BROOKFIELD—A special prayer service for family members and friends of victims of child sexual abuse by clergy and by others will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 138 Candlewood Lake Rd, Brookfield, CT 06804. on Friday, August 27, 6:30 pm. The prayer service is being coordinated by family members of victims together with a community of survivors and the Office of Safe Environment of the Diocese of Bridgeport. Father Shawn Jordan, Father Larry Carew and Deacon Joseph Cann will lead our prayer service.

The Service is open to family members of victims and all those who have been impacted by sexual abuse as a minor by clergy and by others. Our community of family members is called HUGS which stands for Hope Understanding Guidance and Support.

We recognize that many victims have not survived and the family members and friends who loved them are forever impacted. We welcome anyone who has lost a loved one who was sexually abused to join us, you are not alone. Counselors, clergy, family members and survivors are available to meet with you immediately following.

If you can’t make the Service, please still feel free to still join us at 7:15 PM for a HUGS support group meeting for family members. Join in our conversation or just be present with us and enjoy some light refreshments around the kitchen table.

For more information or to learn about the victim assistance program or to report sexual abuse of a minor or a vulnerable adult by any person from the Church, please contact Erin Neil., L.C.S.W, Victim Assistance Coordinator Office: (203) 416-1406 Cell: (203) 650-3265 email: eneil@diobpt.org or Michael Tintrup, L.C.S.W., Victim Assistance Counselor (203) 241-0987 mtintrup@ccfc-ct.org. The State of CT Child Abuse Care-line is 1-800-842-2288