National Shrine to host May 17 worldwide prayer to end COVID-19; SNAP reacts
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will host a recitation of the rosary on May 17 as part of Pope Francis' call for a worldwide marathon of prayer to end the COVID-19 pandemic. We, along with the rest of the world, would like to see the coronavirus in our rearview mirrors. However, we would also like to see an end to the pandemic of sexual abuse of children and targeted adults by clergy and others within the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has direct control over this second pandemic. The pope could mandate that Catholic officials around the globe immediately report all allegations of sexual abuse within the Church to the professionals in law enforcement. He could also ensure that the results of all internal investigations at every level are made open and transparent to the faithful and the public. In addition, Pope Francis could remove all of those still in positions of authority who have covered up abuse. Finally, the pope could demand that all ecclesiastical probes at every level include laypeople and survivors among the decision-makers.
SNAP has been asking for internal reforms to address the scandal of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church for decades. Survivors and the vulnerable still among the faithful do not need Pope Francis to call a worldwide marathon of prayer, they need the pope to enact meaningful changes that will wipe out this other pandemic.
CONTACT: Becky Ianni, SNAP DC Leader and Board Member ( 703-801-6044, S[email protected]), Carol Yeager, SNAP North Carolina Leader (910-584-9113, [email protected]) Mike McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager (267-261-0578, [email protected]) , Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director (517-974-9009, [email protected])
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
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