Archdiocese names new director to office that counsels clergy sex abuse survivors

By Globe Staff

The Archdiocese of Boston has named a new director to the office that provides counseling and other services available to clergy sex abuse survivors, their families and their parishes.

Vivian Soper (Archdiocese of Boston)

Vivian Soper, who has been regional director for Catholic Charities of Boston since 2003, will direct the Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach, the archdiocese said today.

“I am humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to be part of this important ministry of the Church,” Soper said in a statement. “The Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach exists to support the healing of survivors and their families, a cause near to my heart.”

As director, Soper will also oversee the office of child advocacy and the office of background screening, a spokesman for the archdiocese said.

The Rev. Robert P. Deeley, the vicar general of the archdiocese, said in a statement, “This important work of helping survivors heal is a commitment of the Church and we are fortunate that we are able to have someone of Vivian’s substantial gifts and background available to oversee this ministry.”

A Weymouth resident, Soper holds a bachelor’s in social work from University of Southern Maine and a master’s in social work from Boston University.