Dear Friends,

As you may be aware, today the Diocese of Scranton launched its Independent Survivors Compensation Program to compensate survivors of child sexual abuse.

This Program comes on the heels of the Grand Jury report, and is the latest step the Diocese has taken as we work to support survivors of abuse and eradicate abuse from the Church altogether. As you likely know, our Victim Assistance Coordinator helps to provide emotional, psychological and pastoral care to survivors of abuse, and survivors will now have the option to file a claim for compensation. We adhere to a strict zero tolerance policy on abuse, and have a number of prevention initiatives including extensive training and background checks. As we continue to improve our policies, launching this Program was a natural next step.

Today Bishop Bambera shares a video address with the faithful of our church. I encourage you to view this video via the link noted below and also on our website. I hope this video answers your questions about the Program launch. However, I welcome you to reach out to me should you have any further questions. I would be happy to speak with you.

Thank you for your continued support of the Diocese of Scranton.

Sincerely yours,
Catherine Butel, Dioccesan Secretary for Parish Life

Click here to view the video message from Bishop Bambera

“Keep a stout heart in adversity and remember that troubles are a sign of God’s friendship. Make frequent acts of repentance for sin, of love of God. These you can make when out for a walk, when busy at work, or even when accompanied by other people. You can do a lot of good things in your heart, even with absorbing occupations.”

St. Paul of the Cross