Awake

We’re so grateful for the generosity of all who support Awake’s mission! This month we're especially thankful for all who supported our second annual survivor retreat and gave to our fifth anniversary campaign. We also extend our gratitude to 27 donors who wish to remain anonymous.

Thanks to Letters from a Catholic Feminist for the invitation to share actions each Catholic can take to respond to the crises of sexual abuse and coverup and “work for a safer, more accountable, and more compassionate Church.” Read more from Awake’s executive director, Sara Larson: https://lnkd.in/gK4sUdsv #clergysexualabuseawarenessday #catholic #catholicchurch #churchtoo

We're so grateful to everyone who has contributed to and shared our fifth anniversary appeal. We've now raised $13,555 toward our $16,000 goal, and we'd love your help getting to the finish line! https://lnkd.in/dBnNYpXb #catholic #catholicchurch #churchabuse #churchtoo #sexualabuse #supportsurvivors

Join us next week for community building and prayer! On Wednesday, August 7 at 7:00 pm CDT, the Awake community with gather for our annual Prayer in the Park. We will have both in-person and virtual gatherings incorporating music, Scripture, poetry, prayer, and small group sharing, inspired by the Transfiguration of Jesus, which is celebrated on August 6. Learn more and sign up to attend at https://lnkd.in/gFpm_fRX #catholic #prayer #smallgroups #community #fellowship

What an amazing weekend! Thanks to all whose prayers, good wishes, and financial support made Awake’s second annual retreat for survivors possible. Here are a few photos from our time together: 1) Some of this year’s retreatants 2) Our retreat team 3) A moment of quiet reflection 4) A collaborative art project

Mark your calendars! We've announced the schedule for our *fifth* season of Courageous Conversations. Learn more and sign up for our September Courageous Conversation at https://lnkd.in/gE_BKmX2 #catholic #catholicchurch #churchtoo #churchabuse

Today survivors from across the country are beginning their travels to West Bend, Wisconsin for our second annual survivor retreat. Will you join us in praying for safe travels for all, and for this weekend to be a transformative experience of community and healing? #prayer #prayerrequest #catholic #catholicchurch #churchabuse #churchtoo

Wow, we're so thankful to all who have committed to support Awake's next chapter!  As of this morning, 59 donors have contributed a total of $11,145. We would love to make our goal of $16,000 so that we can fulfill our plans for the year. If you haven't made a gift already, would you consider doing so today?  https://lnkd.in/gKyN7gpB

Awake is honored to be connected with survivors of abuse by Catholic leaders from across the United States and around the world. In our most recent Survivor Survey, we received responses from survivors in twenty-six different states (and Washington, DC), as well as survivors in Sweden, Canada, and Wales. Read more about the Awake Survivor Survey on the blog: https://lnkd.in/gA3DRHTc?

Today's Meet Awake features Kate Sponholz, a Prayer Team member and Encourager Ministry participant from Whitefish Bay, WI. Kate shares, "I love to sing and play the piano. I enjoy Pilates and spending time in the garden. I’m a native Kentuckian and still get asked about my accent after almost 40 years in Wisconsin!" (Kate is wearing her University of Kentucky apron in this photo!) Kate's involvement in Awake sprung from her desire to help survivors and the Church heal: "Listening to survivors through the Courageous Conversations has brought home the effects of abuse in a concrete way," she says. Kate, we're so glad you're part of the Awake community! #catholic #catholicchurch #churchabuse #churchtoo