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

Matthew 11:28

Hope & Healing Masses

How it started: The Hope and Healing Committee set a goal in the Fall of 2022 to share a message of healing in each of the seven regional Vicariates of our Diocese. The intent was to send a message to survivors that they do no have to walk alone as they work towards healing from abuse and trauma. The first Mass was held at St Gabriel's in Rotterdam in October, 2022. We met our goal of one Mass in each Vicariate and the effort has not ended. Those healing Masses continue today, with parishioners from across the diocese now joining us in this effort.

The Hope and Healing committee was also blessed to have met survivors who have been willing to share their stories and help us to learn how we can help them on their healing journey. You can find their stories here https://www.rcda.org/offices/safe-environment/survivors

Video from Previous Hope & Healing Masses

• February 10, 2024 Mass at Corpus Christi, Round Lake (Homily)
• April 30, 2023 Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Amsterdam (Homily)
• January 14, 2023 Mass at St John the Baptist, Valatie (Intro, Homily, Closing)
• November 20, 2022 Mass at Blessed Sacrament, Bolton Landing (Homily); click here for Homily text

 

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

Thank you to all who joined us for a special performance of “Groomed”
A Survivor’s Journey of Healing and Hope

From The Evangelist Oct 24 and 31, 2024 Issue:
The Evangelist: Diocese of Albany hosts U.S. premiere of one-man play on abuse
Bishop Scharfenberger's Column: You are not alone
 

We thank all who joined us Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Siena College as our diocese hosted a special performance of "Groomed," an award-winning one-man play written and performed by Patrick Sandford, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

"Groomed" is more than just a play; it is a powerful testimony of one man's journey through the darkness of abuse and his eventual path to healing. Patrick shares his personal story, beginning with the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of a trusted teacher. Through raw and honest storytelling, he sheds light on the psychological impact of abuse and the struggle to reclaim a life beyond the trauma.

This unique performance has been featured internationally, including at the Vatican, where it was hosted by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors as part of their efforts to raise awareness about abuse and healing within the Church. Now, as part of a special tour through the Northeast, Patrick Sandford brought his story to our diocese to help open the conversation around this difficult but essential topic.

This event provided an opportunity for our community to stand in solidarity with survivors of abuse, to learn, to reflect, and to support one another in the journey towards healing. 

We are grateful to all who joined us in this important moment of awareness and outreach. Let us, together, create a space of understanding, compassion, and hope for all those who carry the burden of trauma.

For more information, please contact Noelle Marie, Diocesan Assistance Coordinator: noelle.marie@rcda.org

Further information about the play: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-11/pontifical-commission-protection-minors-groomed-play-abuse.html

Evangelist Special Hope & Healing Editions

April 18, 2024

• Bishop's Column: The wounded Body of Christ
• Listening, Learning, Loving, Leading: An update on the work of the diocesan Hope and Healing Committee
• Circle of Grace Program in Diocese educates and empowers children and young people to actively participate in safe environment

April 27, 2023

• Bishop's Column: Sacred Space "Everyone who has been hurt by the Church needs to be heard, accompanied and, dare I say, welcomed with open heart and mind."

• "Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus" At Mass, we must keep in mind that we are in the presence of survivors - Guest Column by Fr. Matt Duclos 

• HELPING TO HEAL: Meet​​​​​​ Noelle Marie, the new diocesan victim assistance coordinator

• STORIES OF SURVIVORS

  • A conversation with Charles Bailey by Kathy Barrans, Communications Director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

  • A conversation with Linda Sano by Kathy Barrans, Communications Director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

  • A conversation with Stephen Peacock by Fr. Matthew Duclos, Priest, Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

  • A conversation with Ringo Halliday by Ann Marie Carswell, Associate Director of Safe Environment, Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

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)
• Walking the Way of the Cross with Survivors (Awake Milwaukee)
• 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
• Noelle Marie, 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 

• Ann Marie Carswell, Process Coordinator for Diocesan Review Board and Assistance Office
• Noelle Marie, 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