top of page

Ministry,
Programs,
Support

Spirit Fire is a relationship-based ministry, collaborating with others to develop a trauma-informed response to pastoral needs, crises, and ongoing programs. 

​

This page presents numerous illustrations of work Teresa has done with others.

Pushing Back Against Darkness

The Catholic University of America graciously hosted a Spirit Fire facilitating dialogue among Catholic bishops and survivors of clergy abuse. More about program and exhibit check is here.

Pastoral Care Formation

One of Spirit Fire's primary activities is to inspire formation of clergy, religious, lay ministers, and therapists with trauma-informed programs as well as individual discussions and support.

Care for Survivors

Spirit Fire provides many options, from retreats and workshops to individual guidance, for survivors and loved ones. For at-home, private retreat reflection, three transcripts are here.

Prayer Services

Spirit Fire relies on prayer and encourages prayer of any kind among all people who are affected by the wound of abuse. For some of our prayers and programs, check here.

Parish Healing & Involvement

Spirit Fire serves parishes processing the impact of scandal, developing programs to heal and to promote awareness and healing broadly.

Sacred Spaces & Gardens

Spirit Fire & Friends promote creating healing spaces with beautiful art and plants individually, in family homes, and as public gardens.

Clergy as Survivors

Extensive, confidential resource hub of support (individually and in groups) for survivors of abuse who are diocesan or religious clergy.

Church Leadership

Spiritual friendship and availability for pastoral care for survivors and family members, and for parishes and clergy.

Child Protection

Resources and information promoting the protection of minors and all vulnerable adults through awareness and training. More here.

Free Articles & Resources

Wide-ranging resources and simple chats to provide the right resources for anyone seeking to offer trauma-informed pastoral care. More

Addiction Recovery

Teresa works with people recovering from addiction and compulsions if they wish to integrate their Christian faith into recovery.

Clergy Retreats

Teresa Has planned and led many programs aimed at supporting clergy who are both seeking to provide trauma-informed pastoral care.

Clergy Retreats

Teresa has led or participated in many programs aimed at supporting clergy who are both seeking to provide pastoral care to survivors and families -- and reeling from abuse in the Church, too.

Pontifical Commission Listening

Teresa facilitated virtual listening sessions for survivors and families to speak to a working group of the Pontifical Commission, leading to a new awareness on family impact of abuse.

Pontifical Summit

In June 2021, Teresa offered opening comments at the first Pontifical Summit on Pastoral Care for Survivors of Clergy Abuse, published as part of the proceedings.  (Transcript)

Pontifical Commission Library

Teresa has led or participated in many programs aimed at supporting clergy who are both seeking to provide pastoral care to survivors and families -- and reeling from abuse in the Church, too.

The Healing Voices

From 2014 to 2020, The Healing Voices Magazine was an e-zine published and edited by survivors of clergy abuse who wished to create a safe forum for the voices of all people affected by the scandal of abuse in the Catholic Church to share reflections and information -- promoting understanding, and fostering a sense of peace and secure pathways for reconciliation over time.The Healing Voices eventually was read by hundreds of regular subscribers found across the United States, Europe, Rome, and all English-speaking areas of the Catholic Church.

Survivor Suggestions for Pastoral Care Programs

The Healing Voices published an newspaper for both the 2017 and the 2018 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops General Assembly to bring to their dioceses, offering survivor voices talking about ideas pastoral care and healing. What was true then remains true now. For ideas in the voices of survivors of clergy abuse, speaking for themselves, these are a must-read.

​

Would you like free copies?

Just contact Teresa for your downloadable version today.​​​

bottom of page