People who have suffered from clergy sexual abuse have a friend in Julie Craven.
In October, she was named the new ombudsperson for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Her role involves listening to people’s stories and directing them toward resources that can help.
Craven described her path to this position and what it entails with host Patrick Conley during a recent episode of “Practicing Catholic.” She is the third person to serve as ombudsperson, a volunteer role that came out of a 2015 court settlement between the archdiocese and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. The idea was to create an independent, outside resource for people with questions or concerns about clerical sexual abuse in the archdiocese, and to provide a listening ear to those directly or indirectly harmed by abuse.
Craven has several years of experience in restorative justice, starting while she was employed by Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis. She now works for the University of St. Thomas School of Law as associate director of the Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing. Although the role of ombudsperson is independent from the archdiocese, Craven brings knowledge of the 2015 settlement agreement, plus a background working with Father Daniel Griffith to start a restorative justice program at Our Lady of Lourdes, where he previously served as pastor.
One of the effective tools she and Father Griffith have used are healing circles, which bring people together to talk about their experiences and their feelings about these experiences.
“We have found again and again, these circles are amazing,” Craven said. “I very much believe they’re sacred, as far as bringing people together, and, in a little more vulnerable space, talking about the harm. I’ve been honored to be in circles with Tim O’Malley (director of the archdiocesan Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment) and with Archbishop (Bernard) Hebda. And I think there is something beautiful that comes out of being able to speak about (the abuse suffered).”
Craven noted during the interview with Conley that an upcoming event will offer healing circles and other aspects of restorative justice. It is scheduled for May 6 at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. To learn more and to register, visit the parish website at mary.org.
When it comes to restorative justice efforts in the archdiocese, Craven is quick to credit the leadership of Archbishop Hebda, who has worked within the archdiocese to develop O’Malley’s office.
“I have so much respect for Archbishop Hebda,” she said. “He has gone above and beyond the settlement agreement to make sure that we’re transparent, that we have options available, that people who’ve been harmed have someplace to go. So, it was an easy yes when he reached out about this role.”
To hear the full interview, listen to this episode of “Practicing Catholic,” which repeats at 1 p.m. April 1 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM and 2 p.m. April 2.
Also during the March 31 “Practicing Catholic” episode, Conley interviews Mike Rios-Keating, social justice education manager at Catholic Charities Twin Cities, who discusses the Giving Basket as one way to help people in need, and Gary Bowman of Hospitality Houses for Divine Mercy, who discusses assistance provided to those experiencing homelessness who have mental health challenges.
