Hello, My name is Michael Gomez and I am so excited to become the next Executive Director for Journey to Bethany. I look forward to continuing the work begun by our community and survivors we serve. I come with a background of 35 years working at Hallmark Cards, Inc, 11 ½ years as the Director…
DetailsOn July 29, 2025, Journey to Bethany hosted the Journey Together Breakfast, a gathering focused on deepening our commitment to healing and supporting survivors of abuse by those within the Catholic community. Through thoughtful dialogue, participants explored five essential questions. Here’s a summary of the insights and the action steps we’re taking together. Accompanying Survivors…
DetailsA letter from Jennifer Prusa, Executive Director Dear Friends, I’m writing to share that I will be stepping down as Executive Director of Journey to Bethany on October 1, 2025. This decision comes after much reflection, as I feel called to make space for other personal and professional commitments—including spending more time with my parents…
Details“Who are the people in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood, in your neigh-bor-hood? … They’re the people that you meet each day!” This sweet song from Sesame Street taught many of us about the many helpers all around us. It seemed to say, just look around – all these ordinary people make up a community…
DetailsIn many ways, healing is about reconnecting. A cut heals when our cells reconnect. Connecting with loved ones heals your heart. Some harmed by clergy sexual abuse can heal when they reconnect with a church that cares. Many times, this happens outside of the “church and the steeple” when caring volunteers show up for them. …
DetailsIn the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we are told that, “moved with compassion” he approached the man who fell into the hands of robbers and “ poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.” Wine was meant to sanitize and oil to facilitate healing. When I was ordained a priest almost 33…
DetailsThe year of 2023 was an important year for establishing the actual entity called Journey to Bethany, developing its strategic plan and then initiating those services which assist abuse survivors “in their search for healing and justice”. For me, key to the mission of Journey to Bethany is the notion of the Body of…
DetailsAlthough I have not worked directly with the Journey to Bethany team in walking with individuals who have been sexually abused by clergy in the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese, I have participated in numerous workshops, presented by the Journey to Bethany team, specifically dealing with Trauma-Informed Care and Response. These workshops have provided valuable information,…
DetailsMy name is Dr Mike Kirse. I’m a 60-year-old man who is still recovering from the emotional and spiritual damage done to me in my middle teenage years from sexual abuse by two priests. I am, and have always considered myself, a victim. That changed a little over a year ago when I started attending…
DetailsOur name inspires us to empower a community to welcome and care for people harmed by clergy sexual abuse. So, why Bethany? We are named for the Bethany, a village east of Jerusalem and the home of Jesus’ friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Bethany frequently surfaces in the bible as a place where Jesus…
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