Thanks to Adrienne Alexander who shares the following information:
After the PA Grand Jury, I was very disappointed with the initial USCCB response, then I went Mass for the feast of the Assumption, heard essentially nothing & got quite upset. I didn’t realize how much I needed something to be said or how hurt I’d be by the silence. Fortunately I turned my pain & anger to action, and went to work organizing.
I put out a national call to action, and so far we have seven cities (also listed below) that have answered the call to hold events on Sunday, August 26. A couple more have been in conversation, and may hold events after that.
I feel very strongly that the “flock” needs to show up, and show the same old, same old isn’t ok. By gathering on the same day to say enough & support each other in this difficult time, I was hoping to create a Women’s March type of feel. As I’ve talked to folks, the words I’ve heard haven’t been condemnation, but lament, contemplation, penance, action. I think it’s important at this point to remind ourselves, Church leadership, broader society, that WE are the Church, we stand with survivors of abuse, and thereby demand more action.
Events are being held:
Saturday, August 25
Boston, MA — 4p @ Cathedral of the Holy Cross
Sunday, August 26
Chicago, IL — 1:30p @ Holy Name Cathedral
Naperville, IL — 5p @ St. Margaret Mary
Philadelphia, PA — 11:30a @ Sister Cities Park
South Bend, IN — 1p @ The Grotto, Notre Dame
St. Louis, MO — 3p @ Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Twin Cities, MN — 1p @ Cathedral of St. Paul
Washington, DC — 10:30a @ St. Matthew’s Cathedral
If you live in one of these cities, please consider attending if you can.
In any case, please pray for this effort; for all who attend; that priests will be emboldened to speak out; that the bishops will see and hear and be moved to right action; and for the whole church.
Gracious God, we pray for your holy catholic church.
Fill it with your truth;
Keep it in your peace.
Where it is corrupt, reform it.
Where it is in error, correct it.
Where it is right, defend it.
Where it is in want, provide for it.
Where it is divided, reunite it;
for the sake of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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Ahh I wish I still lived in DuPage county, I would join the Naperville event. This action is so heartening, though, and I will support y’all with my prayers.