Deacon Bob Sondag of Manito has been named victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Peoria. He succeeds Ann Slaughter, who has held the position since it was established in 2003.

The appointment, which was announced last week by Patricia Gibson, chancellor and director of the curia, was effective July 1.

“It’s with humility that I accept this appointment and ask the Lord to guide me with diplomacy,” said Deacon Sondag, who is vice chancellor of the Diocese of Peoria and spiritual director of Peoria Teens Encounter Christ.

After the “Charter for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Young People” was developed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002, each diocese was charged with designating “a competent person to coordinate assistance for the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused when they were minors by priests or deacons.”

According to the policies of the Diocese of Peoria, contact with the victim assistance coordinator is to be promptly initiated “when credible accusations are made of sexual misconduct with a minor involving any personnel of the diocese.”

“Contact should be made for the purpose of offering whatever concern or solace may be needed, with no comment as to the truth of any accusation,” the policies state. “Medical, mental health, and spiritual assistance may be offered according to the specific situation presented.”

“It is the policy of the diocese that victims must be treated justly,” the document emphasizes.

Deacon Sondag explained that his work as victim assistance coordinator includes two processes: assessment and pastoral care.

“You have to have both of them. We’re all called to be Gospel people,” he said.

Deacon Sondag can be reached at the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603, or by phone at (309) 671-1550, ext. 244, or by cell phone at (309) 241-6600.