September 29, 2006
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org
Child Protection / Victim Assistance Office Blessed
On Friday morning, September 29, employees at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center joined Father Dennis O’Donovan, Vicar General, for the blessing of the Child Protection / Victim Assistance Office. Cathy Shannon, director of the office, requested the blessing as she begins full time service to child protection matters. Ms. Shannon, who has served the Archdiocese of many years in the Religious Education Office, was appointed by Archbishop Vlazny as Director for Child Protection and Victim Assistance in 2002, while still maintaining her duties as Director Religious Education. With the reorganization of ministries and offices at the Pastoral Center in June, Archbishop Vlazny appointed Cathy to the Child Protection / Victim Assistance Office on a full time basis.
Cathy recently summed up the goals of the office by stating, “With this move the Archdiocese has made a long term commitment to the protection of “All God’s Children. The intent of this change is to expand and strength the two-fold purpose of the office:
1. To provide on-going emotional, psychological and spiritual services to those sexually abused as children.
2. To expand and strengthen preventative screening, training and education so that children/youth in our programs will find a safe environment in the Church.”
She continued, “This commitment enables
the archdiocese to provide on-going training, resources and support for
parishes and schools as well as providing support and assistance to victims
in terms of gatherings, support groups and spiritual opportunities.”
The phone numbers for contacting the Child
Protection / Victim Assistance Office is 503-233-8302, or 503-416-8810.
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