December 20, 2004

To all the faithful of the Diocese of Tulsa,
beloved in Christ and especially dear to me on this
Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord

My Dear Brothers and Sisters;
 

Let me greet you this joyful day with an affection born of faith and the imperishable hope which we have received in Christ, the Light of the World; for it was His birth twenty centuries ago, which brings
     light to those who dwell in darkness,
     joy to those who despair of being loved,
     healing to those who have been broken by sin or seduced by evil, and
     to all of us this day, the most blessed promise of salvation.
 

Christ has asked us to share His light by reaching out to those around us to mend the broken, to heal the sick, and to protect the afflicted.  For this reason, the Church never ceases to bring the light of Christ to the poor and the victimized through a myriad of compassionate programs.  Together we help heal victims of abortion through Rachel's Vineyard Retreats, we offer hope to the victims of divorce through their participation in a Beginning Experience Weekend, at Madonna House we care for unwed mothers, and at the Xavier Clinic we watch over the sick. 

Wherever there are suffering people, we want to bring the healing touch of Jesus and in this new year to come, I want to launch a new outreach program of hope and healing for those who have suffered the hurt of sexual abuse.  Please help me to understand the best way of reaching these survivors by taking a moment this weekend to fill out the short questionnaire which you will find in your bulletin.  Your honest answers will help me learn how our Diocese can most effectively bring the love of Christ, King of kings and Healer of hurts, to the survivors of childhood abuse. 
 

Thank you for your help, and know that I remember you in my prayers and carry you always in my heart.

Sincerely yours in Christ
 

Most Rev. Edward J. Slattery

Bishop of Tulsa

Child Abuse and Prevention Programs Home

Last updated April 26, 2006.