March 29, 2017

Ogdensburg - Bishop Terry R. LaValley will preside at a special Mass of Healing for those hurt by the Catholic Church in any way April 23 at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

“This celebration on Divine Mercy Sunday is a fitting means of acknowledging the pain caused by some pastoral leaders or workers in the Church and to apologize for the conduct that caused such grief,” Bishop LaValley said.
“This crisis has impacted all of us in the church, and we need to ask God’s help for continued healing,” he said.

“The entire diocesan family, clergy, religious, and laity, is invited to participate in  this Eucharistic celebration to continue to ask God’s help for healing and reconciliation,” he said.

“The sex abuse scandal leaves many still suffering and looking for closure,” the bishop said. “Many victims are in pain and looking for more compassion from the church.”

“To those people, I am reaching out,” he said. ‘I invite them to come forward and to allow us the opportunity to help them heal.”