‘Pastoral, intercessory, and penitential’ – the sixth annual Mass of Reparation
Bishop Michael Olson celebrates the Mass of Reparation for Victims of Abuse at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Fort Worth on Saturday, April 11, 2026. (NTC/Kevin Bartram)
FORT WORTH — On April 11, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Fort Worth, more than 80 people gathered for the sixth annual Mass of Reparation for Victims of Abuse.
Diocesan Director of Safe Environment Sandra Schrader-Farry said the purpose of the liturgy is multifold.
“Our hope is that all who gather for the Mass of Reparation leave with a deeper awareness of the suffering caused by abuse and a greater compassion for those who have been affected," Schrader-Farry said. "We also hope that gathering for this Mass helps us to recognize our shared responsibility to stand with survivors in prayer and through our commitment to foster a true culture of safety and a deep respect for the dignity of every person.
"We pray that this time together inspires a renewed dedication in all of us to protect the most vulnerable and to make our communities places of healing, trust, and hope."
Schrader-Farry described past Masses as “pastoral, intercessory, and penitential in tone,” and the atmosphere at the service in mid-April was no exception.
Bishop Michael Olson, who delivered the homily, reaffirmed Schrader-Farry's sentiments and urged parishioners and clergy alike to continue to do their parts.
“We cannot deny the truth and remain believers in the fullness of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Olson said. “We must accept the Cross and the Resurrection joined together in His love and truth. We must take refuge in the glorious wounds of Christ alone by which we are healed, not in human policies, programs, or even practices, no matter how important.
“We beg for His mercy that Christ would make us just and merciful. We contritely make a firm purpose of amendment, and trust that only through Him can we make satisfaction and experience healing with all who have been harmed by our disbelief in Christ’s triumph of mercy over sin, His triumph of life over death, His triumph of truth over deception.”
Dr. Kim Robinson, formerly with Bob’s House of Hope and a member at St. Mark Parish in Argyle, said she made the decision to attend the service because it is personal for her.
“I’m a psychologist,” Dr. Robinson said. “And I am very active with the [diocesan] Conduct Review Board and Safe Environment Program, and so I have been fortunate to be able to serve people who were victims of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. I have also helped set up a shelter for male victims of trafficking.
“So, this is very near and dear to my heart, and I just want to make sure that we are always acknowledging and hoping for the healing of the people who have been victims of priests within our own Church.”
Olga Argumedo, a facilitator of eight years and parishioner at St. Bartholomew Church in Fort Worth, said she hopes that Mass serves as a source of awareness and advocacy for the victims.
“My biggest hope is that people are conscious of what has been going on,” Argumedo said. “To be a better person, and to serve each other, and to feel the pain of the victims who have suffered.”
And the Diocese of Fort Worth has made significant progress in doing so.
Schrader-Farry and others have worked tirelessly over the last few years to develop a process by which the diocese identifies and responds to potential threats to keep parishes and other diocesan facilities and functions as safe as possible.
Patrick McGrail, director of security at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller, is one of the men responsible for the process, and he said he is pleased with what has been accomplished so far.
"I think we've made significant progress," McGrail said. "I came to the diocese in 2022 after 29 years in law enforcement. ...The process that we've developed and put into place over the last couple of years has been significant. I think what's really telling is that Bishop [Olson] has been so involved, and he has involved all of the clergy.
"The priests are all aware and on the lookout, so that if somebody comes to them or something is identified, they direct them toward us. In the past, we didn't have that knowledge, but now there's a process where people can reach out to their pastors … it's been a very productive program."
But there are still scars — still residual pain that will require time, patience, and forgiveness to subside.
Phyllis Harkins, who works part time at Cook Children’s Medical Center and as a facilitator, was emotional following the service.
A member of St. Andrew Parish in Fort Worth, Harkins said she prays that survivors can find peace and has a message for those victims who have considered returning to the Church.
“I would say to them that God loves them all and they are always welcome,” Harkins said. “And that we Catholics, and I am a cradle Catholic way before Vatican II, we are so truly and humbly sorry for what they have experienced. It’s wrong, it will always be wrong.
"We can never make it up to them, but we want them to know that God loves them, we love them, and we are always going to be there for them.”