You Don't Want to Miss This!
We will gather amidst the beauty of creation around a simple bonfire. This time of prayer will include a friendly atmosphere, simple Taize-style music, words by Deacon Larry Normann, ritual action, and time for personal reflection, all focusing on the questions that the abuse crisis raises for each of us. We will end the evening with refreshments and an opportunity to meet and mingle with the Awake community.
If you would like to join us in person, we would appreciate your RSVP so we can give you directions and let you know about any changes due to weather. You'll find more details at the sign up link.
For our friends who live farther away or just can't make it in person, the event will also be livestreamed. Please register if you would like to receive the link to tune in online.
I look forward to praying with you!
Sara Larson
Executive Director
Awake Milwaukee
|
|
Could You Lend a Hand, Friend?
Awake is seeking new volunteers in a variety of roles, both in person and virtual.
If you support the mission of Awake, would you consider helping out?
We'd love to have you join our volunteer team!
|
|
|
Blog Post - Publisher GIA Contacts All U.S. Dioceses About Catholic Composer David Haas
Many hymnals found in Catholic churches today contain songs by prominent composer David Haas. Over the last year, dozens of women have made reports of sexual abuse by Haas. This week on the Awake Blog, we interview Kate Williams, vice president of sacred music for GIA, who reveals why the hymnal company sent a letter about Haas to all U.S. dioceses last week.
“He just showed us that he’s still at it, still texting young women and using the same manipulative techniques,” Williams asserts. “I don’t want to give the message to any person, especially a young person in the care of the Catholic school system, that treating women in this way won’t have a real consequence for the abuser... We’re hoping that if the statement comes from a company with a lot to lose, that has already lost a lot, people will take this more seriously.”
|
|
|
Check out this new playlist of short clips from Awake's Courageous Conversation about exposing Haas, with titles like "Was It Worth It To Speak Out?" and "What the Church Can Do for Survivors."
|
|
|
Update: What’s Happening with the Wisconsin Investigation of Abuse by Clergy and Religious Leaders?
This blog post offers an update from Michelle Viste, executive director of the Office of Crime Victim Services at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). She shares details about the more than 100 reports that her team has received so far in the statewide investigation into abuse by clergy and religious leaders. She also encourages people with information to consider reporting.
"'Any little bit of information is helpful and helps us understand and see the big picture,' Viste says. 'To be successful, we need people to come forward and provide us with information.' No detail is too small, she adds. 'Once we put it together with the other information that we have, we can see a bigger picture. Even if it is small, we would like to hear it.'"
|
|
|
|
"A memorable moment on my journey was speaking at length with Cardinal Sean O'Malley about how I found healing after being abused while in the seminary.
I became involved with Awake to listen to, to learn from, and to offer compassion and support to survivors."
|
|
|
"I have been exposed to clergy sexual abuse my entire life starting in grade school and have witnessed the devastating effects on victims and their families. I felt an internal pulling to Awake to become involved. I hope to continue learning more about clergy sexual abuse and to encourage victims to come forward to tell their story, letting them know they are believed."
Read more about Jim here
|
|
|
Please Join Us In Prayer
As we continue this major volunteer engagement effort, could you please pray that the Holy Spirit will stir in the hearts of those who may be able to assist - and that we will be able to find the help we need for our ministry to grow and thrive?
Thank you, as always, for praying with and for Awake!
|
|
|
|
|
|
