{"id":35364,"date":"2024-04-11T09:53:09","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T13:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/?p=35364"},"modified":"2024-04-11T09:53:15","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T13:53:15","slug":"the-dioceses-desire-to-bring-healing-and-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/pt-pt\/bishops-blog\/the-dioceses-desire-to-bring-healing-and-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"The Diocese\u2019s Desire to Bring Healing and Hope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Every April, child and youth-serving organizations \u2014 including many Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools \u2014 participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month to highlight the importance of protecting minors from abuse. These efforts are part of the ongoing work of dioceses nationwide to carry out the U.S. bishops\u2019 \u201cCharter for the Protection of Children and Young People.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although I\u2019ve shared these words from Carolyn Shipp, who serves as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese, before, I believe they bear repeating, \u201cThe scourge of clergy sexual abuse has deeply wounded so many people in our Church. It has touched every diocese worldwide and continues to affect us all \u2014 laity and clergy \u2014 in significant ways. While no single statement or event can make up for the painful abuse of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters, as believers, we know that in Christ\u2019s suffering, death, and Resurrection, we find hope beyond measure as we move towards a brighter future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nothing is more important than the welfare of all members of our diocesan community, especially anyone who has been harmed or impacted by abuse in any way. To all survivors of child sexual abuse, I am deeply sorry. We, as a Church, failed when you were most vulnerable. I firmly resolve to do all we can to help you heal, make certain we are accountable, and protect our children so that no other child suffers as you have. Please know the Diocese of Fall River remains committed to resolving these matters in as fair and as transparent a process as possible and to ensuring the safety of all youth and vulnerable adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Committed to Being Part of the Solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Diocese of Fall River stands firm in its commitment to report abuse to law enforcement and cooperate with investigations. If you have been abused by someone representing the Church (priest, deacon, religious, employee, or volunteer), we are sorry. We are here to listen and support you. You can report an incident of abuse by contacting local law enforcement directly and by contacting Diocesan Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance <\/a>– Carolyn Shipp at 508-985-6508 (confidential voicemail) or cshipp@dioc-fr.org. Carolyn can assist you in making a report and support you through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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