Empowerment Solidarity Gathering for Crosier Sexual Abuse Survivors

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests [SNAP] will hold two (2) events for victims of clergy sexual abuse by members of the Crosier Fathers and Brothers Religious Order. Both will be on Saturday, July 11th.

Event 1 -Noon- Public outreach activity

WHAT:
     We will unite at noon for a dignified, silent one hour vigil on the public sidewalk on Wall St. outside the 2009 Crosier All-School Reunion being held at the former Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN. Each person will be asked to hold childhood pictures of when they, their spouse, their loved one or a friend were sexually abused. The media will be invited.

THE GOAL:
     To honor those who have been hurt by abusive clergy and reach out, via the news media and our solidarity, to others who have been molested and are trapped in shame, silence and self blame.

Organizers of the vigil, in honor and memory of victims of clergy sexual abuse by Crosiers, will hold pictures of those not able to join the vigil. (Those should send their picture to Bob below.)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
     -- Those who are willing to speak publicly or be photographed or filmed by media.
     -- Those who want to seek out and offer help and hope to others in pain

Bring friends. Call or e-mail your classmates and ask them to join you at the vigil.

Event 2 Self help and Support activity:

WHAT:
     A confidential support group meeting where each of us has a chance to share our feelings and experiences, and can learn from and get strength and sympathy from one another

THE GOAL:
     To share our pain, lighten our load, further our recovery, and learn from one another ways to deal with and overcome the impact of our trauma

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
     -- Those who want to lead more healthy and happy lives, especially those who haven't shared much of their abuse with loved ones or been in a lot of therapy
     -- Those who are loved ones of abuse victims.
               (No media will be present.) (For the location, please contact Bob below)

For additional information contact:
Bob Schwiderski, SNAP Minnesota Director 952-471-3422 [email protected]
Barbara Blaine, SNAP President 312-399-4747 [email protected]
David Clohessy, SNAP National Director 314-566-9790 [email protected]
Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director 314 862-7688 [email protected]