This 5:30 mass on December 27th will focus on supporting survivors and preventing future abuse.  The mass is on the anniversary of the ‘Holy Innocents.’  The mass will last about an hour and there will be a mixer/ activity in the parish hall afterwards.  The survivor cross will be brought in by a survivor and then handed to a parishioner and the priest to symbolize that survivors are bringing the scandal/ reality of clergy abuse forward and will be joined/ supported by others.  The cross will be placed in a stand in front (on the altar).  After the homily (which will address survivors’ need for support and our collective responsibility for healing), four individuals representing: survivors, betrayed/ disillusioned Catholics, denying bishops, non-abusing clergy, and an empty chair representing abusing clergy will surround the survivors’ cross.  The congregation will offer blessings/ healing prayers for the group.  The music for the liturgy will focus on healing. 

After the mass, the survivors’ cross will be taken to the parish hall, where everyone can gather and mingle.  After a time for enjoying finger foods, those who wish to participate in a focused discussion (‘How have you been affected by the clergy abuse scandal?’ ‘How are you feeling now?’ ‘What will you do to help?’)  Those who wish to show support will be invited to pick up a stone (representing whatever that person is carrying and has been a weight) and take it to the foot of the survivors’ cross, showing solidarity and making it clear to others that s/he is committing to taking some kind of action to promote transparency/ accountability/ healing.

Please join us for this very special liturgy. 

Dr. Jaime J. Romo
(760) 519- 0823