FROM: thepainguy@gmail.com
TO: BNojadera@usccb.org
DATE: Jan 21, 2018, 2:52 PM
SUBJECT: The Truth About "Assistance Coordinators" and the Archdiocese of St. Louis

Deacon Nojadera,

My message isn't complicated.

The USCCB statement about the death of Cardinal Law told victims to contact their local archdiocesan Assistance Coordinator. The problem is, at least in St. Louis and presumably elsewhere, there is no such person. As I discuss in Assistance Coordinators & Other Lies over the course of 15 years, at no point was I ever told of, contacted by, or put in contact with an Assistance Coordinator.

Recently, I have seen some activity on the Archdiocese of St. Louis' web site that suggests that such a person exists, or was recently hired, but I can tell you that any such activity is recent and, based on my experience, a sham.

It's just a P.R. exercise.

What's more, and not surprisingly, it causes me tremendous pain knowing that such a person exists, but no effort was made to help me.

Then or now.

Of course, I expect nothing else from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, given that they couldn't be bothered to contact me — much less help me — when Fr. Valentine was removed.

I am in the process of writing a book about my experiences...

https://chrisoleary.com/sins/ 

...and am also trying to figure out how to tell my story in the form of a movie. I've already put together a short clip based on one of my memories.

https://chrisoleary.com/sotf/ThatDay.html

I tell you this to inform the USCCB of the problems in St. Louis so that, hopefully, nobody else has to go through the hell that I was put through.

SO THAT YOU CAN (ACTUALLY) FIX THE PROBLEM.

Finally, for the mental and physical health and safety of my children, I would very much LIKE TO NOT BE NAMED.

Chris O'Leary

P.S. Given my experiences with Deacon Phil Hengen, please forgive me if I don't trust you and treat you with nothing but suspicion.

Deacon Bernard Nojadera <BNojadera@usccb.org>
Wed, Jan 24, 2018, 9:10 AMto me, Deacon Mr. O’Leary,
 
Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear of your pain and suffering that you have endured these many years.
 
Because of your request of not wanting to use your name, with your permission, I would like to contact Sandra Price with the Archdiocese of St. Louis. She would be able to help. Or if you would like, please give her a call at (314-792-7271) or you may email her (sandraprice@archstl.org).
 
I am grateful that you have reached out to me here at the USCCB, Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection. When I receive communication like yours, I ask for permission to contact the local (arch)diocese to let them know that I’ve been contacted. Unfortunately, the USCCB and the Secretariat does not have jurisdiction over (arch)dioceses.
 
Mr. O’Leary, I understand not trusting me and having doubts and suspicions. I get it. There is no need to forgive. The Church, on a daily basis, strives towards earning back that trust. We (the Church) still has a lot of work to do. Again, thank you for bringing your experience to my attention.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. At the very least, I can listen and I will always let you know what I can or cannot do. I hope you have the chance to get in touch with Sandra.
 
Very respectfully,
 
Deacon Bernie
 
Deacon Bernie Nojadera
Executive Director
Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th St NE
Washington DC 20017-1194
202.541.5413 | bnojadera@usccb.org Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal