Media Advisory: Pastoral Message from Archbishop Thomas Collins to be Read at
225 GTA Churches this Weekend

Issue of sexual abuse addressed by Shepherd of 1.9 million Catholics

TORONTO, April 16 /CNW/ - His Grace, Archbishop Thomas Collins, has prepared a pastoral message for the faithful of the Archdiocese regarding the issue of sexual abuse and the church. The message will be read as the homily at every mass in 225 parishes this weekend.

In addition, the website of the Archdiocese of Toronto, www.archtoronto.org will provide additional resources for visitors including the Archdiocesan safe environment policy, a video message from the Archbishop, his message translated into five languages, prayers for victims and links to other national and global church resources on sexual abuse.

Archbishop Collins spoke directly to the priests of the Archdiocese regarding the issue during Holy Week at the March 30 Chrism Mass, the annual gathering where clergy renew their vows to the priesthood. This weekend, his message will address the faithful in parishes throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

The Archdiocese of Toronto is Canada's largest diocese, stretching from Toronto north to Georgian Bay and from Oshawa to Mississauga. It is home to 1.9 million Catholics, more than 800 diocesan and religious priests and 225 parishes, with mass celebrated in more than 30 different languages each week.

For further information: Media contact: Neil MacCarthy, Director, Public Relations & Communications, Archdiocese of Toronto, [phone] x 552, [phone] (cell), [email protected], www.archtoronto.org