The Need for Healing in the Church

If you have been keeping up with the news, you know that the Catholic Church has been embroiled in a sex abuse scandal. From the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury findings to the revelations about former Cardinal McCarrick to the publishing of Archbishop Vigano’s letter, the news has been horrifying to receive. 

At St. Joseph Church, we too have had a strong reaction to each new report. The revelations of abuse and cover up have raised a lot of questions and emotions within our community: How could this happen? Who knew about it? When did they know about it? What does this mean for us? We have felt disgusted, dissappointed, and frustrated. 

With so much information and reaction swirling around this issue, it is important that we allow for clear, brave, and faithful voices to be heard. To that end, we have gathered some resources that we think are helpful for processing and reflecting on the current abuse crisis.

We know this page is an imperfect answer and won’t heal the hurt caused by this betrayal of trust. However, we do trust in God’s work and in God’s ability to turn even the worst brokenness into goodness and holiness through the healing power of the cross.

Links and Resources: 
Cardinal Cupich: In Response to the May 2023 Illinois Attorney General Report

Cardinal Cupich: How can we end clerical sex abuse and purify the church?

Pope Appoints First Woman to Managerial Position in Secretariat of State.

New information from the Pope on dealing with reports of abuse and the sacrament of reconciliation.

Learn about what St. Joseph Church does to keep youth and vulnerable adults safe.

Listen to Fr. John Kartje's homily at a healing service at St. Joseph Church.

Listen to a Q&A with Bishop Robert Barron about the abuse crisis and faith.

Read Katie Prejean McGrady's open letter to her fellow Catholics.

Read a letter from Cardinal Cupich on Archdiocese commitment to reform.

Learn about the Safe Environment Office and its commitment to cooperation with civil authorities.

Francis' draft of curial reform fundamentally reimagines Vatican's role

Leading clergy-abuse expert addresses impact of the crisis on global Catholic Church.