Reporting

To make a report to the Diocese of Owensboro regarding abuse by anyone acting in the name of the Church, whether long past or recent, please call 270-852-8380 (270-880-8360 Español)  to reach the Pastoral Assistance Coordinator’s confidential phone line. To make a report of sexual abuse of a minor and related misconduct by bishops, go to ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562.

If you have been sexually harmed by someone acting in the name of the Catholic Church, we as Church grieve with you.  Sexual abuse is contrary to Christian morals, is a grievous sin, and may be criminal under civil law. The Diocese of Owensboro has committed itself to the prevention of sexual abuse within our Church and to a prompt, effective response to any allegations which arise against anyone acting in the name of the Church.

The Diocese of Owensboro Revised Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures, effective July 1, 2014, outlines the diocese’s response to sexual abuse concerns, in accord with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, developed in 2002 and most recently updated in 2018.

Please click here to download and/or print a flowchart of how to report child abuse in the Diocese of Owensboro and also how the Diocese responds to reports of child abuse.

The pastor/principal of each parish/school in the Diocese of Owensboro should complete this Community Contacts Form and have it available in the parish/school office in the event a report of suspected abuse needs to be made by anyone on the parish/school staff or in the parish/school community.

For Assistance:

Sexual Assault Services: serving the 32 counties of our diocese
Kentucky Child Protection Hot Line: 1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331 (toll-free)—reporting abuse of a minor to Child Protective Services
Commonwealth’s Attorneys List: Reporting abuse to Civil Authorities
Diocese of Owensboro Pastoral Assistance Coordinator: 270-852-8380 (English) and 270-880-8360 (Español)

Prayer for Healing

Let us pray.

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong: your only Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked, yet healed us with the blood of his cross.

May the gentle Jesus join to his own suffering, the pains of those abused by priests who have betrayed your love, and servants of your Church, whose sin has brought us shame.

May Christ hear the cries of those abused, may he quell their restless fears with faith in your protection, their doubt, with confidence in your love, and all rage with trust in your healing mercy.

Grant all Shepherds of his Church the compassion to protect his lambs, the strength to guide his flock, and the wisdom to model their lives on Christ, the Good Shepherd.

God of justice and compassion, protect all children from abuse, and deliver us from hate. May we seek only justice and truth, and trust in your unending mercy.

We ask this through the same Christ, our Lord.

(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on the Liturgy)