A victim-survivor from our diocese encourages support at this Mass as well, sharing the following:
"With a very grateful heart, I thank our Bishop Robert Gruss for once again placing a Mass of Atonement on the diocesan calendar. The Mass is scheduled for March 29 at 6 pm at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. It is a powerful prayer asking God to re-unite with His people. Why is this so important today? Let's go back a few years.
In the 1990's the Clergy Sexual Abuse was making news around the world. It was a time of great sorrow not only for the Catholic Church but for many denominations that were also experiencing pastor abuse. It was a time of undeserved humiliation for all faithful priests and pastors, and it was a time of confusion and anger among the people of God.
On May 15, 2020, Bishop Gruss wrote that the abuse of one child is a tragedy that cries out to heaven. Matthew 10:18 states: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
The young people who were victimized by the clergy have suffered various emotional and psychological traumas throughout their lives. Trying to understand why and how a breakdown in trust from God's representatives on earth could have happened, has left many victims uncertain and distrustful of the Church. But in our world, there are also victims of abuse that suffer from domestic abuse, from addictions, from broken families. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should not look away.
In His endless love for all His people, God gave His only Son to save us by his blood on the Cross. What love and mercy Jesus has for us. Remember that he asked us to forgive seven times seven. How much love and mercy do we have for God's people when they sin? Can we look beyond their selfishness and forgive seven times seven? Can we take our pain and our hurts to Jesus' merciful heart? The Church knows how difficult this can be, and so she offers the Mass of Atonement.
At this special Mass, Bishop Gruss will lead us in prayer. He will lay down the symbols of his episcopal ministry, and lay prostate before the altar, acknowledge our sinfulness, confessing the sins of the Church, and praying for God's mercy, forgiveness, and healing for all persons who have been hurt through abuse, and those who have hurt others. He'll ask for the grace to acknowledge our complete dependence on God.
On my journey of healing these many years, I have needed the support of my church community. Support is not just in words, but in presence. It is a smile, a handshake, a thank-you, a let me help you. Support is kneeling together, praying for one another and for healing. It is asking God for his love, mercy and forgiveness.
Come to the Mass of Atonement with me, a victim. Pray for our Bishop and faithful priests and nuns. Ask for forgiveness and healing for all who have sinned.