For Parishes
ABOUT US
Our mission is to awaken our community to the full reality of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, work for transformation, and foster healing for all who have been wounded.
We are a grassroots nonprofit organization, not sponsored by any particular parish or diocese, but we aim to work in collaboration with the entire Church to serve the people of God. We hold a deep conviction that we are the Church, the body of Christ. We believe the health of this body depends on lay and ordained Catholics working together for the good of all.
What We Do
Education
for Catholics who want to promote healing in the Church – particularly through our online Courageous Conversations series and weekly blog posts
Support
for abuse survivors through our monthly virtual Survivor Circles, and for family members of victims and survivors through ongoing discussion groups
Prayer
designed to be trauma-sensitive and welcoming to abuse survivors, like our virtual Way of the Cross with Survivors and outdoor Prayer in the Park
What We Can Offer Your Community
New: Parish Resource Kit
Are you a priest, lay minister, or engaged parishioner who wants to address abuse by Catholic leaders in a healthy and fruitful way in your community? This parish resource kit is for you! (Download here.)
Customized talks for parish missions, adult formation events, or April Safe Environment Month on topics like “What I Have Learned from Listening to Survivors” or “How To Be a Trauma-Sensitive Parish.”
A simple workshop to help staff and key volunteers be sensitive to the needs of sexual abuse survivors in your community.
Steps to make your parish more welcoming to those who have experienced religious trauma.
Opportunities for priests and lay ministers to support abuse survivors.
Way of the Cross booklet for parish use that combines the traditional Stations of the Cross with reflections from survivors.
Thoughtful prayer intentions you can use to remember survivors in the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass. (Download monthly general intercessions here.)
Tips and best practices for addressing the abuse crisis in a homily. (Download a document with our suggestions here.)
Outline for hosting a single event or four-part small group discussion on abuse by Catholic leaders. (Download here.)
Please contact Community Engagement Specialist Catherine Owers at
(414) 501-3884 or catherineowers@awakecommunity.org
if you want more information about these offerings or other opportunities for collaboration.