Archdiocese holds Mass Oct. 17 for sex abuse survivors

The Archdiocese of Chicago will host a Mass for Hope and Healing at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago.

The Mass, sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Assistance Ministry, is celebrated for the ongoing healing of child and youth sexual abuse survivors, their families and the church. Mike Hoffman and Jim Richter, both victims-survivors, will give witness on behalf of survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

Attendees will include clergy, victims-survivors, family members of survivors, Catholic school leadership and many others committed to the protection and safety of children. The Rev. Ronald Hicks, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, will be the main celebrant.

The Office for Assistance Ministry works to provide pastoral care, support and resources to victims-survivors of clerical sexual abuse and their loved ones in their efforts to achieve psychological, emotional and spiritual healing. The office was first established by the Archdiocese in 1992 to respond to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy.

For more information, visit the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth website, www.archchicago.org/departments/protection/protection.shtm, or the Healing Garden website, www.healinggardenchicago.org.