The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is committed to responding to survivors of abuse with compassion, dignity, and respect. Pastoral care, support, and assistance are available for individuals who have experienced abuse involving Church personnel. The Victim Assistance Coordinator helps connect survivors with resources, support services, and pathways toward healing.
We pray that victims will have the courage to speak out about their abuse so that they can begin the healing process and their abusers can be identified.
Anyone who has been abused or is aware of abuse must call the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873.
Victim Assistance Coordinator
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg provides counseling services for survivors, families of survivors, and affected parishes or communities. We encourage anyone abused by Church personnel (clergy, a church employee or volunteer) or a contractor/vendor, to call the Victim Assistance Coordinator. He is available to coordinate pastoral care and assistance and answer questions.
Note: We do not enter into settlements which bind the parties to confidentiality unless the victim/survivor requests confidentiality and this request is noted in the text of the agreement.
John Lambert, LCSW
CONTACT
Phone: 1-866-407-4505
Email: john.lambert@dosp.org
Our Commitment to You
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg complies with all applicable civil laws concerning the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities and we fully cooperate in their investigation conducted by civil authorities, in accordance with state and federal law. We report cases to law enforcement even when the complainant is no longer a minor. In every instance, we encourage victims to make a report to public authorities.
We denounce sexual abuse of minors and all individuals as a reprehensible crime and believe perpetrators should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Any priest, deacon, employee or volunteer who has committed even one act of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult is permanently removed from ministry.
Prayer
An essential means of dealing with crisis is prayer for healing, reconciliation, and acts of reparation for the grave offense to God and the deep wound inflicted upon his holy people. Closely connected to prayer and acts of reparation is the call to holiness of life and the care of the bishop to ensure that he and his priests and deacons are acting in accordance with their priestly promises of chastity and obedience.
Through our fervent prayers and the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and all the saints, victims will experience healing, children and vulnerable adults will be safe and the Church will be a light in the darkness.
- Please remember in your prayers all who have been wounded by crimes of abuse that they will know the healing grace of God.
- Please pray that all who minister to God’s people will live up to the standards of morality, decency and virtue that their faith demands.
- Please also pray for all of the priests and bishops who have justly served with compassion and kindness that they may be encouraged in their ministry with the support of the faithful to continue to do good for the glory of God.
- Please pray for an end to the crime of child sexual abuse in our Church and in our world.
Prayer Resources
2018 FDLC Resources for Liturgy and Prayer August 2018 (Spanish)
2018 FDLC Resources for Liturgy and Prayer August 2018
Prayer for Healing and Reparation (Bilingual)
Sample Intercessions (Bilingual)
Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
Rosary for Healing (printable booklet) – PDF