Events for Sexual Abuse Victim Survivors

Programs and Events for Sexual Abuse Victim Survivors

Click here to see about the Pilgrimage of Grace: Mass to Pray for Victims/Survivors and Their Families  This Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Burbidge on June 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM at St. Philip Catholic Church. Reception to follow in Parish Hayden Hall. ALL OF THE FAITHFUL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. The Diocese of Arlington's Office of Victim Assistance seeks to extend the loving compassion of Christ to victims/ survivors of sexual abuse throughout their healing. If you are, or someone you know is, a victim/survivor of child sexual abuse by clergy, an employee, or a volunteer of the Diocese of Arlington, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator to report an allegation and receive assistance. The Office of Victim Assistance offers outreach, support, and assistance to victims/ survivors to address individual needs for healing. Please contact the office for more information.

Our events began in 2004 with a Mass of Healing.  At that Mass Bishop Emeritus Loverde said, "We so desire that you will experience healing and a new beginning...We carry you in our prayers to the Lord and ask Him to heal you as He alone can.” That year he launched a series of diocesan-sponsored Masses to pray for the healing of sexual abuse victims/survivors.

The program has grown to offer sharing groups, Healing  Masses and prayer services, an annual spiritual retreat, educational presentations, and referrals.  We welcome you to join us when you are ready to explore different opportunities for prayer and fellowship.

Click here to download our program brochure.

Click here to read "A Survivor's Perspective on Healing in the Church," an article written by the Victim Assistance Coordinator featuring a victim/survivor's experience with reaching out to our diocese. Published in the Arlington Catholic Herald in April 2021.

Click here to read notes from Fr. Denis Donahue's Survivor Seminar Series Presentation on Suffering, a talk for victims-survivors offered on December 2, 2023. Fr. Donahue shared about some of the people and things God has put into his life that have helped him not only endure sufferings, but also turn those great moments of pain into times of growth and greater closeness to God. Fr. Donahue spoke of things that are near at hand and readily available, the Scriptures, the Sacraments, the Saints, and God's creation, especially other people.

Click here to view more Spiritual Reflections, including past retreat talks and presentations offered to members of our diocesan Victim Assistance program.