Local church leaders and community members gathered at St. Patrick Cathedral for the annual Mass of Atonement and Hope. <\/p>\n
A day dedicated to prayer and reflection for survivors of abuse, just one day after the Diocese of El Paso announced it is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while facing multiple lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy.<\/p>\n
Survivors, families and parishioners filled the pews, with many bringing candles and flowers to pray for healing. <\/p>\n
Church leaders said the Mass had been planned months in advance, but took on added significance following the diocese\u2019s bankruptcy announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been scheduled for months, long before we knew what would be taking place yesterday,\u201d Bishop Mark Seitz said.<\/p>\n
Seitz said the church has a responsibility to support survivors. \u201cWell, we know that we as a church have an obligation to support and especially to pray for those who suffer the impact of these crimes, these sins that have been committed against them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Mass came one day after the Diocese of El Paso filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it faces 18 claims of alleged sexual abuse from clergy members across 12 lawsuits dating from 1956 to 1982.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe realized when we looked at the number of cases that we’re facing and the amount of money that that frankly will cost, that there is no possible way that we could respond as a church to all of those claims if we did them one by one,\u201d Seitz said.<\/p>\n
Some community members said the Mass and the bankruptcy filing represent movement, but they also raised concerns about what happens next.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile I appreciate that they’re doing something, it is of concern to us to know what those next steps are,\u201d said Karina Fernandez, a community member. \u201cSo you’re filing for bankruptcy, that’s great. You’re taking accountability for something that maybe 20-something years ago happened, which we appreciate, but what else?\u201d<\/p>\n
Seitz pointed to changes over the past three decades, saying there have been no new accusations in 28 years.<\/p>\n
RELATED: <\/a>El Paso Catholic Diocese files for Bankruptcy Chapter 11 amid claims of sexual abuse<\/a><\/p>\n He also reaffirmed the diocese\u2019s commitment to therapy, spiritual support and personal apologies to survivors.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m always willing to speak to them myself and express my sincere apology on behalf of the church and offer whatever help I can,\u201d Seitz said.<\/p>\n Fernandez said she recognizes the diocese is taking action, while also describing the bankruptcy filing as painful for some in the community.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I would, as in good faith as a Catholic, recognize that they’re doing something,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is kind of a slap in the face, but again as a community leader, we do have to make sure that people do take those steps to acknowledge the pain and the suffering of these victims.\u201d<\/p>\n Church leaders encouraged survivors and the community to continue coming forward and said they remain committed to prayer, support and accountability as the bankruptcy process moves forward.<\/p>\n