Listening Sessions with the Archbishop
Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and Lay Leaders,
We are all aware that the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse over these past four years has had an enormous impact on the lives of so many at various different levels. The hearings into the Catholic Church have recently concluded.
In a sincere gesture of pastoral care on this fragile matter, I intend to visit the Archdiocese in the final weeks of Lent 2017 and listen carefully to the sentiments of those who wish to gather with me.
This Lenten season seems the appropriate time to gather together and walk alongside each other. We are to listen carefully to our stories and place them at the foot of the Calvary Cross. We then wait in hope for the Resurrection that will surely come.
Please find below the dates, times and location for these listening sessions.
| Sunday, 19 March, 1 .30pm | Rheinberger Centre, Conference Room, cnr Weston & Loch Sts, Yarralumla |
| Wednesday, 22 March, 7.00pm | St Joseph’s School Hall, 111 Loftus Street, Temora |
| Tuesday, 28 March, 7.00pm | Mary Queen of the Apostle Parish Meeting Room, Verner Street, Goulburn |
| Wednesday, 29 March, 11.00am | St Patrick’s School Hall, Gipps Street, Bega |
| Wednesday, 29 March, 7.00pm | Star of the Sea Parish, 9 Canty Street, Narooma |
Please advertise the gathering that is nearest your community. I would appreciate if you could invite, on my behalf, your people, but especially victims, their families and friends.
I also propose gathering for an appropriate Liturgy of Healing and Lament at the Cathedral, just before Holy Week. It is on Tuesday evening (7.30pm), 4th April 2017.
Like the Road to Emmaus scene (Luke 24:13-35), it is important that we continue over the years ahead to walk and accompany each other, especially those most affected by the scourge of sex abuse.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Archbishop Christopher Prowse
Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn