Diocese of Arlington

they all share a common behavior or free to inquire how often or when a “tell” known as “grooming”, which is a program was last reviewed. Monitoring Table of Contents compilation of actions that attempt to is not the responsibility of just one Report covers the Audit Period form a bond of dependency between the individual. Rather, it requires the active July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 perpetrator and the victim. Grooming participation and cooperation of all falls into three categories: physical, responsible adults. emotional and community grooming. Director of Child Protection 4. Do you know what is going on in and Safety’s Perspective Recognizing these behaviors and your young person’s life? on Securing a Future knowing how to respond to problems Preventing abuse is the role of by taking immediate and prudent action parents and trusted adults – not the ’s Child Protection Advisory requires that all persons be trained to responsibility of our young people. Board’s 8th Annual Report recognize the dynamics of grooming That means parents and caring adults and other warning signs. All volunteers must be an active part of their young Victim Assistance Coordinator’s who work with children, in addition person’s life. We know that 90 percent Annual Report to all parish, school and diocesan of children who have been sexually employees, receive child-safety abused do not disclose the abuse. Upcoming Events training through the VIRTUS program. This shows that communication is key! The initial four-hour Protecting God’s Testimony Children training seminar is considered Programs that encourage children to to be one of the most effective training confide in parents and other trusted programs in the country and is used in adults may be effective in revealing Director of Child Protection more than 90 dioceses. It also includes abuse or potentially abusive situations and Safety’s Perspective an ongoing annual training component. and may limit contact with predators. Additionally, research indicates that on Securing a Future 2. Do you know who has access to abuse victims who receive chastity your children? or safe-environment training are four The youth of our diocese are the hope of In addition to the required training, the times more likely to report the abuse our future. As parents and as a diocesan diocese evaluates every employee and and seek assistance. The diocese community, we secure their future by volunteer working with children through provides such training through investing in their spiritual and moral criminal background checks. This age-appropriate programs such as formation, education, physical protection includes searching state and national Formation in Christian Chastity and You and social well-being. In order for them criminal records and the Central Matter, which are implemented through to properly develop into virtuous men and Registry of the Virginia Department each diocesan parish and school. women, we must protect their innocence. of Social Services. The fact is, no one has a “right” to work or volunteer Accordingly, since 1991, the Diocese of with children. The diocesan Office for Did You Know in Arlington has been fully committed to the the Protection of Children & Young prevention of child sexual abuse. Bishop People is dedicated to ensuring that Fiscal Year 2011 that: Loverde continues to improve diocesan all employees and volunteers receive ● programs that will safeguard children in a thorough background screening prior Over 3,400 adult employees and every youth activity throughout our diocese. to working with our young people. volunteers received “Protecting The Policy for the Protection of Children and God’s Children” training. Young People and the Prevention of Sexual 3. Do you know if the programs at ● Over 33,500 employees and Misconduct is our diocese’s comprehensive your location are authorized and volunteers have received “Protecting and systematic policy designed to protect monitored? God’s Children” training in the children. This policy guides our diocesan An important factor in maintaining the Diocese since its introduction. programs and is in full accord with the safety of our young people is ensuring ● United States Conference of Catholic that all programs are reviewed and Over 3,400 employees and ’ Charter for the Protection of approved by the pastors and principals. volunteers underwent Children and Young People. This process includes confirming that background checks. all of the appropriate adults receive As you know, all child protection policies a full background check and safe- and programs are only effective with your environment training. 5. Do you know how to communicate cooperation. Your assistance can begin by your concerns? asking the following five questions: In addition, monitoring programs If you become aware of inappropriate means visiting classes, observing behavior on the part of adults or children, 1. Do you know the “tell” of a predator? programs to ensure that all policies the behavior must be addressed As a community, we have an obligation are being followed and securing or immediately and directly. The diocese to protect our youth. Child predators monitoring areas where children could trains its employees and volunteers to can come from any socioeconomic be isolated. Parents should also feel address those concerns directly to the class or educational level. However, Diocese of Arlington

adults involved and also to a supervisor who served so faithfully and welcome the if necessary. All discussions are guided new members of the Advisory Board. by the Code of Conduct, which every Our diocesan effort is directed pursuant to employee and volunteer is required to The Board has reviewed and endorses the Catholic Diocese of Arlington Policy on sign prior to ministry or employment. the reports filed by Deacon Silva, Diocesan the Protection of Children/Young People Director of Child Protection and Safety, and Ms. and Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and/ Additionally, all diocesan personnel are Patricia Mudd, Diocesan Victim Assistance or Child Abuse, established in 1991. It is considered “mandatory reporters” under Coordinator, in this comprehensive Annual also in conformity with the word and spirit of the Charter for the Protection of Children diocesan policy and have an obligation Child Protection Report. This year, I would and Young People and the Essential to report suspicions or knowledge of like to take the opportunity to better serve Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies child abuse. After reporting to civil the diocese by delivering an important Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse authorities, personnel also report to message on behalf of the Advisory of Minors by Priests or Deacons, which Church officials to ensure immediate Board. To clarify the role of this Board, it were approved by the U.S. Conference actions are taken to maintain the safety is an advisory board to the bishop and not of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at the of the children under our care. pursuant to any directive or mandate. It was November 2002 general meeting created voluntarily by the bishop to provide These five simple questions are a start in confidential advice regarding how best to understanding how we may better protect protect the children and young people in our our youth. Look for additional information diocesan community. The Board also offers Advisory Board. The Board meets quarterly and tips on protecting our young people advice and suggestions to the diocesan and is briefed by the Diocesan Director of as related to social media, bullying and Victim Assistance Coordinators. Child Protection and Safety and the Diocesan pornography under the diocesan webpage’s Victim Assistance Coordinator. It is during “Child Protection” section. The Board is comprised of a multi- this forum that any questions or concerns disciplinary professional group of Catholics – from the bishop or the Board are brought Upholding the policy and consistently including a medical doctor, licensed clinical forward. The Board has tackled important improving the programs are two objectives social worker, licensed marriage and family issues over the years by establishing long of the diocesan Office of Child Protection therapist, attorney, school principal, writer, term goals and expectations. In fact, the child and Safety. With the help of our thousands clergyman, and military officer – and most protection and victim assistance programs of volunteers and employees who associate members have children and grandchildren have matured over the past eight years such with young people, we can work together to in the diocese. This mixture of talent and that this diocese is now considered a model create a safer environment for our youth. experience has created an open and for other dioceses. honest forum wherein challenging issues Submitted by Deacon Marques Silva are thoroughly examined and passionately The first of our three-part child protection discussed before advice is presented to program is the Virtus initiative, which Bishop’s Child Protection Bishop Loverde. provides education and awareness to all diocesan employees and volunteers Advisory Board’s As Bishop Loverde recognizes the and helps to shine a light on the dark 8th Annual Report importance of consultation with the laity, “grooming” behaviors that child predators this was made manifest by establishing the use to establish inappropriate relationships For the past eight years, I have been between children and adults. Second are privileged to serve on the Catholic Diocese of background checks, which represent an Arlington’s Child Protection Advisory Board — Diocesan Advisory Board important tool for identifying and vetting a board chartered to advise Bishop Loverde those who have substantial contact with in all matters pertaining to protecting our Mr. James Byrne, Attorney our children. This leads me to the third children from misconduct and abuse. For Kathleen Cotter Cauley, M. Ed., and most important element of our child the past eight years, I have also served as L.M.F.T., Licensed Marriage and protection program: our people. Those the Board Chairman, and it is in this capacity Family Therapist in private practice who see or suspect impropriety need to act. I present this annual board report. Regarding this third point, I would like to Reverend Alexander R. Drummond, share the following story: Pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish This past year, original Advisory Board in Great Falls member Jim McGuire, a veteran Marine One of my sons, a high school senior at and retired FBI supervisory special agent, Sister Susan Louise Eder, O.S.F.S., Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, passed away and was replaced by Colonel Principal, Holy Cross Academy recently completed an interview for his Jim Gfrerer, Military Officer. Jim Gfrerer, in Fredericksburg application to receive a Naval Reserve who is both a husband and father, brings a Officer Training Corps – Marine Option Col. James Gfrerer, Military Officer unique military community perspective to the college scholarship towards becoming a Child Protection Advisory Board. Patricia Ms. Teresa Hartnett, Publishing commissioned U.S. Marine Corps Officer. Dalton, Ph.D., resigned as she is moving Consultant, The Hartnett Agency This interview was conducted last fall not long after the first allegations of child sexual out of the area, and Mrs. Kathleen Cotter Mila Ruiz Tecala, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., abuse and assault surfaced within the Penn Cauley, L.M.F.T., has been appointed in her D.C.S.W., Center for Grief and Loss place. We offer our thanks to members State College football community. Diocese of Arlington

My son was asked by two unsmiling, battle- for the healing of victims/survivors of abuse. hardened Marine officers what he would do This Year’s Events if he encountered a situation similar to that During our services, a victim/survivor shares which allegedly occurred in the Penn State ● 3 Masses to Pray for Healing his or her story which focuses on his or her locker room shower, wherein a respected for Victims/Survivors efforts to heal. Additional information is (and possibly feared) senior official was found provided and the service is concluded with taking indecent liberties with a young boy. I ● 3 Prayer Services a reception. To offer the most assistance am proud to say that my son did not hesitate ● 3 Support Group Meetings to our victim/survivors, our learned best and answered the question with a succinct practice is to utilize a combination of response: report what he had observed to ● 1 Annual Retreat competent therapy and spiritual assistance. law enforcement authorities regardless of the personal consequences and – most the Review and Advisory Boards for the Support Groups for Victims/Survivors: importantly – take immediate action to stop generosity and dedication they have shown Bishop Loverde has hosted 18 Support the criminal activity occurring before him. to protect our children and to assist our Group Meetings at the Dominican Retreat in victims/survivors in this diocese. McLean, Va. The meetings begin with prayer When presented with a follow-up question and a shared meal between the victims/ about whether his actions would include Based on Bishop Loverde’s generosity survivors, Bishop Loverde and diocesan staff. physically intervening to protect the child, and concern, our office is charged with my son again responded without hesitation, providing care to victims/survivors of clergy During the meeting, a reminder is presented “yes sir.” The officers were pleased with my sexual abuse. Additionally, it also provides concerning the confidentiality agreements son’s responses and almost-but-not-quite assistance to victims of incest and violence all participants have signed. The diocesan smiled upon confirming that the answers on the streets. staff participates as quiet listeners during the were exactly what they expected from a one hour and fifteen minute discussion as future Marine Corps Officer. During the recent audit period, 46 new victims/ our members share thoughts and concerns. survivors contacted our office. Among them, The group has agreed not to discuss specific They said: “We want men and women of four were victims of clergy sexual abuse. details of the abuse so as not to trigger any of action. Nothing less. No equivocating. No Three victims, who alleged clergy sexual the members. Victims/survivors share their technicalities. Just leaders who will step abuse, were assisted but not counted by the pain from the abuse and their efforts to heal. As forward and do the right thing at any cost.” auditors as they were included in counts by the evening draws to a close, Bishop Loverde another diocese. No Arlington clergy were and Fr. Mealey remind us of God’s love and The lesson is clear. The third element is you. named in this year’s audit. The 39 remaining share their thoughts and feelings about And our children are counting on you to do victim/survivors served were victims of the conversation. the right thing ­— at any cost. incest or violence on the street. Our Victim Assistance Coordinators (VACs) provide Submitted by Mr. James M. Byrne, Chairman referrals for therapy and spiritual assistance Upcoming Events as well as invitations to the Support Group Victim Assistance and Retreats. They also host Masses and Bilingual Mass Offered for Healing Prayer Services. As of June 30, 2011, we Monday, June 18, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. Coordinator’s Annual Report have provided assistance to a total of 347 All Saints victims/survivors since 2002. th 9610 Center St. June 2012 will mark the 10 anniversary of Manassas, Va, 20110 the adoption of the Charter for the Protection Masses Offered for Healing for Victims/ Bishop Paul S. Loverde to preside of Children and Young People by the Survivors: Over the past 10 years, the in America. Our bishops Diocese of Arlington has made a number For more information on Support adopted this document to proactively act of significant efforts to offer programs of Group Evenings, Prayer Services and upon the numerous allegations of child healing and reconciliation to our victims/ Masses to be offered this fall, please sexual abuse by clergy and staff members. survivors. In June 2004, Bishop Loverde visit the Victim Assistance section of The Charter calls for us to “reach out to offered the first Mass in our diocese to pray the website (www.arlingtondiocese. victims/survivors and their families and for healing for victims/survivors of sexual org) in the coming months. demonstrate a sincere commitment to their abuse. Over the past 8 years, a total of 31 spiritual and emotional well-being. The Masses were celebrated with an estimated Victim Assistance Coordinators first obligation of the Church with regard to 2,324 attendees. Ms. Patricia Mudd, 703-841-2537 victims is for healing and reconciliation.” Ms. Adlin deCardi (Bilingual), Prayer Services to Pray for Healing for 703-841-2530 I have had the extraordinary opportunity Victims/Survivors: In order to reach out to and experience to meet with many victims/ those victims/survivors of abuse who find it The Diocese of Arlington is committed survivors, hear their stories and see their difficult to attend Mass, Rev. Mark Mealey, to assisting victims/survivors faces and tears. I want to personally thank O.S.F.S., Vicar General for Administration, throughout the healing process. Bishop Paul Loverde, Reverend Mark celebrates Prayer Services at many churches For information, Mealey, O.S.F.S., Deacon Marques Silva, in the diocese. To date, 20 Prayer Services visit www.arlingtondiocese.org Ms. Adlin deCardi and the members of with a total of 329 attendees have been held Diocese of Arlington

Several of our victims/survivors have delegations at the USCCB. Bishop Stephan continue to join us in praying for our victims/ expressed that they can hear the Bishop Ackerman of the Diocese of Trier, Germany, survivors that they might find healing as and Father reassuring them of God’s love and Bishop Noel Treanor, of Down and well as the way back to their rightful place even when not in their presence. Our Connor, , each brought a delegation in the Catholic Church. I have had too meeting ends with Evening Prayer. Over the to inquire about ideas to assist the victims many people express a desire to return to years, 313 people have participated. The of sexual abuse. After our session, at their the Catholic Church of their childhood. We evenings permit victims/survivors to support request, we copied information about our need to continue to help them get there. one another and to absorb the concern, program onto a CD for them to use and support and prayers for healing from Bishop reproduce for other dioceses. Submitted by Patricia Mudd, M.S.W., A.C.S.W. Loverde, Fr. Mealey and the diocesan staff. I hope and pray that we have provided Priest Workshops: For the past five years, some real assistance this year toward Victim Assistance has offered a yearly special healing for our victims/survivors, as well as Reverend William Dougherty, O.S.F.S., training for those priests providing spiritual some helpful thoughts to our visitors. We presented on “The Spirituality of the assistance to our victims/survivors. On April want to thank Bishop Loverde, Fr. Mealey Human Condition” at the yearly retreat held at Our Lady of Good Counsel. 14, 2011, Reverend Lewis Fiorelli, O.S.F.S., and our Review and Advisory Boards for gave a presentation on The Spiritual the time, support and guidance they have Guidance of Victims/Survivors of Sexual shared with us in this ministry. Please Abuse, Issues and Helpful Practices at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish. Eight priests attended. In the afternoon, there was a panel discussion in which one of our victims/ Testimony survivors participated to provide feedback Coming Soon: See accompanying testimony from the author’s husband at www.catholicherald.com. on our program and opportunities for improvement. The consensus is that we are My husband of 40 years speaks of that “Lonesome Valley,” and I truly understand, having providing a good combination of therapy and walked that valley myself in the 16 months that I carried the burden of “The Secret” alone. I spiritual assistance to our victims/survivors. knew my husband desperately needed help, but The Secret constrained me. Instead, I was on my own to offer love, support, and gentle encouragement to him to seek that help.

Victims/Survivors Planning Group – For I was relieved when he did tell someone else, and I was sure the therapy that ensued the past 5 years, this group has served to would ease the burden. To my dismay, an inappropriate therapy combined with medication share the perspective of victims/survivors seemed to make matters worse. Being a devoted Catholic active in my parish and a daily with our program staff. The group has communicant with a regular prayer life, I became all the more devoted. Prayer would provide helped our victims/survivors to own our what therapy lacked. program and to give them an avenue to My husband tried another therapist (eventually there were four with the current one providing make suggestions to help with their healing. the most help). In between therapist 2 and 3, we found our dear Franciscan nun who started us on the right path. By the time we found her, the extent of the abuse of children by clergy This past year, Teresa Kettelkamp and Mary and its cover-up were national news. Jane Doerr, from the USCCB, have asked This is when my own crisis of faith started to unfold. I was not angry at the abuser, assuming our victims/survivors to speak to others that he was mentally ill; but I was shocked and outraged at those who knowingly failed to stop from around the world who are now where the abuse and prevent future victims. Now I started to question not only their judgment but also America was 10 years ago. their message. Were any of their teachings true; does God truly exist; if so, why didn’t He act?

On February 8, 2011, Gomez and The bishop who had my husband’s abuser residing in his diocese restored my hope that there were good and holy members of the hierarchy who wanted to help victims and protect Reverend Hans Kast, Vicar General from children. We unfortunately had quite the opposite experience with the bishop of the diocese Santiago, Chile, met with our Child Protection, where the abuser remained incardinated. Victim Assistance staff and victims/survivors. The victims/survivors’ presentation stressed Bishop Loverde held the first Mass for the victims of abuse at the Cathedral and we attended, the importance of listening to the victims’ met Pat Mudd; and the rest is history that my husband has outlined. At the end of our private meeting with Bishop Loverde, my husband said “If you think of any way I can help you, I will stories of abuse and efforts to heal. be happy to do so.”

Ms. Diane Knight, Chair of the National Bishop took my husband up on his offer, and there has been a wonderful transformation Review Board of USCCB, met with our that resulted. The Secret has now been told in small gatherings and in a very public way in victim/survivors to inquire what was helpful a Catholic News Service article with name and photo attached. My husband now realizes that the shame is not his; and he has found the good that can come of his experience by to assist in the healing process. helping others.

In October 2011 (not in this audit period), I attend all of the various programs offered by the Diocese with my husband as his support Deacon Bernard Nojadera, the new person and have found them to be as helpful to me personally as they are to him. I have Executive Director of the USCCB Office gleaned insights into some of my husband’s behaviors in certain situations from the stories of other survivors and their spouses. The reflections offered, the tales of spiritual journey, of Child Protection, invited three victims/ and the loving support of Bishop and all associated with the Office of Victim Assistance have survivors, in addition to Deacon Marques, nurtured my faltering faith. My faith in the Church and hope in at least some of the hierarchy Adlin and I to meet with two European has been restored—only time will tell if complete trust will ever follow.