Media Statements
We are SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and others).
PA--Victims blast new Paterno beer
For immediate release: Monday, June 22, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
We’re dismayed that a new beer will be named after Penn State coach Joe Paterno.
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/06/joe_paterno_getting_beer_named.html
IA--Notorious Iowa predator priest passes
For immediate release: Monday, June 22
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
One of Iowa’s most prolific predator priests has passed away and a victims’ group wants Davenport Catholic officials to “aggressively seek out and help” others who the priest assaulted.
RI--Priest who abused in ND hurt 100s, panel is told
For immediate release: Monday, June 22
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])
A priest who molested Rhode Island kids, who “abused hundreds of children over decades” and should have never been ordained, a Northern Ireland government panel.
The testimony comes as part of a week-long inquiry into “what opportunities there were to (stop the priest’s abuse) of children and whether any action, or inaction, amounted to systemic failings.”
OK-- Victims urge church group to act in Oklahoma sex case
For immediate release: Friday, June 19
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We’re glad an Oklahoma child molester has been convicted but now his church colleagues must aggressively seek out others who saw, suspected, suffered or concealed his crimes.
AL--Victims blast Catholic officials for “secrecy obsession”
For immediate release: Friday, June 19
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])
Shame on Mobile Archbishop Thomas Rodi for spending parishioners’ donations to keep secrets about an accused predator priest.
http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/06/mobile_archdiocese_again_tries.html
HI--Hawai'i bishop does funeral for accused predator in hiding, Victims respond
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach, CA, SNAP Western Regional Director, (949) 322-7434 cell, jcasteix@gmail.com
A Catholic bishop recently led a funeral for an accused predator priest who was hiding in another country.
We just learned that Fr. Anthony Bolger, a priest who is publicly accused of sexually abusing a child in Hawai'i, died months ago while in hiding in Tijuana, Mexico.
http://www.hawaiicatholicherald.com/2015/01/30/obituary-father-anthony-bolger-1943-2015/
MN--Top church staff hid archbishop’s recent deceit
For immediate release: Friday, June 19
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Most top Twin Cities Catholic officials did nothing and kept quiet as their boss interfered with and limited an allegedly “independent” investigation into the archbishop’s alleged sexual misconduct.
MN--"Turning the page" is irresponsible
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 17
Statement by Frank Meuers, Minnesota SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
Some are talking of "moving on" and "turning the page" in the Twin Cities abuse and cover up scandal. . .
Such thoughts are misplaced. They show a callous disregard for vulnerable kids.
MN--SNAP “New St. Paul archdiocesan head’s first step”
For immediate release: Tuesday, June 16
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Archbishop John Nienstedt’s replacement should immediately disclose more information about Fr. Gerald Dvorak, the latest Twin Cities archdiocesan cleric to be accused of child sex crimes.
MN--Survivor response to Jeyapaul sentencing
For immediate release Monday, June 15
Statement by Megan Peterson survivor of Fr. Jeyapaul, 218-689-9049
I was going to wait until I felt I had become centered again. Waiting for myself to be able to approach this in a very formal and graceful manner for you all. To erase all hints of anger and discomfort. To be a put-together, well-oiled machine. But the truth is, life is messy. Our emotions are messy. We cannot always carry ourselves with the grace we have envisioned.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director