To help individuals affected by abuse find strength, support, and healing, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is holding their fifth annual Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse on Saturday, September 6^th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5^th Avenue N.,  St. Petersburg. All are welcome, including people of various faith backgrounds or no faith background. The Mass will also be livestreamed.

According to the National Institute of Health, family and domestic violence, including child abuse, intimate partner abuse, and elder abuse is a common problem in the United States. Family and domestic health violence are estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States every year and it is a national public health problem.

Experts believe that spirituality can provide comfort and coping skills to those impacted by abuse. For example, Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence, Inc. states the following on their website: “Faith and spirituality can be instrumental in supporting the grieving and healing processes of domestic violence survivors.”

Bishop Gregory Parkes and other local clergy will be leading the Healing Mass that includes special prayers for those in need of spiritual healing due to various forms of abuse, including sexual, physical, or emotional. Those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends are most welcome to attend and participate.

After the Mass, there will be opportunities for individual prayer with a priest or conversation with the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Mr. John Lambert, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. To view the livestream, visit: www.dosp.org/livestream