Letters
July 2, 2007
Sexual abuse happens.
When it happens to our family members, we pick them up and care for them.
As a family, we would never want to ignore their pain, harm or terror. We would lend our ways and means towards compassionate healing.
It would take a family to respond not only to the victim, but also the perpetrator.
What then is our parish family to do when sexual abuse happens in our houses of worship?
We would respond as a faith family, lending our strength to help comfort those who have been harmed.
Let's be a faith family.
Victims/Survivors in Marquette wish to meet at St. Peter's Cathedral two times a year for spiritual outreach with and for other survivors.
They seek qualified health professionals and healing participants to assist with outreach modeling.
They seek financial support by the diocese for proper media notices, materials, and assistance in the formation and start of such an outreach group.
They seek direct participation by parish boards to address diocesan needs.
They seek to contact other victims/survivors of abuse by church authority figures in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette.
They seek a place in the diocese for outreach ministry.
—What can you do as a lay parish family member?
- Ask your parish leaders to place a survivor of church authority sexual abuse in a leadership outreach role.
- Ask that this member act compassionately through Catholic Social Teachings when assisting other victims/survivors and the needs of the parish.
- Ask your parish to be a welcoming place for Survivor Outreach Ministry to grow and develop.
- Pray for our leaders and each other.
- Send prayerful encouragement to Bishop Sample to help sustain him when dealing with this issue.
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette
Let us help one another and do what is asked by Our Lord Jesus Christ—to love one another!
God bless our parish families!
Contact 906-362-2602.
June 29, 2007
Parish Families of Marquette, specifically St. Michael, St. Peter, St. Marys, and Campus Ministry
Directed to adult women in our parish communities and all parish leaders:
If you have any information related to abusive priestly ministry by Fr. Roy Joseph, please contact Detective Steve Snowaert, Marquette Police Department, 906-228-0400.
Fr. Roy Joseph served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette from June 2005 until his removal in June 2006 by Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, for sexual exploitation of an adult female. Two adult females victims are now confirmed.
Please, contact Detective Steve Snowaert, Marquette Police Department, 906-228-0400.
Your information will help create a better picture of his priestly ministry and abusive behavior.
Pray for all of our Priests, Deacons, Religious and Lay leaders at this time.
It is not "scandal" to speak openly. It is abuse. Please pray for one another.
This information is provided as a public victim/survivor outreach service provided by Marquette Diocese Clergy Watch and is not endorsed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette or Bishop Alexander K. Sample.
Gospel Reflection: The Beatitudes www.interviewwithgod.com/beatitudes/.
