"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

Evangelist Special Hope & Healing Edition

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

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)
• 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