"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

 

A survivor has written: "when you meet one survivor, you've met one survivor."

Each victim survivor of abuse and trauma has his or her own story. The circumstances leading to abuse or trauma may have similarities, but each is unique. The path forward is also unique for each person.

This Hope & Healing page provides information about events and resources that aim to address the different needs of survivors. If you have additional ideas or resources, or if you find anything on this page problematic, we would appreciate hearing from you. And please, reach out if you need assistance accessing care: assistance.coordinator@rcda.org.

Click to read Bishop Scharfenberger's letter

Hope & Healing Masses

Once a month, a regularly scheduled parish Mass in one Vicariate (geographical region) of our Diocese will be devoted to the topic of healing from abuse and trauma. After Mass, we will have resources available for attendees, including counselors trained in abuse and trauma and information for local resources. You are invited to join us:

Next Mass: Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 at 10:30am - St Mary's Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta

Video from Previous Hope & Healing Masses

Jan 14, 2023 Mass at St John the Baptist, Valatie (Intro, Homily, Closing)

Vicariate Resources 

If you are looking for resources within your own Vicariate (geographical location), please click on the following links.

• Adirondack Vicariate (Washington, Warren, & Northern Saratoga Counties)
• Beverwyck Vicariate (Albany County) 
• Hudson Valley Vicariate (Columbia & Greene Counties) 
• Leatherstocking Vicariate (Delaware, Otsego, & Schoharie Counties)
• Mohawk Valley Vicariate (Fulton, Herkimer, & Montgomery Counties)
• Taconic Vicariate (Rensselaer & Eastern Albany Counties) 
• Twin Rivers Vicariate (Schenectady & Southern Saratoga Counties) 

Prayers & Spiritual Resources

• The Holy Rosary for the Healing of the Victims of Sexual Abuse and the Purification of the Church (Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Washington, DC)
• Stations of the Cross for Healing from Clergy Sexual Abuse (Diocese of Sacramento)
• Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse (USCCB)

• Prayers of the Faithful (USCCB)

Counseling Resources

Some people find individual and group counseling to be of great help. Please reach out to us if you would like assistance in finding a counselor:

• Diocese of Albany Consultation Center
• Frederick Jones, Assistance Coordinator
  • assistance.coordinator@rcda.org
  • (518) 453-6646

Newsletters

• Spring 2022

State & Federal Resources

• New York State Child & Protective Services

RCDA Hope and Healing Committee Members 

• Father Robert Longobucco, Vicar General, Pastor at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish 
• Ann Marie Carswell, Process Coordinator for Diocesan Review Board and Assistance Office
• Frederick Jones, Diocesan Assistance Coordinator
• Deacon Gary Riggi
• Father Matthew Duclos
• Mary Fay, Associate Director for Marriage Formation Ministry and Family Life Coordinator of Pastoral Care Ministries
• Kathy Barrans, Director of Communications