OFFICE AIDS VICTIMS

OF CLERGY ABUSE

            A person claiming to have been sexually abused as a minor by a priest or deacon may seek access to pastoral care from the Diocese of Brooklyn by contacting Sister Ellen Patricia Finn, O.P., at (718) 722-6050.

            The Dominican Sister was appointed by the Diocese last March to coordinate a process for providing immediate pastoral care for individuals who may have been victims of inappropriate behavior by a clergyman.

            As the diocesan assistance coordinator, Sister Ellen Patricia, who is associate executive director of Catholic Charities, fills a position called for in the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons, issued by the U.S. bishops and approved by the Vatican Congregation for Bishops in 2002.