This week, Paul spoke with Cathy Melesky Dante, a social worker and scholar who recently published an article titled, "Power Literacy in Abuse Prevention Education: Lessons from the Field in the Catholic Safeguarding Response." This conversation is about how power dynamics, gender roles, structures of sin, and undermining the consciences of children play a role in perpetuating clerical abuse in the Church.

Cathy Melesky Dante is a PhD candidate at Marquette University writing a lay ethic toward solidarity with those sexually abused by Catholic leaders. A recent keynote speaker at the annual conference for the Guam Coalition against Sexual Assault and Family Violence (2023), she also is a spiritual director and former social worker. Her work can be found in Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction.

LINKS
Power Literacy in Abuse Prevention Education: Lessons from the Field in the Catholic Safeguarding Response: https://jmt.scholasticahq.com/article/92065-power-literacy-in-abuse-prevention-education-lessons-from-the-field-in-the-catholic-safeguarding-response

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ABOUT POPE FRANCIS GENERATION Pope Francis Generation is the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Hosted by Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic de Souza, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the Kerygma, the doctrine of theosis, and the teachings of Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation.

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ABOUT PAUL FAHEY Paul lives in Michigan with his wife, Kristina, and five kids. He's a retreat leader and counseling student.

ABOUT DOMINIC DE SOUZA SmartCatholics founder, Dominic de Souza, is a convert from radical traditionalism – inspired by WherePeterIs, Bishop Robert Barron, and Pope Francis. He is passionate about helping ordinary Catholics break the ‘bystander effect’, and be first responders. “We don’t have to be geniuses. We just have to show up with witness and kindness. Christ does the rest.” Today he hosts the SmartCatholics community. smartcatholics.com