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Introduction – Thank you for coming this evening as we gather to pray first and foremost for victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse. If anyone should feel the need to talk to someone ______________ is available at the back of the church. Clergy sexual abuse is not a problem that is happening out there in the United States, Chile, Germany and Ireland. It has touched our own churches here in Canada, here in Saskatchewan and here in the Archdiocese of Regina.
So, let us begin by lighting the Paschal Candle, a symbol of Christ, our light in the darkness. May we continue to seek the light.
Lighting of Paschal Candle –
Opening Prayer – As we face the ugly realities of clergy sexual abuse in the church , we come before you, O God, with all our fears, anger, and shame. May the anguished cries of the victims/survivors break open our hearts so that this very pain creates in us a more compassionate heart. Give us the wisdom and energy to respond to this horrific abuse of power with humility, facing the truth with justice and love and tender mercy. Amen.
Song – Let the Healing Begin – Michael J. Poirier
Reading Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners
Reflection – Leader: We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. How can we as church bring good news to those who have suffered the affliction of clergy sexual abuse? (Pause)
For the times we have ignored the pain or added to the despair of a victim …
All: Lord forgive us
Leader: How can we help bind the wounds of the broken-hearted? (pause)
For the times we have added to the pain of those who are hurting by our words or actions or inactions …
All: Lord forgive us
Leader: How can I help free those who feel chained and bound by the abuse they have suffered at the hands of the church? (pause)
For the times that I have intentionally or unintentionally added to the chains that bind the victim/survivor …
All: Lord forgive us
Psalm 142 – (A Psalm for Survivors)
With my own voice I cry to the LORD;
with my own voice I beseech the LORD.
Before him I pour out my complaint,
tell of my distress in front of him.
Refrain: The Lord heals the broken-hearted
When my spirit is faint within me,
you know my path.
As I go along this path,
they have hidden a trap for me.
I look to my right hand to see
that there is no one willing to acknowledge me.
Refrain: The Lord heals the broken-hearted
My escape has perished;
no one cares for me.
I cry out to you, LORD,
I say, You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
Refrain: The Lord heals the broken-hearted
Listen to my cry for help,
for I am brought very low.
Rescue me from my pursuers,
for they are too strong for me.
Lead my soul from prison,
That I may give thanks to your name.
Then the righteous shall gather around me
because you have been good to me.
Refrain: The Lord heals the broken-hearted
Song – You Are Mine – David Haas
Silent Prayer – We will take 5 minutes for silent prayer for victims, for their family and friends, for abusers and for those who have protected the abusers at the expense of the victims, and for our Church and for ourselves as we respond to this time of challenge.
Prayers of Petition –
Prayer – Almighty and most loving God, through your Son you brought compassion, healing and hope to our world. In this time of pain and confusion, we ask you to receive these petitions from your people. In these words we renew our faith in your power to heal victims, to heal the wounds of your Church, and to draw all of us into a new era of safety and trust. We need you. We trust you. We place our needs before you:
For those who have been abused: that they may experience healing from shame, isolation, anger, and despair; that they may be listened to with compassion, treated with dignity, and supported in the healing process. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For those who counsel victims: That their words of wisdom and compassion may be instruments of healing for those they accompany. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For the perpetrators of abuse: That they may experience sincere remorse for their crimes, approach God with sorrow, and be prepared to make reparation for the damage they have caused. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For those who failed to protect children, those who, in any way, betrayed the trust placed in them: May they humbly acknowledge their responsibility for harm done to children. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For the faithful who are angry, scandalized, discouraged: That they may come to recognize the real presence of Christ in His Church despite the tragic failures of Church members and leaders. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For our priests: that they may be protected from discouragement and that they may experience a renewal of authentic priestly identity, intimate union with Christ, joyful zeal for souls, liberating chastity, and humble charity. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For our bishops: That they make take initiatives which: protect the flock entrusted to their care, restore trust, are transparent and free of self-interest, and unite the flock with the Heart of the Shepherd. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For all professionals in the news media and communications: That they may adhere to the highest ethical standards, seeking the truth as they bring to light the extent of this scandal and the ways the Church is responding. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For those who know the terror and pain of violence and abuse, and for those who have acted violently and abusively. We pray ,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
For those who came seeking healing in your church, and found more pain. We pray,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
Concluding Prayer (Prayer for Victims from Abuse by the USCCB)
(Everyone Together)
God of endless love,
Ever caring, ever strong,
Always present, always just;
You gave your only Son
To save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
Join to your own suffering
The pain of all who have been hurt
In body, mind, and spirit
By those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear our cries as we agonize
Over the harm done
To our brothers and sisters.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers,
Soothe restless hearts with hope,
Steady shaken spirits with faith.
Show us the way to justice and wholeness,
Enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
Heal your people’s wounds
And transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
So that we may act with justice
And find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Announcements – Thank you for coming tonight. Coffee and juice will be available in the hall after the closing hymn for anyone who would like to stay for awhile.
Closing Hymn – Prayer of St. Francis – CBW II 699
