KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass at Savior Pastoral Center here on April 26 at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Day of Prayer in Atonement for Sexual Abuse in the Church.
All are invited to attend.
A short presentation will take place after the Mass on the topic of sexual abuse and restorative justice, including how the archdiocesan office for protection and care utilizes those principles. There will also be time for fellowship.
“We want this to be a beautiful and inspiring experience of hope,” said Melanie Savner, administrative assistant for the office for protection and care.
The purpose of the day and the Mass is for the archdiocese to publicly recognize the scourge of clergy sexual abuse, she explained.
“We want survivors to feel welcomed, respected, heard and hopeful as a result of attending this Mass,” said Savner.
“We admire the great courage survivors show when they reveal abuse,” she continued, “which they have often kept inside for decades.”
Kathleen Chastain, associate director of the office, said the healing power of prayer can make a difference.
“We hope all will join us on April 26 at the Mass of Atonement or in private prayer,” she said, “remembering those who continue to suffer, often carrying this burden secretly.”
