and for the continued vigilance toward the protection of children and youth.
Survivors who help organize the annual Mass are sharing their stories in a video message, encouraging others who have suffered abuse to come forward and seek support. “The abuse victims have suffered, for many, also severed their relationship with the Church,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “Through God’s grace, we have begun to restore some of these relationships. The survivors have advised us of the need for healing Masses so I hope people will join me in praying for our survivors.”
Clergy, survivors, family members of survivors, and many others committed to the protection and safety of children will be in attendance. Healing Intervention Team members will also be present for anyone wishing to learn about the services provided by the Office of Victim Assistance Ministry.
Media interested in covering the Mass must contact Carolyn Erstad at 323-384-7098 or cerstad@desalesmedia.org. There will be specific guidelines for photography and filming.
New Evangelization Television (NET TV) will broadcast the Mass for Hope and Healing LIVE. The Mass will also be LIVE streamed on www.netny.tv.
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