Meetings Planned to Discuss Future Direction of Church

Cape Breton Post
November 18, 2013

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2013-11-18/article-3486036/Meetings-planned-to-discuss-future-direction-of-church/1

Submitted photo Delegates take part in closing activities at the Catholic Diocese of Antigonish renewal congress Oct. 9, 2013, in Sydney.

The Diocese of Antigonish will host several community meetings over the next two months to hopefully restore confidence and re-engage Catholics with their faith.

Like other dioceses around the globe, Antigonish members have been hit hard by decades of sexual abuse at the hands of priests.

Among the devastating results of such crimes, local parishes are now on the hook to pay millions of dollars in compensation claims to the victims, which forced the closure and sale of many churches and other properties.

A press release issued Monday by the diocese indicated that over over the past three years, the church has worked hard to get back on track, and this round of public meetings is another example of reaching out and listening to the concerns of Catholics.

"As a diocese, we want to express solidarity with those who are hurting and make an effort to accompany all who are hurt, or who are disconnected with the church. We hope to continue to work toward healing, reconciliation, and reform," stated the release.

In taking yet another step on the long road of reconciliation, the diocese is hosting a series of public meetings.

The meetings, which are designed to encourage an atmosphere of courageous discussion and respectful listening, are open to all.

All meetings will be from 7-9 p.m.

The first is set to run Nov. 25 at the Sister Catherine Steel Centre, Stellarton, 12 St. Bernard Street.

The next meeting is slated for Nov. 26 at St. Ninian Place, Antigonish the following day at Riverdale Community Centre, Lower River Inhabitants.

On Nov. 28, the meeting will be held at the St. Joseph Renewal Centre, Mabou.

On Dec. 9, the sessions move to include Glace Bay and New Waterford at St. Leo’s Church basement, Sterling Road, Glace

Bay. The following day, talks will be held at Our Lady of Fatima parish hall, Sydney River.

On Dec. 11, the meeting will be held at St. Joseph’s Church basement hall, Pierce St., North Sydney.