FINAL UPDATE: Protect Children and Safeguard the Sacrament of Confession

by Msgr. Robert Siler

For an excellent analysis of all the issues involved, please read this blog post by Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne:

Church and State Can and Should Coexist

To make an abuse report, call 911 or the local police (if you know that a child is in immediate danger, or click on the link below for the Abuse Reporting Hotline specific to our Yakima Diocese clergy, employees and volunteers.

Reporting Suspected Abuse

Prayer for Healing of Abuse

God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust
placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters
who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers
and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Oración Para Sanar del Abuso

Dios del amor infinito,
siempre presente, siempre justo;
Tú nos cuidas y nos proteges
y nos diste a tu único Hijo
para salvarnos con su sangre en la cruz.
Jesús manso, pastor de la paz,
dígnate unir a tu propio sufrimiento
el dolor de todos los que han sido heridos
de cuerpo, mente y espíritu
por parte de aquellos que traicionaron la confianza puesta en ellos.
Escuche el clamor de nuestros hermanos y hermanas
que han sido lastimados gravemente,
así como el clamor de aquellos que los aman.
Dales la esperanza que mitigue el desosiego de sus corazones,
dales la fe que calme sus espíritus perturbados.
Concédeles justicia para su causa,
ilumínalos con tu verdad.
Espíritu Santo, consolador de corazones,
cura las heridas de tus hijos e hijas
y devuelve la integridad a lo que ha sido quebrantado.
Concédenos el valor y la sabiduría,
la humildad y la gracia, para actuar con justicia.
Sopla tu sabiduría en nuestras oraciones y empeños.
Que todos los que han sido heridos por el abuso encuentren paz y justicia.
Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.