The March-April issue of Catholic Herald magazine has been published. The theme for this issue is "Addressing the wounds inflicted by clergy abuse." The digital edition of the magazine is available at http://faithdigital.org/Sacramento/SAC0319/
In the cover story, we meet Loree Lippsmeyer, victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Sacramento. When someone calls the diocese's victim assistance hotline, he or she will reach Loree, a licensed associate social worker, who is available to assist persons who have suffered sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy or other church personnel. She helps them obtain support for their needs. "Healing for victims is a journey," says Loree, who began her role in December 2018 as the diocese's pastoral care coordinator for victims of abuse.
What does the diocese offer to victims of sexual abuse? Pastoral care can include individual counseling, spiritual support, group therapy or other assistance that may be necessary to facilitate healing. The offerings can be tailored to each person who goes through Loree as the victim assistance coordinator.
Other stories in this issue include a feature on the diocese's Independent Review Board, which assists Bishop Jaime Soto in assessing and investigating all allegations of sexual abuse of minors and in assessing fitness for ministry of diocesan clergy, and also reviews the diocese's policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors; a feature on how priestly vocations involve a serious, mutual and lengthy discernment process; and a special report on "Safe Environment: Our promise to protect, our pledge to heal."
Bishop Jaime Soto is the publisher of Catholic Herald magazine, which is published six times each year and includes moving faith stories and high-quality photography about Catholics in the diocese, as well as news and events of the local church. Individual faith stories are the cornerstone of the magazine and columns also explore the Catholic faith and education about church teachings. To donate $15 per year to receive Catholic Herald, call 916-733-0266 or visit https://www.scd.org/catholic-foundation/giving. To view the archives of past issues of Catholic Herald magazine, visit https://www.scd.org/catholic-herald-magazine/digital-issues
Catholic Herald Issue