For more than a year the Diocese of Arlington has offered programs of support and healing to those affected by clergy sexual abuse through Pat Mudd, victim assistance coordinator. Healing Masses and prayer services will continue to be offered throughout this year and into 2006. Support groups for Arlington and Fredericksburg are being developed for implementation in the fall. A minimum of six participants is recommended for the 10-week support groups to be formed.

The above healing programs are in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the Catholic bishops in 2002, which requires that dioceses reach out to victims and their families. Since June 2004, Mudd said that approximately 700 victims and their families have taken advantage of this opportunity for healing and renewal.

The diocese continues its schedule of monthly Masses to pray for the healing of sexual abuse on Saturday, Sept. 24, at St. Elizabeth Church, Colonial Beach, 11 a.m.; Thursday, Oct. 13, at St. Francis de Sales Church, Purcellville, 7:30 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 7, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Vienna, 7:30 p.m. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will preside at the Sept. 24 and Nov. 7 Masses, and Father Patrick Posey will preside on Oct. 13.

In addition to the Masses, prayer services are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1, at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Middleburg, and Saturday, Jan. 7, at St. Ann Church in Arlington, both from 10 a.m. to noon. Father Mark Mealey, O.S.F.S., vicar general, is scheduled to preside at both. Mudd said the diocese offers the prayer services as "another outreach to victims who might find it more comfortable to come to a prayer service than the Masses."

At the request of some victims, an evening of reflection has been scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12, at the Dominican Retreat House, McLean, at 6 p.m. The evening will include reflections on Salesian spirituality by Father John Crossin, O.S.F.S., and a prayer service led by Bishop Loverde. Mudd said this type of retreat experience is valuable because it brings the victims together with a supportive family member or friend to pray together in a small-group setting. Pre-registration for this event is required.

Finally, if you have been abused, Mudd said the first step is to report the abuse to the police or to Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS can be reached at 1-800-552-7096. For more information call Pat Mudd at 703/841-2530.