After priest arrest, grassroots group, church plan healing events

By Stephanie Dickrell
St. Cloud Times
February 18, 2018

https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2018/02/18/after-priest-arrest-grassroots-group-church-plan-healing-events/349484002/

Christ Church Newman Center is shown Friday, Feb. 16, near St. Cloud State University. Photo by Jason Wachter

St. Mary's Cathedral is shown Friday, Feb. 16, in St. Cloud. Photo by Jason Wachter

Nearly a week after the arrest of a local Catholic priest for sexual misconduct, the community is looking for ways to process the news. 

The Rev. Anthony Oelrich faces charges of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. He is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with an adult whom he was giving spiritual counsel. 

The church has organized events for this week: 

• 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, listening session and gathering for permanent members of Christ Church Newman Center in the Terrace room at the center. 
• 6 p.m., Wednesday, healing prayer service in the lower church at St. Mary's Cathedral.
• 6:30 p.m., Thursday, listening session and gathering for student members of Christ Church Newman Center in the Terrace room at the center. 

In a Facebook post, the Rev. Scott Pogatchnik, rector of the cathedral, wrote:

"So many are overwhelmed with emotion. For me too, the pain and confusion are so raw that I don't know where to begin or even that I want to begin. Wherever you are, Jesus invites us: Come to me…I will give you rest.' Through prayer and scripture, rituals of healing and reflection, you are invited to join us as we begin this long journey of healing together." 

Another group is focusing on the victims of clergy sexual abuse, sexual assault and bullying. The grassroots group of parishioners and friends will gather at the cathedral before the prayer service Wednesday.

Bishop Donald Kettler removed Oelrich as pastor of the Newman Center and suspended his priestly faculties, which means he cannot function or present himself as a priest. 

Organizers say they know some victims of abuse in the church may need extra support and hope to show that it's there. The group will gather on the cathedral steps at 5:30 p.m., to pray, sing and claim the space as safe and sacred, organizers say.

The group will wear teal, gray and butterflies to symbolize the types of abuse that have been suffered and to emphasize hope and solidarity.

Teal represents support for victims of sexual assault and bullying. The butterfly represents support for victims of clergy sexual abuse. Gray can be used to support people with mental illness, harmed by the abuse of power.