In part 3 of our series, we talk about some positive steps that individuals can take to start the process of recovering from Abuse.
Cathy worked as a consultant for many years by assisting numerous not-for-profit organizations to raise money to do work in communities that fills a desperate need. She has also given speeches and conducted workshops around the country specializing in fundraising techniques as well as help trauma survivors recover. Her current full-time project is Gather My Lost Sheep, which focuses on helping trauma survivors return to Catholic parishes and to restore their faith in Christ. She did this as a result of realizing that Priests aren't always trained in this and aren't sure what to do. In addition, stigma keeps the laity from talking about mental health issues. This results in Impacted families feeling isolated. Cathy became convinced that this isn't who the Church is meant to be. Gather My Lost Sheep strives to teach people to ask "How do I accompany someone who is hurting? How can I be Christ to them?"
Over 70% of the population has experienced trauma. The events and isolation in 2020 have simply added to the strain on our mental health. Cathy decided to rethink evangelization and pastoral care when she saw the impact on people living with trauma and their mass exodus from the Church. As a national speaker working with US bishops and priests, she has talked about leadership in the Church at the parish and diocesan level. She brings the technical knowledge and lived experience to this conversation.
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