From The Pastor: 08-18-2019

​It has been a year since the Pennsylvania Attorney General issued the report on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Clergy in the state.  It was a gut-ripping experience and the Church will be affected by the revelations of crimes and cover-ups for years to come.  In our bulletin today, we have an insert from the Diocese of Harrisburg listing some of the actions it has taken to address this horrendous scandal.  Please read it and, as usual, I am always open to your thoughts and comments.  Here at Saint Joan of Arc, we have tried to address some of the issues with our town hall meetings last fall and the various adult education and prayer opportunities over the past few months.  In September, I will present the following nights of education and discussion:

• September 12 at 7 PM “Saints who have experienced sexual abuse”
• September 26 at 7 PM “Prayer as a way toward healing.”

I invite all adults to attend.  I realize that some think we are not dealing with it enough and others who wish we would stop talking about it.  All I can say is that we will continue to address the issue on a regular basis.  I would certainly invite suggestions from the parish on how to address this topic more at length and with greater depth.  May God continue to bless those who have suffered abuse in any way but especially those abused by clergy members.