Healing, Reconciliation and Hope Task Force, Fall 2019

Members of the University Community:

In October 2018 Fr. Pilarz created a Task Force on Healing, Reconciliation, and Hope in response to revelations of clergy sexual abuse and cover-up in the Catholic Church. He asked the members of the taskforce to “harness the full range of resources that the University of Scranton, as a Catholic and Jesuit university, can offer the Church in this painful but pivotal moment.” It is a difficult and uncomfortable topic, but it provides an opportunity—through learning, reflection, and prayer—to exercise solidarity with survivors of clergy sexual abuse and to imagine a way forward for the Church. With that in mind, we draw your attention to key academic and pastoral opportunities for engagement during the Fall 2019 semester. We will send reminders as each event approaches.

Public Presentations

Monday, September 16, 7PM, Leahy Hall #235
Clergy Sexual Abuse: Insights from History and Theology
Massimo Faggioli, Ph.D.
Rita Ferrone, M.Div.

Thursday, October 3, 7PM, Leahy Hall #235
Clergy Sexual Abuse: Prevention, Healing, and Reconciliation
Fr. Thomas Berg
Michael Vanderburgh

Film and Discussion Series

Led by Drs. Teresa Grettano and Stephen Whittaker of the English and Theatre Department

Monday, September 23, 7PM, DeNaples 401 (Moskovitz Theater)
Philomena (2013)
Directed by Stephen Frears
Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan

Monday, November 4, 7PM, DeNaples 401 (Moskovitz Theater)
Secrets of the Vatican (2014)
From PBS and Frontline
Directed by Antony Thomas

Monthly Reflections

Borrowing from the Jesuit Center’s model for Advent and Lenten reflections, the taskforce will publish thoughts, feelings, and experiences from different members of the University of Scranton community in relation to the abuse crisis. Expect the first reflection later this month.

Prayer

The University community will continue to pray for the healing of victims of clergy sexual abuse, for their advocates, and for our wounded Church. A prayer intention will be offered at our Sunday liturgies as part of the Universal Prayer. The community will also be invited to gather at a Mass during Advent and Lent – the two seasons in our Church year that emphasize a call to reconciliation – to pray for the Lord's healing, mercy, and justice.

Thank you for your consideration and support. For past and upcoming events, support resources, official documents, and other important information, please visit the taskforce website:

https://www.scranton.edu/about/presidents-office/hrhtaskforce