In a profound journey of prayer, listening, awareness and discernment, the Diocese of Sale has taken significant strides to address the critical issue of domestic violence. Recognising that domestic and family violence never emanates from a loving God, the Sale Diocese is steadfastly committed to preventing any domestic and family violence by helping to create safe and supportive environments for all.

 

Bishop Greg, in a compelling video message to the diocesan community, urged everyone to focus attention on potential victims of domestic violence. He called on all parishes to confront the realities of local domestic violence, positioning them as places of reference and support for those affected.

 

How has all this come about? 

The journey began last year with the approval of Bishop Greg, leading to the formation of a dedicated team comprising members from across the diocese. United by their passion and eagerness to fulfil the mission of Christ to draw all together as one family, the team drew inspiration from Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.”

Under the expert facilitation of Jocelyn Bignold, a professional dedicated to supporting women, children, and victims of family violence, the team shared visions and experiences, setting both short-term and long-term goals. The overarching aim of the team is to reduce domestic and family violence within the Sale Diocese. 

  

 

How is the team going to reduce family and domestic violence?

The team recognises that the eradication of domestic and family violence is not something that can happen overnight. Nor will it be easy. But a start must be made to promote awareness and to express our hearts’ concerns in prayer. To this end, the diocese recently embarked on a four-week journey of prayer and listening in every parish. This involved weekly prayers, introductions at Mass, bulletin announcements, and readings of testimonials written by the Shine a Light team. Five special prayer services were held across the diocese, with Bishop Greg leading the one at Sion House in Warragul. This special liturgy included a Litany for Transforming Relationships, Prayer for Justice for the Oppressed and concluded with asking for the courage to Shine the Light on Domestic Violence. 

Parishes were encouraged to focus on the issue over the weekend, with activities such as lighting the Pascal candle, sprinkling holy water, and engaging in a homily prepared by Fr Jeff Klenjyns. 

Schools across the diocese were encouraged to participate via age-appropriate activities that focus on our individual call to respond to the needs of others to build harmony and peace in our homes and families, schools and the wider community.

This was done through a series of short classroom activities and prayer opportunities centred around the Christian response to the needs of others.

A brochure on the Catholic Church’s teachings on separation, divorce, and annulment has been distributed across all parishes. Additionally, an art piece by Madelaine Schumann from Bairnsdale poignantly reflects the experience of individuals facing domestic violence.

 

Looking ahead, the diocese will focus on training parish staff, particularly safeguarding officers and pastoral associates, as part of ongoing formation efforts. Pope Francis’ recent statement denouncing violence against women as a “poisonous weed” aligns with the diocese’s commitment to eradicating this societal ill.

The Diocese of Sale calls on all community members to join hands in working towards eradicating domestic violence, echoing the sentiments of Pope Francis and affirming the commitment to creating a safer and more compassionate community for all.

 

 

Together, we can affect positive change. In fact, it has begun already… a change that began last year in small parish meetings that were confronted by the stark reality of domestic and family violence… to the formation of a task force who has planned a diocesan-wide response to the issue… to parishes gathering to pray and touching the hearts of those present. Below is a powerful testimony of a person who attended the ‘Shining the Light’ liturgy conducted at St Michael's Parish, Berwick last Friday evening. 

 

Testament from Janett Dobler 

I would like to mention that I attended the Shine a Light on Domestic Violence Special Liturgy at Berwick because as a survivor of family violence I have never been able to tell my story because of suppression of the fact by family who feel shame and do not volunteer to listen, nor support me, nor acknowledge both the physical and emotional abuse in the family. I have carried feelings of fear of “rocking the boat” for a long time because my family celebrate material success more than they acknowledge human suffering.

For the first time, I had a chance to be in a safe space and environment, surrounded by a caring God’s Family who had gathered for the same reason to pray, heal and atone world pain and hurt from acts of Domestic Violence. I experienced instant safety and support and it felt like everyone in the church was there as a support for me and that this was my chance to start my healing journey.

The lighting of the candles brought me warmth, I felt at home, in God’s presence, my fear disappeared. I looked around the church and everyone was dressed in something White, this reaffirmed to me the readiness of God’s people to actively listen with intent. This was Service as a Mission in action. The Shine a Light on Domestic Violence Liturgy was a well-thought-out healing session, it was inclusive of all people, it was universal, and I experienced love and calmness.

Every Reading and Prayer had a particular message for me, The Moments of Silence allowed me to reflect and soothe my emotions. I was provided time to feel and examine every emotion, I carry with me. My whole experience led me to realise that the wounds of abuse are very internal, raw, tender and they heal slowly, and I acknowledged, it will be an ongoing healing process. I was deeply touched by the fact that the Special Liturgy was a planned action of love, and it reinforced to me that I was in the right place at the right time and that it was not a coincidence.

I wish there were more Shine a Light on Domestic Violence Special Liturgy, so that more people can get to attend and experience the three shades of the Cross and to bring light to their lives as I did.

Written By Janette Dobler 

 

Testament from a St Mary's parish, Bairnsdale parishioner 

 

"The Shining a Light Liturgy was for me and my girls a very prayerful, reflective and respectful healing experience.

It validated my anguish and also my love as a parent supporting a victim of Family Violence.

It is so encouraging to see the Diocese and Church being a positive role model by acknowledging Family Violence and the need to speak out against it and to be proactive in reaching out in solidarity and love.

Shine a Light, what a great title. Too often the victims of Family Violence have had their light extinguished, or at the very best, diminished.

They can carry so much trauma. The dialogue is changing and we need to continue to speak out and keep that light shining."

 

 

 

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