This year’s focus is on the theme of “The Empty Chair”.
This year’s focus is on the theme of “The Empty Chair”. Many of us are saddened by reducing numbers in our churches. This is happening for a wide variety of reasons, but our thoughts are on those who are not there because they have suffered abuse in a church setting and cannot face being here. They may be the families or friends of survivors. They may be former members of a community affected by allegations or convictions for abuse. They may be people who are simply so disgusted or ashamed by what they have heard about abuse within the Church that they no longer want to be part of it. All these groups and others are represented by “The Empty Chair”.
The resources offered for this year build on those for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Thoughts that may help in the development of a homily for the Sunday or day on which this is the focus.
For use as required.
The aim of this session is to offer an opportunity to reflect on the situation that has caused so much pain, and which has led to many people becoming detached from the Church.
Preparation guide.
This can be used with the Listening Session and includes the prayers and readings. It could be developed by the addition of transitions, animations, pictures or photographs. Corresponding slide numbers are included in the text for the Session.
In 2021, several survivors offered reflections on their experiences as part of a short project called “Listening with Love”. It is still available here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/listening-with-love/. It offers material for seven short sessions that may be helpful for small group reflection groups.
The Jesuit Institute is offering a week of guided prayer for those who have been affected by the scandal of clergy abuse in the Catholic Church
