MISSOURI
Kansas City Star
BY RICK MONTGOMERY
rmontgomery@kcstar.com
They held small stones in their palms in a solemn procession to the altar at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty.
About 100 worshippers lined up to place the stones at the base of a wooden cross. It was to symbolize letting go of a burden they’ve carried. Then the procession wound around two basins of water, where they washed their hands.
For the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, the service Thursday night was the eighth in a series called “Healing Our Parishes through Empathy.” Bishop James V. Johnston Jr., installed in November, presided.
“If there are victims of sexual abuse here that was brought about by clergy, priests, bishops or anyone serving in the church,” he told the gathering, “I want to say, personally, that I am sorry.
“And before you I repent. I repent of any actions or inactions on the part of any bishops or priests or others who harmed you.”
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