“We are here to promote life and to offer reconciliation, when reconciliation is possible,” Bishop Gerald Barnes said during the workshop. “This is a blessing for us to help restore dignity and hopefully the sense of family, so that it doesn’t become destructive.”
Reflecting on what type of formation and education is needed, Bishop Barnes decided the clergy of the Diocese could benefit from focusing on the issue domestic violence. When consulting with his advisors the topic of domestic violence continued to come up.
“One of the things that we are interested in is the resources and how to proceed legally,” said Father Luis Guido, Priest Minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio. “It’s a blessing to have this workshop. This should be among the top priorities for us.”
Fr. Guido has encountered several instances of domestic violence throughout his years in ministry. Recently he said he became aware of a situation where he had to call the police.
“It’s important to know that there is a cultural aspect and a social aspect to domestic violence,” Fr. Guido said. “How do you react to those two?”
Participants gained insights on how counselors address domestic violence in their sessions with couples. Maria Jesus Ampuero, who presented the counselor’s perspective, shared traits, signs and symptoms to look out for when speaking with parishioners.
Ampuero also pointed out the need for attention to be paid to abusers as well.
“As Catholics we have the responsibility to reach out to the perpetrators as well,” Ampuero said. “They are children of God as well and should be treated with respect and compassion. It takes special skills to do this.”
Attendees of the workshop learned that many times if someone is exposed to abusive behavior as a child, he or she can grow up to practice the abusive behavior creating a cycle.
The priests and deacons left the conference with several resources and a better idea of how to proceed when the issue of domestic violence comes up among parishioners. The list of resources can be found in the Diocesan Marriage Initiative’s resource page at www.sbmarriageinitiative.org.
“I was unaware of how prevalent domestic violence is,” said Father Vincent Au C.M.C., Pastor at St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Corona. “It is affirming to know that there are resources available and that we are in a position to be able to facilitate that.”
The conference was sponsored by the Office of Continuing Formation of Priests, Office of Catechetical Ministry, Office of Canonical Services, the Marriage Initiative of the Diocese, St. Bernardine Medical Center and Spaggi’s Restaurant.