Office for Healing and Pastoral Care

Caring for the Sexually Abused

The Office for Healing and Pastoral Care provides support to those who report having been sexually abused by Church personnel--priests, deacons, members of a religious institute, employees and volunteers in diocesan or parish ministry--and to the families of those who have been sexually abused by Church personnel.

Information on Office for Healing and Pastoral Care

The Office of Healing and Pastoral Care was established in the Diocese of Manchester by Bishop John McCormack to provide pastoral outreach, timely assistance, support and resources to those individuals and families who have been affected by the sexual abuse of a minor by a priest, deacon, or others who minister, work, or volunteer for the Church in the Diocese of Manchester. This Office has also assisted persons who report being harmed by Church personnel in other places but who currently reside in New Hampshire.

Through this office, the Diocese offers assistance to persons who seek healing as adult survivors of child sexual abuse by helping to establish and maintain effective relationships with counseling professionals and persons who can provide pastoral care in the Church. Services and assistance are provided in an accepting, caring and compassionate manner, and respect for the privacy of those who seek assistance is always maintained.

The pastoral support offered by the Office of Healing and Pastoral Care includes

Providing prompt, compassionate, professional response and follow-up to persons who make reports and to their family and friends
Offering referrals for counseling services and pastoral care
Coordinating support groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Facilitating pastoral interviews with the Bishop of Manchester
Coordinating appropriate pastoral responses to parishes affected by reports of sexual misconduct by a priest, deacon, or other minister from their community

Counseling services, provided by a therapist of a complainant’s own choice, are funded by the Diocese on a time limited basis with the goal of providing therapeutic support to complement other efforts toward healing and wholeness. A set reimbursement rate has been established for funding these services. When requested, individuals are offered assistance in their search for a licensed mental health professional and/or for a qualified person who can provide pastoral and spiritual care.

In summary, the primary goals of the Office of Healing and Pastoral Care are to provide services and support, promote healing, and support the emotional and spiritual well-being of adult survivors of child sexual abuse in the Church. The Office also seeks to be a source of comfort and support for anyone who is an adult survivor of child sexual abuse in any walk of life.

To contact the Office of Healing and Pastoral Care

Joseph P. Naff, LICSW, Director

CALL:
(603) 668-0014 or toll free in NH 1-800-475-5585

OR WRITE TO:
Office of Healing and Pastoral Care
Diocese of Manchester
153 Ash St. P.O. Box 310
Manchester, NH 03105-0310

EMAIL:
jnaff@nh-cc.org