Diocese names new director of victim assistance ministry

As part of an ongoing commitment to provide healing support for victims of clergy sex abuse and the faith community as a whole, Laetitia Bridges has been named director of victim assistance ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
The newly merged position in the Secretariat for the Protection of Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults represents roles and responsibilities of a victim assistance coordinator and director of the office for accompaniment.
Bridges has more than 30 years of experience in pastoral care and spiritual leadership. Since 2005, she has provided spiritual and administrative leadership as the pastoral associate to the former St. Bernard Church in Mt. Lebanon. She is also a licensed professional counselor, a national certified counselor, a certified lay ecclesial minister and a master catechist.
“Every victim needs to know there is someone who believes in them and is advocating on their behalf,” she said. “I know this will be my most challenging work and I am humbled that our Bishop and the Secretariat have faith in my abilities.”
Sister Anna Marie Gaglia, who has been victim assistance coordinator since October 2019, is now clergy support coordinator and working in the clergy office with Father Howard Campbell, who recently joined the team as the new Episcopal Vicar for Clergy.
Bridges’ start date with the diocese is Sept. 1.