St. Bartholomew Church will hold a listening session regarding the current sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic church from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 in the Parish Hall, 470 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.
The session will be facilitated by Sister Margaret Conlon, Sister of Charity. Conlon has ministered to high school students and families as a teacher and counselor in Jersey City for more than 20 years.
For 27 years, Conlon has ministered as a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor at Emmaus House, a holistic center for women religious, in Ocean Grove. Conlon has facilitated programs for suicide prevention for youth, as well as groups and retreats for adult women in recovery.
The Oct. 22 session will begin with a history of the crisis and the church’s response before breaking into small groups. All are encouraged and welcome to attend. A follow-up report from the session will be delivered to the Most Rev. James Francis Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact MaryEllen Firestone at mfire15@comcast.net.
