Welcome to Marquette Diocese Clergy Watch
This is a lay outreach group run by victims and survivors from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette.
Bishop Alexander K. Sample is aware of this website is in no way apart of this lay outreach group. If you wish to contact the Diocese of Marquette or Bishop Alexander K. Sample, here is the link: www.dioceseofmarquette.org
Why does this site exist?
We are here to fill a much needed gap for victims and survivors of clerical rape, molestation, sodomy, abuse of power and authority, and other misconduct issues. We are here to offer a place to find healing, hope, information and solidarity. Sexual abuse by those whom have ministered places a huge burden on victims, their families, and friends. We hope that this site will give you some hope and a sense of peace.
You may have come here by accident while looking for information on how to report an incident of abuse to the Diocese of Marquette and its outreach personnel and volunteers.
You may have been looking for a way to report suspected abuse to Bishop Alexander K. Sampledirectly.
You may be here because years ago you reported abuse to the Diocese of Marquette.
You may be here to check on the status of an alleged offender who was removed and/or restricted from ministry and you are wondering of you were the "only one".
You may be here to reach out and share you story.
You may be here because you are currently working on confronting the devastating effects of abuse.
You may be here because you are currently in the diocesan complaint process.
You may be here because you are currently being abused.
You may be here because you are witnessing suspected abuse right now in a parish or school in the Diocese of Marquette.
There are many reasons.
Please, let us share with you that all situations are normal. We are glad that you are here.
Is clerical sexual abuse still happening in the priesthood? I thought the problem was "over with"?
It's not. If you thought that the priesthood has purged this problem during the formation process, that is not so. The fact is that the formation process is not perfect. The Diocese of Marquette is aware that the best screening processes, sadly, can never stop future abuse.
I am a victim/survivor? Can you help me?
We can get in touch with the police and excellent advocacy professionals that are there to help you and have had experience in dealing with clerical sex abuse and abuse of ministry with the Diocese of Marquette. If you are still a practicing Catholic, we can support you as you maintain your contact with the faith community. If you are no longer a practicing Catholic, or you have left the Church, you will be supported in all ways regardless of that departure. In fact, you will find good support from very caring people. Our most important goal is to let you know that healing is possible. We have learned that the journey towards healing is often times made easier by people who have also had to travel this very lonely road.
Most of all, we will listen.
We care deeply about what has happened to you...because it does happen. We know this.
For further information:
Kelly Mathews
906-362-2602
Where else can you go for more information: SNAP
