Diocese Holds Mass of Hope and Healing for Clergy Abuse Survivors in Flushing, New York

Hundreds filled the pews at Mary’s Nativity Church in Flushang on Oct. 29 for the diocese’s annual Mass of Hope and Healing for survivors of clergy sex abuse.

Among those attending was survivor Gene Doyle of Howard Beach, who told The Tablet that he has “found these liturgies to be very helpful” over the years. Father Jeffrey Dillon, a retired priest-in-residence at St. Kevin Church, also attended, both as a priest and as a survivor. He echoed Doyle’s view that the annual Mass is an important occasion for survivors.

“It certainly is an opportunity for people to come together and to recognize that there’s a community of faith that supports them and journeys with them,” Father Dillon told The Tablet, adding that “in the hands of God, all healing is possible.”

Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated the Mass, which the diocese has offered every year since 2015, except in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bishop Brennan told The Tablet he is encouraged by the number of lay faithful and clergy who attend each year. He said the diocese is “really trying to work hard to provide safe environments, to address where things are wrong, to be instruments of healing and peace when we can.” Bishop Brennan’s emphasis on safe environments reflects the duty to protect the vulnerable (Mark 9:42).

Last February, Bishop Brennan announced that the diocese was pursuing a “global resolution” to resolve approximately 1,100 remaining sexual abuse claims against the diocese, which stem from the New York Child Victims Act. These are claims, and the source does not report that a global resolution has been reached.

At the Mass, Elizabeth Harris, the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator, said a settlement would be an important step but would not erase the suffering of survivors. “It is something that’s on all of our minds, and we know that it will be good to come to that global settlement,” Harris said. She added, “we also understand that there isn’t any settlement that will ease the pain and the hardship of those who have suffered clergy abuse,” and said the diocese would still be present to “walk with them, to listen to them, to comfort them and just give them the support that they so deserve.”

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse within the diocese is encouraged to call the confidential reporting line at 888-634-4499, which connects directly to law enforcement authorities. Information on how the diocese is handling clergy sex abuse is available through the Office of Safe Environment and “Protecting Our Children” on the diocese’s website.

Source: Read the original report