News and Events

Hope and Healing Mass

11th Annual Mass for Hope and Healing

Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
10 a.m.
St. Gertrude Church
6200 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago

Watch livestream mass here

See flyer for details.

The Annual Mass for Hope and Healing is an opportunity for victim-survivors to find a safe space where they can feel supported and loved. In 1992, the Archdiocese of Chicago put in place policies and procedures to address allegations and issues related to sexual abuse of minors. Our Office for the Protection of Children and Youth is committed to continuing the important work to protect children and to accompany victim-survivors of sexual abuse. All are encouraged and welcomed to attend.

“If one member suffers, all suffer together.” 1 Cor. 12:26


Catholic Chicago Radio

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi welcome Mayra Flores and Michael Hoffman to Catholic Chicago Radio.

Flores is the Safe Environment Coordinator in the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth at the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Safe Environment Office educates clergy, employees and volunteers of the Archdiocese of Chicago on how to prevent sexual abuse, recognize grooming behaviors and create safe environments for children and young people in our parishes, schools and community.

Hoffman is a victim-survivor of clergy sexual abuse who joined Flores on the program to share his story. Flores and Hoffman also discuss the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that was approved in 2002 and the upcoming Mass for Hope and Healing taking place at St. Gertrude Church in Edgewater.

Full podcast (Link)